New Wave
Updated: Aug 10, 2020
After the release of two new songs by DJ Khaled featuring Drake or visa versa...you decide, The Toronto native finally gives his UK fan base something that has been a subject of conversation since the self-proclaimed Popstar's Behind Bars Freestyle on popular UK platform Link Up TV. During the freestyle it was very evident that Drake took cues from the Tottenham Drill artist that has been at the pinnacle of the genre for many years now, even using his infamous 'Shhh' adlib during the freestyle to pay homage.
Drake is known to the ultimate musical Chameleon, fluidly dabbling in almost every genre you can think of. It is no surprise that Drake is a huge fan of UK Hip Hop and culture as a whole, further evidence being his massive involvement in the return of popular UK series Top Boy on Netflix and the soundtrack which featured multiple UK stars, as well as his own UK Drill inspired record 'War', which went viral upon release like everything else he does. This collaboration is monumental, not only because of the caliber of artists on the record but also in the merging of worlds and audiences while being very authentic and true. A Drill collaboration with Headie One by Drake is the only thing that makes sense when it comes to a merger of these sounds from across the Atlantic, similar to Drake's One Dance featuring Wiz Kid and MIA featuring Bad Bunny - Drake has been at the forefront of the genreless artist movement. The 'Toosie Slide' rapper continues to showcase his versatility with a quality verse on this freestyle produced by M1 on the beat. Drake starts his verse by shouting out Maya Jama and referencing her as a 'sweet one' - significant because of Drake's awareness of UK culture and slang. He then proceeds to speak on his street ties and themes we can expect from a Drill record featuring Headie One. As he closes out his verse, Drake breaks away from his standard drill flow to a unique lyrical composition that ends his presence on the freestyle strongly.
Headie One easies his way into the record with his usual nonchalant yet impressive presence on the record. Headie delivers a few signature football references and updates on the critical conditions of his opposition. He then proceeds to speak about his lavish lifestyle of money cars and clothes, while harking back to days of close to nothing - stating that he has seen life from both perspectives. Headie One continues to flow effortlessly over the record, shouting out a friend facing 20 years in prison and coming from the 'jungle'. He then closes out his verse by letting the listener know that he is making an effort to coach the young ones around his about life, but all they want to do is "slide like toosie" - a clever play on words referring to Drake's smash hit single 'Toosie Slide'.
Listen and watch the new visual below!