Released on February 13, 2009, as the lead single from his breakout mixtape So Far Gone , became the anthem that defined a new era of hip-hop. It wasn't just a hit; it was a cultural shift that blended vulnerable R&B melodies with confident rap verses—a style that would become Drake's signature.
: Producer Boi-1da created the beat in his parents' basement using a sample from "Fallin' in Love" by Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds. the best i ever had drake
: The music video, which features Drake coaching a female basketball team, was directed by none other than Ye (Kanye West). Released on February 13, 2009, as the lead
Drake later revealed that the song was inspired by a woman from Toronto named , whom he called "the best woman I’d ever had". : The music video, which features Drake coaching
: The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent seven weeks at #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
: The track earned two Grammy nominations for Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Song . The Meaning Behind the Lyrics