Everyone Drake Name-Drops on '$ome $exy $ongs 4 U'
Drake and PartyNextDoor have finally dropped their highly anticipated joint album, "$ome $exy $ongs 4 U", and it’s making waves for more than just its music.
Packed with 21 tracks, the album features contributions from artists like Yebba and Pim while covering themes of heartbreak, Brat summer, and, of course, the ongoing Kendrick Lamar-Drake rap feud.
But what’s a Drake project without a few name-drops? From rap rivals to pop stars, legendary athletes to cultural icons, Drake makes sure to keep the conversation going.
Below, we break down all the most surprising and interesting name-drops on "$ome $exy $ongs 4 U"—some of which are already sparking discussions.
Kendrick Lamar
Drake couldn’t drop a new album without addressing his long-running beef with Kendrick Lamar. On “Gimme a Hug,” he appears to downplay their feud with the lines:
"They be dropping sh*t, but we be dropping harder sh*t / F*ck a rap beef, I’m tryna get the party lit / Tryna get the party lit for the b*tches / Them Nike tights is hugging on that a*s like they missed it"
Though he doesn't call Lamar out directly, the verse suggests that he’s moved on—or at least, that’s what he wants people to believe.
Joe Budden
Drake doesn’t hold back when taking shots at former rapper-turned-podcast host Joe Budden. In a bold move, he addresses Budden’s podcast co-host while giving a shoutout to media personality Melyssa Ford:
"Melyssa Ford, you a legend from the 6, hate to see you with a d*ck-sucker."
Drake has had a long-standing feud with Budden, and this line only adds fuel to the fire.
Young Thug
On “Brian Steel”, named after Young Thug’s lawyer, Drake references the YSL rapper’s call for peace between himself, Future, and Metro Boomin. However, he makes it clear he isn’t interested in squashing any beef:
"Broski just hit me, said, ‘Put all the beef on the side,’ I can’t / Mm-hmm, I’m heated now, yeah / N-ggas want meet up, talk about sh*t, I’m vegan now / Evil eyes were staring at me and I see it now."
It’s clear Drake isn’t ready to let things go, despite Young Thug’s attempts to mediate.
LeBron James
Drake’s lyrics often touch on sports, and this time, fans believe he’s referencing NBA superstar LeBron James on “Greedy”:
"It’s been a nice life, money and the bright lights / Ain’t as bad as people describe / I’ve been a nice guy, people I’ve done right by / Flipped on me, but, girl, it’s alright."
While the connection to LeBron isn’t explicitly clear, fans speculate that it could be a cryptic nod to their history.
DJ Screw
Drake pays homage to the late DJ Screw, a Houston legend known for pioneering the chopped and screwed sound, on “Raining in Houston.” The track opens with a tribute:
"If you got love, H-town, put your deuces up, put your H’s up one time to my brother, DJ Screw."
He even raps over a beat styled in DJ Screw’s signature slowed-down tempo, proving his respect for the Houston rap scene.
Baka Not Nice
On “Glorious”, Drake shouts out his close friend and OVO signee Baka Not Nice, acknowledging his street credibility:
"He’s better off wavin’ a white flag, Baka seen bro, he was clutchin’ a side bag / Yeah, straight up asked him, ‘What’s in the side bag?’ / Tapped his chest, there’s nothin’ inside that / Guys won’t sick and my killies’ll fly that, we thought you were on that, broski, my bad."
This verse highlights Baka’s reputation for being vigilant and always ready for action.
Charli XCX
On "Small Town Fame”, Drake makes an unexpected reference to British pop star Charli XCX, likening her to a drug:
"Puttin' Charli up her nose, X on her tongue / She been geekin' hard, she done had a Brat summer."
The line could be a playful nod to Charli XCX’s edgy music style and rebellious persona.
Tate McRae
Drake acknowledges Tate McRae’s recent success on “Small Town Fame” by comparing himself to the Canadian pop star’s rise in 2024:
"Poppin' out in Saginaw, poppin' out in Salt Lake / Poppin' out in Arizona / Bitch, I feel like Tate McRae."
McRae responded by sharing the lyric on her Instagram story, seemingly giving her stamp of approval.
Beyoncé
Drake and PartyNextDoor both have connections to Beyoncé, and on “Lasers”, PartyNextDoor gives a direct nod to her Destiny’s Child era:
"Baby, say my name like Beyoncé."
It’s a subtle but effective homage to one of the biggest names in music.
Wayne Gretzky
Drake playfully references hockey legend Wayne Gretzky on “Nokia”, using his name as a metaphor for gifting jewelry:
"Is that your bestie? / I'ma ice both of y'all like Gretzky."
As a Canadian icon himself, Drake often includes hockey references in his music.
Maya Angelou
Drake has referenced poet and activist Maya Angelou in the past, and he does it again on “Raining in Houston”, using her name to describe the effect of alcohol on a conversation:
"Maya Angelou, '07, shots of '42, your words are cuttin' deep, your words are hittin' different."
It’s a clever way of emphasizing the emotional depth of a late-night exchange.
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With lyrics that spark speculation and references that keep the internet buzzing, it’s clear that "$ome $exy $ongs 4 U" is designed to dominate conversations for weeks to come.