Virginia Beach (song)

Last updated
"Virginia Beach"
Song by Drake
from the album For All the Dogs
ReleasedOctober 6, 2023
Length4:11
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Arsenault
  • 40 (co.)

"Virginia Beach" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake, released on October 6, 2023 as the opening track from his eighth studio album For All the Dogs (2023). Produced by Harley Arsenault, with co-production from 40, it contains samples of the unreleased song "Wiseman" by Frank Ocean.

Contents

Background

On October 5, 2023, Drake released the tracklist of For All the Dogs. "Virginia Beach" was widely speculated to be a diss track aimed at his rival Pusha T, as it was named after his hometown, [1] [2] [3] but this was disproved after the song was released. [2]

Composition

Over the sample, the song finds Drake reflecting on a relationship with a woman as if talking to her. [2] [3] He accuses her of "drawin' conclusions like you got a Parsons degree or somethin'", which is a diss toward Barbadian singer Rihanna, who has an honorary degree from the Parsons School of Design and was in an on-again, off-again relationship with Drake from 2009 to 2016. [4] In the first verse, Drake compares the woman in question to the titular city for the reason that she is "pretty but rough". [3]

As for the musical style, Nadine Smith of The Independent commented the song "brings to mind the cloudy textures and hazy samples of his early work." [5]

Critical reception

In a review of For All the Dogs, Louis Pavlakos of HipHopDX wrote, "Even opener 'Virginia Beach' sounds refreshed thanks to a lively flip of Frank Ocean's 'Wiseman' and a memorable chorus." [6] Luke Morgan Britton of NME stated the song "brims with stream-of-conscious bars". [7] Paul Attard of Slant Magazine criticized the song in regard to a particular line, writing "'Asked me if I coulda treated you better, but no,' he asks himself on the album's sweeping opener 'Virginia Beach,' and he rushes to that answer before he can even seriously consider the quandary before him. Thinking twice is reserved solely for wimps, apparently." [8]

Charts

Chart performance for "Virginia Beach"
Chart (2023)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [9] 9
Australia Hip Hop/R&B (ARIA) [10] 4
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) [11] 42
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [12] 3
Denmark (Tracklisten) [13] 21
France (SNEP) [14] 36
Global 200 ( Billboard ) [15] 4
Greece International (IFPI) [16] 7
Iceland (Plötutíðindi) [17] 7
Ireland (IRMA) [18] 10
Italy (FIMI) [19] 48
Latvia (LAIPA) [20] 11
Lithuania (AGATA) [21] 25
Luxembourg ( Billboard ) [22] 8
MENA (IFPI) [23] 20
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [24] 34
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [25] 7
Norway (VG-lista) [26] 20
Portugal (AFP) [27] 12
South Africa ( Billboard ) [28] 4
South Africa Streaming (RISA) [29] 4
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) [30] 41
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) [31] 11
UK Singles (OCC) [32] 6
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [33] 5
US Billboard Hot 100 [34] 3
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [35] 3

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pusha T</span> American rapper (born 1977)

Terrence LeVarr Thornton, better known by his stage name Pusha T, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence as one-half of the Virginia-based hip hop duo Clipse, which he formed with his older brother No Malice. Mainly active from 1994 to 2010, the duo were discovered by fellow Virginia-based act Pharrell Williams and signed with his record label Star Trak Entertainment, an imprint of Arista Records to release three studio albums—Lord Willin' (2002), Hell Hath No Fury (2006) and Til the Casket Drops (2009)—to mild commercial success. The former spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top 40 singles "Grindin'" and "When the Last Time", for which they became best known.

"Gently" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his eighth studio album For All the Dogs (2023). It features Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny and was produced by Gordo, Oz and Nik D. It is Drake's third collaboration with Bad Bunny, following 2018's "Mia" and 2020's "Loyal (Remix)" with PartyNextDoor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Motto (Drake song)</span> 2011 single by Drake

"The Motto" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake featuring American rapper Lil Wayne. It is a digital iTunes Store bonus track from Drake's second studio album Take Care. "The Motto" premiered on Power 106 on October 31, 2011. Drake released the song on his OVO blog a day later. It was first played on rhythmic top 40 radio stations on November 29, 2011 as the album's fourth single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Future discography</span>

The discography of American rapper Future consists of nine studio albums, three collaborative albums, one soundtrack album, 24 mixtapes, two extended plays, and 117 singles. He first began his career as part of the Georgia-based collective Dungeon Family, although he released no major projects with the group. In the late 2000s, he met fellow Georgia-based rapper Rocko and signed to his label, A1 Recordings as a solo act. He then released a number of independent mixtapes and guest appeared on YC's 2011 hit single "Racks", while earning local recognition as his music was frequented at Atlanta's Magic City nightclub venue. He signed with Epic Records to issue his then-most popular song as a lead artist, "Tony Montana" as his debut single for the label in 2011. He remained signed in a joint venture with A1 until his departure in favor of Epic in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">French Montana discography</span> Hip hop recording artist discography

The discography of Moroccan-American rapper French Montana consists of five studio albums, twenty-six mixtapes, 51 singles including 57 as featured artist, 32 music videos and 18 promotional singles.

"The Language" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his third studio album Nothing Was the Same (2013). "The Language" was produced by frequent collaborator Boi-1da, along with additional production by Allen Ritter and Vinylz. It also features an outro from Cash Money Records founder Birdman. The song was serviced to mainstream urban radio on October 29, 2013, as the fourth single from the album in the US and has peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

"Free Smoke" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his album, More Life (2017). The song was released on April 18, 2017 as the third single from More Life after "Passionfruit". The song features additional background vocals by Baka Not Nice, who is one of two credited musicians on More Life. The song was perceived by the media as a diss track to Meek Mill, as well as other rappers he could be feuding with. It reached the top 20 in Canada and the United States.

"Having Our Way" is a song by American hip hop trio Migos featuring Canadian musician Drake. It was released on June 11, 2021, as the second track from Migos' fourth studio album, Culture III. The third collaboration between Migos and Drake, it is a boastful track about the rappers getting their way in all regards. The song received mixed responses from critics, with some praise directed at Drake and Takeoff.

"Tell the Vision" is a song by American rapper Pop Smoke featuring fellow American rappers Kanye West and Pusha T from the former's second posthumous studio album, Faith (2021). West produced the song with Boogz, FnZ, Rico Beats, and SethInTheKitchen, while Jalil Peraza and Jess Jackson served as additional producers. A drill track, it samples a choir and Angie Martinez's ode to Pop Smoke. In the lyrics of the song, the rapper discusses his upbringing in Brooklyn and the struggles he experienced during this period.

<i>Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind</i> 2022 studio album by the Game

Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind is the tenth studio album by American rapper the Game, released on August 12, 2022, by 100 Entertainment and Virgin Music Label & Artist Services. It consists of collaborations with Kanye West, Big Sean, Drake, Ice-T, Fivio Foreign, Roddy Ricch, YG, Ty Dolla Sign, Moneybagg Yo, ASAP Rocky, Jeremih, Pusha T, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Meek Mill, Dreezy, G Herbo, Blxst, French Montana, Tory Lanez, Rick Ross, Nipsey Hussle, Chris Brown, Blueface, Twista, Cam'ron, Chlöe, Cassie, and DJ Khaled across its other 30 tracks, and production from high-profile producers, such as Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, Mike Dean and Hit-Boy, among others.

"Circo Loco" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake and British-American rapper 21 Savage from their collaborative studio album Her Loss (2022). It was sent to Italian contemporary hit radio on November 11, 2022, as the second single from the album. Produced by Boi-1da, Tay Keith and 40, it contains a sample and interpolation of "One More Time" by Daft Punk. The song garnered controversy over a perceived diss toward American rapper Megan Thee Stallion.

"Meltdown" is a song by American rapper and singer Travis Scott featuring Canadian rapper Drake. It was released on August 15, 2023, as the seventh track and third single from the former's fourth studio album Utopia. The artists wrote the song with producers Coleman, Boi-1da, Vinylz, Tay Keith, Bnyx.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slime You Out</span> 2023 single by Drake featuring SZA

"Slime You Out" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake featuring American singer-songwriter SZA. It was released through OVO Sound and Republic Records as the lead single from Drake's eighth studio album, For All the Dogs, on September 15, 2023. The R&B song was produced by Drake himself and Noel Cadastre and co-produced by 40, Bnyx, and Dalton Tennant, and written by the five alongside SZA, Chris Powell, and Grant Lapointe, due to the song sampling "Just Ask Me" by the Soul Superbs. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Drake's twelfth and SZA's second number-one single on the chart.

"Amen" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake featuring American musician Teezo Touchdown, from the former's eighth studio album For All the Dogs (2023). It was produced by Sango, Budgie and Teezo Touchdown.

"Calling for You" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his eighth studio album For All the Dogs (2023). Featuring Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage, it was produced by Lil Yachty, 40, Gent!, Cash Cobain, PoWRTrav and JayStolaait. The song samples "Livin Without You" by Nohelani Cypriano, "Calling 4 You (Freestyle)" by Fridayy, and "Shake It to the Ground" by Blaqstarr and Rye Rye, the last of which is uncredited.

"Fear of Heights" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his eighth studio album For All the Dogs (2023). It was produced by Oz, Pooh Beatz, Nik D, XYNothing and Bnyx. The song has been considered a diss primarily aimed at Barbadian singer Rihanna, who was in an on-again, off-again relationship with Drake from 2009 to 2016.

"Daylight" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his eighth studio album For All the Dogs (2023). It was produced by Southside and Smatt, with co-production from T9C and additional production from Lil Esso. The song features additional vocals from Drake's son Adonis Graham.

"Rich Baby Daddy" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake featuring American rapper Sexyy Red and American singer-songwriter SZA. It was sent to Italian contemporary hit radio through OVO Sound and Republic Records as the third single from Drake's eighth studio album, For All the Dogs, on October 13, 2023. The three artists wrote the song with producers Gordo, Liohn, and Klahr, and co-producers Bnyx, Dougie F, the Loud Pack, and UV Killin Em, alongside Florence Welch, Isabella Summers, and T. Schaeferdieck, due to the song interpolating "Dog Days Are Over" by Florence + the Machine. While the song marks the first time that Sexyy Red has collaborated with both Drake and SZA, the latter two previously collaborated on "Slime You Out", which served as the lead single from For All the Dogs.

"First Person Shooter" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake featuring American rapper J. Cole. It was released through OVO Sound and Republic Records on Drake's eighth studio album, For All the Dogs. Drake and Cole wrote the song with producers Boi-1da, Vinylz, Tay Keith, FnZ, Oz, and Coleman, alongside Snorre Tidemand. "First Person Shooter" debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Drake's thirteenth and Cole's first number-one song; with this, Drake tied Michael Jackson for the most number-one singles by a male solo artist. It later impacted US rhythmic radio on October 31, 2023, as the album's fourth single. Its music video was released on November 15, 2023.

"Like That" is a song by American rapper Future, American record producer Metro Boomin and fellow American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was sent to US rhythmic radio through Freebandz, Boominati Worldwide, Epic Records, and Republic Records as the third and final single from Future and Metro's collaborative studio album, We Don't Trust You, on March 26, 2024.

References

  1. ↑ "Drake Fans Think He'll Diss Pusha T on Song 'Virginia Beach'". XXL . October 5, 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Dionne, Zach (October 5, 2023). "Drake and Pusha T Beef: 'For All the Dogs' Opener "Virginia Beach" Sparks Diss Track Speculation (UPDATE)". Complex . Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 Stone, Gavin (October 6, 2023). "Rapper Drake spotlights Virginia Beach in new album, calls city 'pretty but rough'". The Virginian-Pilot . Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  4. ↑ Dailey, Hannah (October 6, 2023). "Here's Why Fans Think Drake Dissed Rihanna & A$AP Rocky on 'For All the Dogs'". Billboard . Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  5. ↑ Smith, Nadine (October 6, 2023). "Drake review, For All the Dogs: Rapper's outright contempt for women borders on sinister". The Independent . Archived from the original on October 6, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  6. ↑ Pavlakos, Louis (October 9, 2023). "Drake's 'For All The Dogs' Is Another Troll Bait Effort That's Quite Mid". HipHopDX . Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  7. ↑ Britton, Luke Morgan (October 9, 2023). "Drake – 'For All The Dogs' review: banger-less, bitter and deeply mid". NME . Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  8. ↑ Attard, Paul (October 9, 2023). "Drake For All the Dogs Review: A Clownish Tribute to Chauvinism". Slant Magazine . Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Drake – Virginia Beach". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  10. ↑ "ARIA Top 40 Hip Hop/R&B Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. October 16, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Drake – Virginia Beach" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  12. ↑ "Drake Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Drake – Virginia Beach". Tracklisten. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Drake – Virginia Beach" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  15. ↑ "Drake Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  16. ↑ "Digital Singles Chart (International)". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on October 24, 2023. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
  17. ↑ "Tónlistinn – Lög" [The Music – Songs] (in Icelandic). Plötutíðindi. Archived from the original on October 15, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Drake – Virginia Beach". Top Digital Download. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Mūzikas Patēriņa Tops/ 41. nedēļa" (in English and Latvian). LAIPA. 16 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  21. ↑ "2023 41-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. October 13, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Drake Chart History (Luxembourg Songs)". Billboard . Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  23. ↑ "This Week's Official MENA Chart Top 20: from 06/10/2023 to 12/10/2023". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. October 17, 2023. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Drake – Virginia Beach" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Drake – Virginia Beach". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Drake – Virginia Beach". VG-lista. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Drake – Virginia Beach". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Drake Chart History (South Africa Songs)". Billboard . Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 10 Week 41-2023". The Official South African Charts . Recording Industry of South Africa. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  30. ↑ "Drake – Virginia Beach". Singles Top 100. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Drake – Virginia Beach". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Drake Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  35. ↑ "Drake Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.