Drake Struggles to Regain His Music Dominance, But “Nokia” is Reversing the Narrative
For the past year, Drake has faced the daunting challenge of regaining the dominance he once had over the music industry. While he’s still crushing it compared to most of his peers, he no longer seems to be the untouchable hitmaker he was just a few years ago. However, with the release of his latest single, “Nokia,” the Canadian rapper is starting to turn the tide. Fans and critics alike are already hailing it as a potential return to form, drawing comparisons to his 2015 smash hit “Hotline Bling.”
“Nokia” has all the makings of a chart-topping success, with its catchy hook and undeniable energy. Even Drake’s harshest critics have been forced to acknowledge that the track has “hit” written all over it. With its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics, “Nokia” has been catching fire across streaming platforms, proving that Drake still has the formula for success, even if his previous releases have been met with mixed reactions.
The song’s success is further solidified by its performance on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. “Nokia” debuted at number 10, later peaking at number eight, and it currently holds strong at number 11. Given its viral potential, the release of the highly anticipated music video could propel it even higher, reinforcing Drake’s position in the music industry.
Fans have eagerly awaited the release of the “Nokia” video, with initial reports suggesting it would drop on Friday, March 28. However, Drake has confirmed that the video will now be available on Monday, March 31. To build the anticipation even further, he teased a glimpse of the visual with an IMAX logo, hinting that the music video will be shot using cutting-edge cinematic technology, promising a larger-than-life visual experience. Drake is pulling out all the stops, going full “Christopher Nolan” with the video, and it’s safe to say that fans are excited to see how this will elevate the song’s narrative.
If the “Hotline Bling” video is any indication, “Nokia” could become an iconic cultural moment. The “Hotline Bling” visual was inescapable, becoming a meme generator that boosted the track to even greater heights on the charts. With its vibrant, humorous, and self-deprecating style, the video captured the public’s imagination, and “Nokia” may follow in its footsteps. Drake, ever aware of how the internet loves to meme his every move, could lean into that humor once again, ensuring that the song and its video become a viral sensation.
For this highly anticipated project, Drake has tapped Theo Skudra as the director. Skudra has worked with Drake on numerous occasions in the 2020s, earning a reputation as the rapper’s go-to collaborator behind the camera. His credits include “What’s Next,” “Toosie Slide,” and the divisive “Family Matters.” Skudra’s previous work with Drake shows that he knows how to capture the rapper’s personality while also delivering visually striking content. Fans are eagerly anticipating what their collaboration on “Nokia” will bring to the table.
While “Nokia” has been a significant part of Drake’s 2024 musical output, he has also been teasing more solo music to come. After the release of his collaboration with PARTYNEXTDOOR on “$OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U,” Drake confirmed that his fans can expect an upcoming solo album. Speaking to fans in Australia, he shared, “Eventually when the time is right, Drizzy Drake alone by himself is gonna have to have a one-on-one talk to y’all. When the time is right, I’ll be back with another album. A one-on-one conversation with y’all that you need to hear.”
Despite the criticism and the challenges of maintaining his previous levels of success, Drake’s ability to craft a song like “Nokia” proves that he’s far from finished. As his new music video drops, and with an album on the horizon, it looks like Drake is ready to reassert his place at the top of the rap game.
