Laugh Now Cry Later
by Drake (featuring Lil Durk)

Album: single release only (2020)
Charted: 4 2
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Songfacts®:

  • Here, Drake reflects on the oblique nature of success. The song is a collection of thoughts about the Toronto superstar enjoying the high life; if there are bad times around the corner he will deal with them later.
  • The title is a nod to 2Pac, who had the phrase tattooed on his back. Drake may also be referencing the name of Ice Cube's 2006 album Laugh Now, Cry Later.
  • Among the subliminals that Drake spits are various shots at an unnamed rival.

    Distance between us is not like a store, this isn't a closable gap

    The rhymes could be a reference to Kanye West and/or Pusha T. The Toronto MC has had an ongoing beef with both artists.
  • Lil Durk spits a guest verse about coming up in the trenches. The Chicago rapper frequently mentions weapons in his music, and here he pronounces the Romanian Draco AK-47 Pistol "Dracs" so it sounds like "Drakes."
  • Cardo and Yung Exclusive supplied the beat (with G.Ry and Rogét Chahayed also along for the ride). Cardo and Yung Exclusive frequently work together; their previous production credits for Drake include his #1 single "God's Plan."
  • Dave Meyers ("Sicko Mode") directed the accompanying video, which he shot at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. It finds Drake showing off his athletic skills as we see him playing basketball and football, as well as swimming and jet skiing. Sports stars Kevin Durant, Odell Beckham Jr., and Marshawn Lynch make guest appearances alongside stacks of Nike product placement.
  • This became Drake's 21st song to top the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, breaking the record for most #1s on that tally. The Toronto MC surpassed Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder, with whom he'd both previously shared the accolade of 20 leaders.

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