Believe Me
by Lil Wayne (featuring Drake)

Album: Single release only (2014)
Charted: 36 26
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This steady-moving rap number was released as the first single from Tha Carter V. It features a guest appearance from frequent collaborator and Young Money associate Drake, with production from Boi-1da and Vinylz (Drake's "5AM In Toronto").
  • The song is very much a braggadocio track with the two MCs proclaiming they are the best in the rap game and there's no competition in sight. Whilst Drake claims he is popular as everyone believes in his talent, Weezy's verses are more tough-minded and violent as he spits threats to those who disrespect him, while boasting that hell will freeze over before he loses any of his influence.
  • Wayne's live debut of the song the night after its release was in unlikely circumstances. As Floyd Mayweather walked out to the ring for his bout with Marcos Maidano, he was accompanied by Lil Wayne performing the track.
  • Speaking with Revolt TV, Boi-ida explained the process of creating the song's beat. "Vinylz had a beat and told me to check it out [so] I just added a few things to it and I pretty much sent it over to Drake when it was done then like, I don't know what went on but suddenly, maybe like a month later, Drake and Wayne had the record," he recalled. "I think he must of brought the beat to Wayne and then they worked on the record together."

    Vinylz added that the beat was created with no one specific in mind. "The way me and 1da work, we never make a beat specific for anyone. We just do us," he explained. "A lot of people complain about rappers these days sounding the same and using the same flows, but the producers are also responsible for that too because they're making the same type of beats. So, it ends up making the rapper just wanna do the same s--t. So every time we work, we just try something brand new."
  • The song was Drake's 14th #1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. It meant that the Toronto MC overtook Usher's 13 visits to the summit to become the artist with the most leaders in that chart's history.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.

Psychedelic Lyrics

Psychedelic LyricsMusic Quiz

Whoa man! Do you know which band came up with these cosmic lyrics?

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.