One ofDrake’s most polarizing songs, “Nokia,” has sparked a flurry of heated discussion on social media, with some praising it and others criticizing it. But whether listenersfind the beat and lyrics catchy or cringey, there’s no doubt that it has captured the public interest and is on its way to being one of 2025’s most unexpectednumber-one R&B songs of the year.
In an equally surprising shake-up on the music charts,“Nokia” has newly claimed the top position, edging out fellow rapper and rivalKendrick Lamar. The heated rivalry has only intensified following this news and other similar developments. Not only does the single’s success signal a small victory in hisbeef with Lamar,but it also shows thatDrake has been able to weather the negative presshe’s received lately.
Drake’s Song ‘Nokia’ Is Quickly Climbing Up The Music Charts
Drake’s new single, “Nokia”, released on February 14, the same day his joint album$ome $ey $ongs 4 UwithPARTYNEXTDOORwas released, is generating a lot of buzz with fans and critics alike.Station Free Radiodescribed the song as “a high-energy track that blends modern club beats with a nostalgic 80s R&B vibe. From the first listen, it’s clear that “Nokia” is designed to keep the energy high, making it a perfect fit for any party or late-night club setting.” But if fans were hoping to hear adiss towards Kendrick Lamar,they were sorely disappointed as one of the song’s lyrics states “F** a rap beef, I’m tryna get the party lit.”
However, according to People Magazine, in themusic video for “Nokia” the rapper subtly shades his foe. For example, the editorial cites a popular fan theory thatDrake intentionally mimics the dances featured in Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video. Another one is that the video was filmed entirely in black and white, the same as “Not Like Us”. The song has already become a viral hit on TikTok with listeners enjoying the nostalgia centered around its title and melody. One fan on the social media platform X wroite, “Drake’s Nokia got me turnt and lit I can’t get this song out my head.” But whileKendrick Lamar’s song featuring SZA,“Luther”, currently dominates theBillboard 100 for its eighth straight week, “Nokia” is quickly climbing the ranks at #3. In another milestone,Forbesannounced that “Nokia” had claimed the number-one position on Apple’s Music Global Chart, a massive feat for the rapper and singer.
Drake Gets a Much-Needed Win Against Kendrick Lamar as His New Single Tops Music Charts
Who will win the rap battle?
According to a recent report by Billboard magazine, the song is also sitting pretty “on the Spotify Daily Top Songs USA listing. It’s also been lingering near the top of the iTunes real-time chart, after rebounding to No. 2 on the Digital Song Sales chart last week. And most crucially, it’s been growing on radio, debuting at No. 44 on Radio Songs this week and trending towards the top 40 for next week.”
However,not everyone is thrilled with “Nokia”. In a review bySoul in Stereo, while the podcast and publication called “Nokia” the only bright spot on Drake’s joint album, they added this stinging review: “Nokia” is a playground of absurd synths – Hotline Bling’s 80s-obsessed big uncle. It’s absolutely preposterous…"
Drake Announces That He Is Working On A New Album
Although Drake has been busy lately promoting “Nokia” and with his lawsuit against Universal Music Groupin which he is suing him and Kendrick Lamar’s joint record label for defamation and harassment stemming from the promotion of “Not Like Us”, the"Hotline Bling" rapper and singer has announced that he’s working on a new album.
On a recentkick live stream, Drakerevealed the exciting news to fans by saying “Thank you to everybody that’s streaming the album. Every time, every journey. Working on a new album, it’s a slap.” While this news may come as a surprise to many,Drake’s last solo album was in 2023 with For All The Dogs. The album, like his current joint album $exy $ongs 4 U went straight to number one on theBillboard 200 album charts. Although no details have emerged yet about the release date, sound, theme or overall vibe of the upcoming album, the Canadian native is sure to not only reach number one but turn out more classic hit songs.
Also, duringDrake’s April live stream, which was a joint event with popular live streamer Adin Ross, fans were convinced yet again that Drake was subtly dissing Kendrick Lamar. Asreported by TMZ, “when Adin offered to give it [Nokia] a stream, Drake obliged, while sending a clear shot at Kendrick’s team for using “bots” to boost their music.”
