Drake knows how to make a moment—even when he misses it by one spot.
The week of July 19, his introspective new track “WHAT DID I MISS?” debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, narrowly losing the top spot to Alex Warren’s “Ordinary.” For most artists, that would still count as a W. For Drake, it’s starting to look like a curse. Or maybe a strategy? Depends on who you ask—and whether you’ve been paying attention.
This isn’t the first time Drake has parked it in second place. In fact, it’s the thirteenth. While some of those #2s, like “Hotline Bling” and “Best I Ever Had,” have gone on to become cultural landmarks, others, like “IDGAF,” arrived with viral smoke but struggled to make a lasting impact. Still, there’s something oddly powerful about always being right there, dominating conversation, headlines, and playlists—without actually holding the crown.
So let’s run it back through all of his almost first-place moments—meme by meme, rollout by rollout, almost-hit by almost-hit.
“What Did I Miss?” (2025)
Drake’s latest track, “WHAT DID I MISS?”, officially landed on July 5. The rollout was classic Drake stealth mode: dropped during ICEMAN: EPISODE ONE—a surprise livestream performance/therapy session where Drake rode in a branded ice-cream-truck around Toronto and took aim at anyone he felt “betrayed” him—allegedly including K. Dot and Lebron James.
Fans and critics alike dug the raw energy and thought the track was solid, with RatingsGameMusic calling the song “a war cry disguised as a flex anthem.”
As for Drake himself? He responded to its debut at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 by telling fans via IG story that he felt “suppressed” by that week’s top dawg Alex Warren (who hilariously responded to Drizzy’s pettiness). It didn’t climb to #1, but “WHAT DID I MISS?” proves his strategy is working: more teasing, more context, and an era built around feeling just misunderstood enough to keep people watching—and streaming.
“NOKIA” (2025)
With “NOKIA”, Drake dialed into a different frequency—one that buzzes with club smoke, retro synths, and the energy of someone airing out subliminals over a stadium-sized beat. Dropping as part of his Valentine’s Day collab album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, “NOKIA” felt like a love letter to the early 2000s.
The fans got it immediately, serving as proof (?) that Drake really might be saying f*** it to “a rap beef, I’m tryna get the party lit.” It immediately became a song of the summer contender. From the beat to the bars, “NOKIA” walks that Drake tightrope between mass appeal and insider shade.
The IMAX-shot music video—with its owls and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cameos—felt like more than just an aesthetic choice. They were widely interpreted as jabs at K. Dot’s recent nostalgic rollout and analog moodboard for his Super Bowl performance.
The track couldn’t beat out ironically K. Dot and SZA’s enormous Billboard hit “luther,” and peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 for the week of April 19, 2024. Whether it’s a diss or a dance track (or both), “NOKIA” proves Drake still knows how to make the timeline stop and replay. It’s glossy, it’s petty, it’s cinematic—and it might be the only time a Nokia phone has ever been weaponized in high-definition.
“IDGAF” (2023)
When “IDGAF” dropped, Drake wasn’t heartbroken — he was over it. Released as a single during the For All the Dogs: Scary Hours Edition wave, it arrived draped in defiance, promo’d through NOCTA and paired with an aesthetic that screamed, “I’m not sad, I’m stylish.”
Critically, the reception was a bit more measured. Those like HotNewHipHop appreciated the BNYX beat and Drizzy collaborating with an artist like Yeat. Others, like Billboard staff, ranked it as one of the five worst tracks on For All The Dogs.
The track debuted (and peaked) at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week of October 21, 2023. This time, though, it wasn’t a loss because his J. Cole-assisted song, “First Person Shooter,” is what blocked “IDGAF” from taking the top spot.
Ultimately, though, “IDGAF” isn’t about vulnerability—it’s about knowing your worth and posting through the pain. For a generation raised on curated heartbreak, it’s Drake doing what he does best: soundtracking your glow-up.
“Search & Rescue” (2023)
Drake has worn many hats: backpack rapper, toxic king, Instagram caption generator. With “Search & Rescue,” he threw on a helmet and decided to whisper-sing his feelings into the abyss. The track felt like a late-night voice note from a man who just saw his ex post a soft launch with someone new—a ballad hiding in 808s.
Unfortunately, fans were not feeling the vibes, with one Album of the Year review stating that “WE NEED TO SEARCH AND RESCUE DRAKE’S TALENT BECAUSE IT’S BEEN MISSING FOR A LONG ASS TIME.”
The rollout was pure Drake: cryptic snippets and just enough mystery to make people think it might be a Ye diss (it samples a clip of Kim Kardashian talking about divorce). The track debuted (and peaked) at No. 2 on the Hot 100 for the week of April 22, 2023, blocked by Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night.”
While it didn’t top the charts or dominate club playlists, “Search & Rescue” is what you might put on when you’re not quite heartbroken, but you’re definitely checking your ex’s stories.
“Rich Flex” (2022)
Released as the opening track from Her Loss—Drake and 21 Savage’s joint album—“Rich Flex” arrived like a punch in the mouth. Just bars, bravado, and Drake asking very aggressively if 21 would do something for him.
Fans lost it. From the second Drake rapped “21, can you do somethin’ for me?” in the now-infamous singsong tone, the internet had its new favorite meme (for better or for worse).
Critically, it landed with a thud and a bang. Pitchfork stated that it was “prime demonstration of the two rappers’ chemistry” with Drake “gassing 21 up like they’re two kids filming a dance for TikTok.”
The song spent its first three weeks at No. 2 on the Hot 100, unable to overcome America’s sweetheart Taylor Swift, whose “Anti-Hero” was still in its Midnights domination era. Whether you took it seriously or just vibed with the memes, it did exactly what Drake wanted it to—get people talking. And laughing.
“Girls Want Girls” (2021)
Drake’s Certified Lover Boy era was full of memes, misfires, and moments of pop-rap brilliance. However, no track summed up the chaos quite like “Girls Want Girls.” Also featuring Lil Baby, the song sparked instant controversy upon release in 2021, largely due to one infamous line: “Say that you a lesbian, girl, me too.” It was either peak Drake or peak delusion, depending on who you asked.
Still, that didn’t stop fans from streaming it into oblivion. Critically, publications like Variety said that the track was an “infectiously moody, melodic R&B trap that could be a fresh version of ‘Time Flies.’”
There was no real rollout — just a release-day drop as part of CLB’s bloated 21-song tracklist. Nevertheless, “Girls Want Girls” instantly took on a life of its own, sparking think pieces, memes, and enough online discourse to last an entire semester of “Gender Studies 101.”
What blocked it from hitting No. 1 on the Hot 100? Champagne Papi himself with the track “Way 2 Sexy” (because who doesn’t love a little empowerment?). And just like that, “Girls Want Girls” joined Drake’s ever-growing list of #2 almost-hits.
“Wants and Needs” (2021)
Dropping with little warning in 2021, “Wants and Needs” felt like the soundtrack to every late-night flex session and whispered conversation. Featuring Lil Baby, the track combined Drake’s signature smooth confidence with the ATL native’s raw energy, making it an instant fan favorite and a staple for playlists everywhere.
Critics saw it as a highlight from the current Drake era, even with Lil Baby taking control of the overall track with his verse. The rollout was low-key but effective—released as part of Drake’s surprise project Scary Hours 2, the track’s success was amplified by social media, where fans dissected every lyric and shared viral snippets.
Though it didn’t hit No. 1, “Wants and Needs” peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100, blocked once again by his own music. “What’s Next” from the EP went No. 1 instead, and the other featured track on the project, “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” (ironically with Rick Ross), went to No. 3. Drizzy still ended up dominating in the end.
“Laugh Now Cry Later” (2020)
“Laugh Now Cry Later” also dropped in 2020 like a lightning bolt—showcasing Drake’s smooth swagger with a heavy dose of self-reflection. Featuring Lil Durk, the track was both a celebration and a warning: enjoy the wins now, but expect the ups and downs to come.
Fans immediately embraced it, making it a summer anthem fueled by its cinematic music video, which starred plenty of athletes like OBJ and Serena Williams (before she crip walked with K. Dot), along with other lavish flexes
The rollout was strategic, dropping on August 14, 2020, just as the world was figuring out its first COVID summer. The overall theme of the track resonated with fans worldwide, as they found themselves caught between celebrating victories and bracing for setbacks.
Still, “Laugh Now Cry Later” debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100, held off by “WAP” by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion—a global smash with raunchy lyrics that would make your grandma throw a Bible at you. But for Drake, this felt less like a loss and more like a statement: the king was here and playing his own game.
“Life Is Good” (2020)
“Life Is Good” dropped in 2020 and immediately became the anthem for anyone hustling through the grind (weekends included). Featuring Future (when they were still cool), the song split the spotlight: Drake opened with a smooth, deliberate verse, while Future brought his signature moody flex on the flip side.
The rollout was classic 2020 viral-era style: the song dropped without warning on January 10, followed shortly after by a remix featuring DaBaby and Lil Baby, fueled by social media fan demand.
“Life Is Good” debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 and held that position for it’s first eight weeks. What blocked it from ever reaching No. 1? Roddy Ricch’s “The Box”—a track so massive it practically dominated the entire year. Still, “Life Is Good” proved that working hard might not always land you the top spot, but it’ll definitely make you a cultural touchstone.
“Nonstop” (2018)
2018’s Scorpion had plenty of moody introspection, but “Nonstop” was Drake in attack mode. Over a booming Tay Keith beat, he strutted through flexes, fame fatigue, and a casual mention of turning the industry “upside down.”
But what really sent it into orbit? The rooftop tea scene. In the music video—shot in documentary-style footage across London — Drake sips tea in a durag on top of a building like he’s about to monologue in a Bond film. The internet ate it up, turning the clip into a viral moment that somehow said everything about the rapper’s energy in 2018: aloof, global, slightly absurd, and very online.
Critically, the song found solid footing, even amongst the album’s harshest critics. Business Insider listed it as one of five songs on the album worth listening to, calling it “the sharpest possible version of his uniquely corny bravado.”
It debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100—once again blocked by Drake himself. His Lauryn Hill-sampling track “Nice for What” took the top spot but “Nonstop” was the most streamed song in the US during Scorpion’s first week of release.
“Hotline Bling” (2016)
By late 2015, Drake wasn’t just beefing with Meek Mill—he was dancing through the fire. “Hotline Bling,” which initially surfaced on OVO Sound Radio, felt like a left turn: a moody, minimalist slow jam with a Timmy Thomas sample and lyrics about missing an ex who’s definitely doing better without him. What really lit the match though, was the video. Released in October 2016, it was all colorful lighting, awkward shoulder shrugs, and a Drake dad-dancing his way into internet immortality.
The memes were immediate and relentless. Drake got parodied by everyone (even Donald Trump), and reaction videos poured in by the thousands. What could’ve been a chill breakup bop became a full-blown cultural takeover.
Critics loved it. For example, Pitchfork ranked it as one of the best songs of the 2010s. But “Hotline Bling” peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 for five-consecutive weeks, blocked by The Weeknd’s “The Hills” and Adele’s “Hello.”
Still, “Hotline Bling” remains a benchmark: the moment Drake turned numerous memes and terrible dancing into a marketing strategy, and proved that even in heartbreak, he could go viral without trying.
“BedRock” (2009)
By the time “BedRock” dropped in 2009, Drake wasn’t just the sensitive guy from So Far Gone. He was part of a rap supergroup with a billion-dollar co-sign. The track played like a high school group chat turned platinum with artists like Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Tyga, and Gudda Gudda (yes, really) each providing a verse. Drake slid in halfway through to flirt, flex, and drop one of the weirdest pickup lines of his career: “I love your sushi roll, hotter than wasabi.”
Fans ate it up. “BedRock” was a sleepover anthem with just enough PG-13 chaos to make it an iconic hit. It dominated parties, ringtone charts, and MTV countdowns, helping turn Young Money from a label into a cultural moment. Drake was still a rookie, but this track made it clear. He could hang with the big kids.
“BedRock” peaked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in March 2020, blocked by the Black Eyed Peas and their 2010 hit “Imma Be.” Even though it was just shy of the top spot, it became Young Money’s most successful single.
“Best I Ever Had” (2009)
Drake’s “Best I Ever Had” was a love letter in a world that only wanted party invites. First released on the So Far Gone mixtape in February 2009 and reissued as a single in June, it was raw, vulnerable, and smooth enough to blur the line between rap and R&B. It felt like a quiet confession, the kind you send at 2 a.m.—and yet somehow, it became a breakout hit.
Fans made it their anthem. For months, “you the best I ever had” was tattooed across Facebook statuses and mixtape intros like a mantra. In early 2024, the track experienced a TikTok-fueled resurgence, increasing its monthly streams from 7.4 million to over 11 million.
Critics were on board, too. The track earned Grammy nominations for Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Song, signaling Drake’s arrival as more than just a mixtape force.
However, it never hit No. 1. Why? Because the charts weren’t in the mood to slow dance. They wanted a blackout rave. The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling”— a fluorescent, fist-pumping juggernaut —blocked Drake from the top spot for weeks. Peaking at No. 2 was still an accomplishment, the song became Drake’s first Top 10 single.
