Drake’s “Started from the Bottom” single cover

Don’t you just hate it when artists fail to stick to their own schedules? Seriously, we’d all like to enjoy a night popping bottles in the club similar to our favourite rappers without worrying that they might drop a song while we’re away. Drake, for example, announced that his new single, “Started from the Bottom”, would be released on February 10th but he changed his mind and issued it today.

“Started from the Bottom” was produced by 40 and Mike Zombie for Drake’s third studio album, which will arrive in the spring. The song features a completely different rapping style by Drake, who has traded in his The Weeknd-influenced coos for a more street oriented flow accented by the repeated use of the word ‘nigga’. Yes, this is an anthem for the bitches and goons, y’all.

Listen to Drake’s “Started from the Bottom” and read his special letter to his fans below:

My good friends,

It has truly been too long. I assume you’re all keeping well and making the most of this year that has been given to us. Today is the day to begin sharing my newest work with you. This is the first single off of my upcoming album. I feel sometimes that people don’t have enough information about my beginnings and therefore they make up a life story for me that isn’t consistent with actual events. My family and my second family (consisting of the best friends anybody could ever have) all struggled and worked extremely hard to make all this happen. I did not buy my way into this spot and it was the furthest thing from easy to achieve. I am proud of every part of my past and I’m excited for this song to find a place in your life as well. I didn’t feel I needed any interviews or radio or press to launch this song. It felt right to come back to the site that I started on and release it to the people that started here with me. Judging by this post, the tour that we’ve been planning, the conversations about new songs and album artwork…I think it’s safe to say we’re back together again. Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

“You don’t have to ask me how I’m doing…just listen to the music” – K.Samir