Evil Ways (Drake song) explained

Evil Ways
Type:song
Artist:Drake featuring J. Cole
Album:For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition
Released:November 17, 2023
Recorded:November 11–16, 2023
Length:3:47

"Evil Ways" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition (2023), a reissue of his eighth studio album For All the Dogs (2023). It features American rapper J. Cole and was produced by Vinylz, Boi-1da, FnZ and Fierce.

Critical reception

The song received generally favorable reviews from music critics. Alexander Cole of HotNewHipHop called the song a "spiritual successor" to Drake and J. Cole's previous collaboration "First Person Shooter" and wrote in regard of the structure, "It is a perfect dynamic and they do this style extremely well."[1] Jordan Rose of Complex considered it the best song from For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition.[2] In an album review, Shahzaib Hussain of Clash commented "Drake moves listlessly, with eyes closed, through the haze of his memories, and that sense of dissonance with his surroundings comes to a head on 'Evil Ways', the 'Scary Hours Edition' most transparent moment. Here, Drake and J. Cole continue their fraternal repartee after last month's number one 'First Person Shooter', interplaying bravado, glazed portraits of youthful decline, and cautionary wisdom."[3] Nadine Smith of HipHopDX was critical of the song, stating its feature "indicates how we're supposed to approach this manifestation of Drake: as a serious lyricist whose words intend to inspire deep reflection and analysis. But the strained wordplay and eye roll-inducing similes undercut any notion of Drake as a thoughtful writer, and overshadow the intricacies of his beat selections."[4]

Charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Greece International (IFPI)[5] 97
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[6] 5

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cole . Alexander . Drake & J. Cole Do It Again With "Evil Ways" . . 15 December 2023 . November 17, 2023.
  2. Web site: Caraballo . Ecleen Luzmila . McKinney . Jessica . Skelton . Eric . Rose . Jordan . High . Kemet . First Impressions Of Drake's New Project, 'For All The Dogs: Scary Hours Edition' . . 15 December 2023 . November 17, 2023.
  3. Drake – For All the Dogs: Scary Hours Edition. Clash. Hussain. Shahzaib. November 17, 2023. December 15, 2023.
  4. Web site: Drake Scary Hours 3 Album Review. HipHopDX. Smith. Nadine. November 17, 2023. December 15, 2023.
  5. Web site: Digital Singles Chart (International) . 2023-12-03 . IFPI Greece. https://web.archive.org/web/20231203162746/https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_iel.html. December 3, 2023.
  6. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. November 27, 2023. December 15, 2023.