Song Details
- Release Date: "NOKIA" was released on February 14, 2025, as part of the collaborative album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U with PARTYNEXTDOOR.
- Production: The song was produced by Elkan, who also contributed background vocals.
- Label: It was released by Santa Anna Label Group, OVO Sound, and Republic Records.
Breaking Down "NOKIA" by Drake
Drake’s "NOKIA" is a two-part track that blends braggadocio, nightlife culture, and introspective lyricism, capturing both the chaotic energy of club life and the blurred lines between love and lust. The song features a high-energy, repetitive hook in the first half and a more melodic, smooth transition into the second half. Let’s break it down section by section.
Part I: "Who's Callin' My Phone?"
Pre-Chorus: Drake
"Who's callin' my phone? (Who's callin' that shit?)"
The repeated "Who's callin' my phone?" acts as a mantra, setting up a theme of being constantly sought after—whether by women, industry peers, or potential drama. The hook’s hypnotic repetition gives off a paranoid yet boastful energy, suggesting that Drake is always in demand but perhaps weary of the attention.
Chorus: Elkan & Drake
"Is it Stacy? (Who's callin' my phone?) / Is it Becky? (Who's callin' my phone?)"
This section playfully lists different women, reinforcing the theme of non-committal relationships and excess attention from past lovers. The name-dropping mirrors classic hip-hop tropes about juggling multiple romantic interests.
Verse: Drake
"The way I feel right now, I feel like we need to be all alone"
Drake expresses a desire for intimacy, contrasting with the chaotic energy of club life. However, there’s a conflicting emotion—he wants a meaningful connection but still indulges in the fast-paced, transient nature of relationships.
"We got sticks in the club illegally"
A reminder of his status and connections, implying that even in celebratory environments, there’s an underlying sense of danger and power.
"We got members east of the DVP / We got members west on the 401"
Drake references Toronto locations (DVP = Don Valley Parkway, 401 = Highway 401), solidifying his connection to his city and the people who move with him.
"You gotta pop that ass 'til the morning come"
Here, he returns to the club anthem energy, reinforcing themes of hedonism and nightlife culture.
Chorus & Pre-Chorus (Repetition)
The hook repeats, reinforcing the track’s hypnotic, loop-like structure—as if Drake is constantly dealing with the same distractions, calls, and fast-paced lifestyle without an escape.
Part II: "Baby Girl"
Intro & Chorus: Drake & Elkan
"Baby girl / Let me see you do your dance, let me see you twirl"
The energy shifts into a smoother, more melodic tone. The repetitive chant encourages movement, further embracing strip club and dance culture.
"Take a pic for the 'Gram, show the whole world"
This line highlights the social media-driven culture of nightlife, where experiences are curated for public perception and validation.
"Is that your bestie? / I'ma ice both of y’all like Gretzky"
Drake flexes wealth and generosity, referencing hockey legend Wayne Gretzky—likely a nod to putting "ice" (diamonds) on women, tying in the material aspects of his lifestyle.
Verse: Drake
"Ayy, how many hoes in this club? / Is it just me and you, my love?"
A mix of objectification and genuine interest, showing the blurred lines between lust and affection in nightlife settings.
"I don’t mean to call you no ho / I just heard about the things that you do, my love"
A classic Drake move—attempting to balance bravado with sensitivity. He acknowledges that his language could be offensive but frames it as an observation rather than an insult.
"You know my dad 'nem pimpin' for real / You ever been down to Memphis, Tennessee, my love?"
This line references Drake’s father, Dennis Graham, and his Southern roots, associating himself with a legacy of confidence, charm, and street credibility.
"I got drinks, jokes, sex, and cash / Those are four things I can guarantee, my love"
Drake sums up his lifestyle offerings—he’s providing entertainment, money, and physical pleasure, embodying the role of a provider in the club scene.
Chorus (Repetition)
The hook repeats as the song fades out, emphasizing the endless cycle of club life, social media flexing, and short-term pleasures.
Final Thoughts: "NOKIA" as a Two-Sided Lifestyle Reflection
Key Themes & Analysis
🔥 Hedonism & Nightlife – The song captures the fast, intoxicating nature of club culture, where attention is fleeting and relationships are surface-level.
🔥 Materialism & Status – From foreign cars to diamonds, Drake highlights luxury and success, reinforcing his persona as a global superstar.
🔥 Toronto References & Authenticity – Drake remains rooted in his city, using local landmarks and cultural nods to establish authenticity.
🔥 Women & Power Dynamics – The song fluctuates between admiration and objectification, reflecting Drake’s long-running struggle with relationships in his music.
🔥 Endless Cycles – The repetitive nature of the hooks mirrors the repetitive lifestyle he describes—calls, parties, money, and short-lived connections.
Song Reception
- Streaming Success: "NOKIA" has achieved significant streaming success, with over 37 million streams on Spotify shortly after its release.
- Critical Reviews: The song received positive reviews, with Billboard praising it as an "electronic banger" and Pitchfork noting its readiness for a "drunken karaoke night".
Final Verdict
"NOKIA" plays like a night out in two parts—starting with chaos and overstimulation, then transitioning into seduction and self-indulgence. While at first glance, it’s a typical flex-heavy club banger, deeper analysis reveals underlying themes of repetition, fleeting connections, and the paradox of wanting something real in a shallow environment.
Drake once again delivers a song that thrives on duality—glorifying the lifestyle while subtly questioning its meaning.
