Breaking Down the Role Reference Tracks Play in Hip-Hop

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On Kendrick Lamar’s scathing Drake diss track “Europhia,” the Compton emcee delivered the now-iconic line: “Yachty can’t give you no swag, neither. I don’t give a f*** 'bout who you hang with.” If you’ve been paying attention, you know exactly what Kendrick was talking about.

In 2024, six Drake reference tracks have leaked online, shedding light on a tension that lies at the heart of rap’s ever-evolving relationship with reference tracks and ghostwriting. Let’s break it down.

The Leaked Tracks

1. “Jumbotron Shit Poppin”:

   • Performed by Lil Yachty
   • A track that closely resembles Drake’s style, with rap lines and melodies lifted almost verbatim.

2. “Calling For You”:

   • Allegedly performed by Cash Cobain
   • Another reference track that mirrors Drake’s sound.

3. “Mob Ties”:

   • Rapped by Louisville’s Vory
   • Yet another leak, showcasing Drake-like elements.

4. “Ratchet Happy Birthday”:

   • Sung by OVO Sound artist PARTYNEXTDOOR
   • A reference track that captures Drake’s signature vibe.

The Implications

These leaks raise questions about authenticity and artistic ownership. While rappers often collaborate with other lyricists in the studio, fans expect each track to be solely crafted by the performing artist. Rap music stands as an outlier in this regard—other popular genres don’t scrutinize background contributors as much.

For Drake, an all-time great with a history of reference tracks leaking, this tension underscores the delicate balance between creativity, collaboration, and maintaining one’s artistic identity. As the industry evolves, so too does the debate around reference tracks and their impact on hip-hop’s landscape.