"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.
| "Evil Ways" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Drake featuring J. Cole | |
| from the album For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition | |
| Released | November 17, 2023 |
| Recorded | November 11–16, 2023 |
| Length | 3:47 |
| Label | |
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) | |
Critical reception
editThe 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
edit| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[5] | 31 |
| Global 200 (Billboard)[6] | 50 |
| Greece International (IFPI)[7] | 97 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[8] | 5 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[9] | 26 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[10] | 10 |
References
edit- ^ Cole, Alexander (November 17, 2023). "Drake & J. Cole Do It Again With "Evil Ways"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
- ^ Caraballo, Ecleen Luzmila; McKinney, Jessica; Skelton, Eric; Rose, Jordan; High, Kemet (November 17, 2023). "First Impressions Of Drake's New Project, 'For All The Dogs: Scary Hours Edition'". Complex. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
- ^ Hussain, Shahzaib (November 17, 2023). "Drake – For All the Dogs: Scary Hours Edition". Clash. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ Smith, Nadine (November 17, 2023). "Drake | Scary Hours 3 Album Review". HipHopDX. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ "Drake Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ "Drake Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ "Digital Singles Chart (International)". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on December 3, 2023. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. November 27, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ "Drake Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ "Drake Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2023.