Drake, the Canadian rapper and singer, released his second single of 2018, “Nice For What”, on April 6, along with a star-studded music video. The song, which samples Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor” and features vocals by Big Freedia and 5th Ward Weebie, is a bounce track that praises women for their independence and resilience. The lyrics encourage women to enjoy themselves and not worry about pleasing others.

The music video, directed by Karena Evans, features cameo appearances by various influential women, such as actresses Olivia Wilde, Issa Rae, Rashida Jones, Tiffany Haddish, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Zoe Saldana and Emma Roberts; singers Syd, Michelle Rodriguez and Letitia Wright; ballet dancer Misty Copeland; model Jourdan Dunn; and comedian Elizabeth Lejonhjärta. The video showcases the women in different settings, such as dancing, riding horses, playing with children, working in an office and directing a movie. The video has been praised for its diversity and representation of women’s empowerment.

“Nice For What” debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, replacing Drake’s own “God’s Plan” and becoming his fifth US number one. It also topped the charts in the UK, Australia, Canada and several other countries. The song received critical acclaim for its production, lyrics and message. Rolling Stone ranked it 54th on their list of the ‘100 Best Songs of the 2010s’. In 2021, The Guardian ranked it number-one on their list of ‘Drake’s 30 Greatest songs’. The song was awarded two ASCAP Awards, including Top Rap Song, and was nominated for Best Rap Performance at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.

The song has also received rave reviews from critics, who praised its production, lyrics and message. Pitchfork named it the Best New Track and wrote that “a happy Drake is a high-functioning Drake” and that the song is “hip-hop spectacle at its very best: pure fun and star power.” Rolling Stone called it “the song of the summer” and noted that “every time it ends, I wish it were beginning.” The Guardian described it as “a glorious celebration of women” and “a rare moment of Drake being both on trend and ahead of the curve.”

“Nice For What” also sparked a viral dance challenge on social media, with fans and celebrities posting videos of themselves dancing to the song. Some of the notable participants include Will Smith, Ciara, Lala Anthony, Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe. Drake himself joined the challenge during his performance at the 2018 Wireless Festival in London, where he surprised the crowd as a guest of DJ Khaled.

With “Nice For What”, Drake has once again proven his versatility and dominance as one of the biggest artists in the world. The song is not only a catchy and uplifting anthem, but also a tribute to the women who inspire him and his fans. As he raps on the bridge, “You’ve been down from the jump and you’re still here/No wonder why I respect you so much.”