About “Summer Sixteen”

This song is Drake’s announcement to the rap game that he’s on top and plans to dominate 2016. “Summer Sixteen” is split into two parts—the beat switches at the start of the second verse. The first verse rekindles Drake’s beef with Meek Mill, while the second verse addresses up and coming Toronto artists like Tory Lanez.

The song premiered on Episode 14 of Beats 1’s OVO Sound Radio. Only 15 minutes after the song’s release, Meek Mill fired back with “War Pain.” The track addresses several of Drake’s lines directly, including his Jay Z comparison.

The surprise has left hip-hop fans bemused. How did Meek get the track? According to Meek Mill, Drake’s ghostwriter told him the lyrics.

On the same OVO Sound show, Drake announced that his long awaited fourth studio album Views would be released some time in April 2016. The exact day was revealed on Episode 19 of OVO Sound Radio, as it was announced that the album would be released on April 29, 2016.

The single artwork was designed by Filip Pagowski, the creator of the COMME des GARÇONS Play logo, one of the most recognizable logos in the fashion world today.