Finesse

Album: Scorpion (2018)
Charted: 42
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song finds Drake giving props to an unknown woman who he is constantly thinking about.

    I want my baby to have your eyes

    Drake would have rather had a child with this woman than Sophie Brussaux - the mother of his son, Adonis.
  • Drake and Bella Hadid first raised speculation when they were seen leaving a club together in June 2017. Four months later, the OVO rapper threw the model a 21st birthday adding to internet conjecture that they were in a relationship. Though, neither person has every addressed their supposed fling directly, many believe it is Bella Hadid that Drake is addressing on this song. This is supported by some lines in the first verse, where Drake seems to be talking about New York's spring/summer fashion week, which Hahid took part in during September 2017.

    I'm going against my own advice
    Should I do New York I can't decide
    Fashion week is more your thing than mine


    Later, in the second verse, Drake seems to drop further clues by potentially mentioning Bella's sister, Gigi Hadid.

    You and your sister
    Too hot to handle


    Following the release of Scorpion, Bella Hadid quickly took to Twitter to slam the speculation that Drake is singing about her in "Finesse", writing, "Not me!!! that's disrespectful. WHY CANT PPL BE FRIENDS W/o all the insinuation."

    However, Drake never actually talks in the track about being in a relationship with the subject of the song. He's only suggesting that he'd like to date her.

    Things will get canceled
    I would make time for you
  • The song features background vocals by James Fauntleroy, who also co-wrote the track. He is also credited as a backup vocalist on Scorpion closer "March 14." The frequent Justin Timberlake collaborator notably won the 2014 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for co-writing "Pusher Love Girl." Later, Fauntleroy co-wrote seven tracks on Bruno Mars' third studio album 24K Magic, including the 2017 Grammy Song of the Year "That's What I Like ."

    Fauntleroy has previously linked up with Drake on two occasions, the OVO leader's 2013 cut "Girls Love Beyoncé" and the Timbaland collaboration "Know Bout Me" from the same year.
  • Noel Cadastre, Drake's longtime engineer, crafted the beat. He also helmed the Scorpion tracks "Jaded" and "That's How You Feel."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.