Too Good
by Drake (featuring Rihanna)

Album: Views (2016)
Charted: 3 14
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This tropical-tinged dancehall tune finds Drake talking about treating his girl well, but he isn't getting enough in return. He thinks he is "too good" for her. The Toronto rapper is joined by Rihanna, who feels the same way. The Bajan songstress believes she's putting in way too much work into their relationship but can't get across to him emotionally.
  • The song is the fourth collaboration between Drake and Rihanna. It follows 2010's "What's My Name?," 2011's "Take Care" and 2016's "Work."
  • Drake told Zane Lowe on his Beats 1 show about teaming up with Rihanna again. "'Too Good' came to fruition after we did 'Work.' [I was like] I think I have one that would follow this one up really nicely. It was like a flawless victory when she sent it back. Every nuance, every cadence was perfect... That's what makes the record. We're not forcing some story on people. A lot of the music and energy we have is genuine. We have a genuine energy."
  • The song was produced by Nineteen85, who also supplied the beats for Drake's hit singles "Hotline Bling" and "One Dance."
  • The outro is a sample of "Love Yuh Bad" a 2014 track by Popcaan. Drake also interpolates the song during his third verse.

    Drake's friend and dancehall star Popcaan previously appeared in the outro of the If You're Reading This It's Too Late track "Know Yourself" and on the original (but not album) version of "Controlla."
  • Drake was a frequent spectator at Serena Williams' tennis matches in the early 2010s, and rumors of a romance sparked when they were seen kissing in 2015. Not long after, Williams started dating Alexis Ohanian, whom she later married.

    In a video shared online in 2024, Drake revealed to his mom that his relationship with Williams was the inspiration for "Too Good."

    "I get heavy on a couple joints, but this is more about me and Serena," he said. "It's funny because when I make songs about women, I also make songs for them. So, I know what kind of song to make."

    The rapper went on to say that he prefers to craft songs that are enjoyable for his romantic interests, ensuring they feel celebrated rather than criticized.

    "If I'm gonna talk about them, I'll at least do them the justice of making them a song that they like," Drake said. "I know Serena very well and I know that she'll hear it loud and clear, but she'll also not hate me for it because it's lighthearted."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.