Reflecting on Drake's "Best I Ever Had" and Its Unforgettable Impact
When discussing the most impactful songs of the past few decades, Drake's "Best I Ever Had" deserves its flowers. Produced by Boi-1da, who was just a budding talent at the time, the song not only catapulted Drake to stardom but also reshaped modern hip-hop and R&B. Boi-1da reminisces, “When I was making ['Best I Ever Had'], I was living with my parents... It was simple, I thought it was kinda just a skeleton, but it was enough for Drake to make a massive record out of it”. Little did they know, this track would become a cornerstone of Drake's illustrious career and a beacon for future hits. So how did the child actor from Canada flip the music industry upside down with a new style that would change the course of mainstream music forever?
The Genesis of a Classic
Released in 2009 from the mixtape So Far Gone, "Best I Ever Had" wasn't just a song; it was a cultural moment. The track, inspired by Drake's ex-girlfriend Nebby, resonated with many for its raw emotion and relatability. Drake himself once shared in a light-hearted moment, “It was about a wonderful woman from the city by the name of Nebby and she was just the best, best woman that I’d ever had, period I guess”.
Boi-1da who produced the track found the “Fallin’ In Love” sample going through a folder that his friend had given him and knew that chopping up the intro would make a ridiculous beat. He said he made the beat really quick and had Drake in mind immediately. “I always have Drake in mind first. Since we were young, I always thought Drake was going to be the greatest rapper ever. The majority of things that I make, almost all of them [are made with] Drake in mind because he doesn’t make mistakes.” A truly illustrious vision from the young producer at the time.
Chart-Topping Success
Peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song was Drake's first major hit, solidifying his place in the music world. Its impact was immediate and impressive. It offered a fresh sound that blended melodic hip-hop with introspective lyrics. The song got two Grammy nominations and many other accolades, marking the beginning of a new era in hip-hop influenced by Drake's unique style.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The song's influence went beyond charts. It became a staple in discussions about the evolution of R&B and hip-hop, with its smooth blend of rap and melodic elements. Drake's style has since influenced a whole generation of artists. Artists who see the value in lyrical vulnerability mixed with catchy beats. This release as well as the arrival of Kanye West brought forth a new era of hip-hop and a departure from the popular wave of gangsta rap.
A Resurgence in Popularity
Despite coming out 15 years ago, "Best I Ever Had" has experienced a resurgence. Largely fueled by TikTok, this has led to a substantial increase in streams. From March 2022 to March 2024, Spotify monthly streams rose from 7.4 million to 11 million. This boost is reflected across platforms like Apple Music and YouTube as well. It's brought in a new wave of fans and newfound popularity not seen since the initial release.
The growing popularity of “Best I Ever Had” over the past few years has also spiked royalty income for the song. This surge in fan consumption has opened up unique opportunities for investors in the music industry.
Platforms like Royalty Exchange allow people to invest in hit songs like this one. For those interested in the music investment space, this track offers a compelling case study. Three years ago, an investor bought the royalties to this song for $54,348. That streaming growth has led to increased earnings netting the investor $9,469 in the last 12 months, up from $3,886 earned back in 2020.
Why Invest in this Track
Since purchasing the hit song over 3 years ago, the investor has already made $25,568 in royalties. They've also continued to receive offers on the open marketplace from others trying to buy it from them. The coolest thing is they have the freedom to continue to earn from the song for life. Or they can accept an offer at any moment if they get one that they love.
This song is clearly growing. So it's going to take an extremely enticing offer for this person to give up this catalog anytime soon. You can see that the song has had a consistent uptrend in earnings over the past five years.
There’s no doubt that the Canadian artist remains a powerhouse in the music industry. Drake's global popularity ensures that his songs maintain lasting listenership. This includes new fans discovering his older songs. And it also includes long-time listeners revisiting the songs they grew up with. His timeless catalog is a good indicator of stable and predictable royalty earnings.
Check out the “Best I Ever Had” asset details today to make an offer. Check out what other cool music catalogs are up for auction now and sign up as an investor today to get started.
Lasting Impact in the Industry
Drake's journey from a Canadian actor to a global superstar took off with this very track. The success of "Best I Ever Had" launched his career and also changed the way artists approached music production and marketing. It was more than a song; it was a masterclass of talent mixed with the power of internet marketing and digital sales. The song saw over 2,000,000 downloads by December 2010.
Reflecting on its legacy, "Best I Ever Had" did more than dominate charts; it shifted the cultural landscape of music. Drake's subsequent releases have continually pushed boundaries. But the innocence and excitement of this first major hit remain unmatched. As we look back, it's clear that this wasn't just a breakout single—it was a prophetic glimpse into the future of music. All through the lens of an artist who would soon become one of the biggest names in the industry.
Drake has gone on to become one of the best-selling artists of all time with over 170 million records sold globally. He has the most charted songs among solo artists on the Billboard Hot 100 ever. He's also won numerous awards, including 5 Grammy Awards and 41 Billboard Music Awards.
