Nice For What

A bounce anthem sampling Lauryn Hill that topped global charts and celebrated female excellence.

"Nice for What" is an upbeat bounce song recorded by Canadian rapper Drake from his fifth studio album, Scorpion (2018). Released on April 6, 2018, as the album's second single alongside its music video, the track was produced by Murda Beatz, Noah "40" Shebib, and Corey Litwin with co-production by Blaqnmild. It features additional vocals from Big Freedia and 5th Ward Weebie. The song is built on a sample of Lauryn Hill's "Ex-Factor," which itself samples Wu-Tang Clan's "Can It Be All So Simple." This lineage credits Hill, the eight members of Wu-Tang Clan, Marvin Hamlisch, Alan Bergman, and Marilyn Bergman as composers. The track debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, replacing Drake's own "God's Plan" to become his fifth US chart-topper.

Quick Facts

Artist

Drake

Album

Scorpion

Released

6 April 2018

Recorded

2018

Genre

Bounce

Label

Young Money
Cash Money
Republic

Producer

40; Murda Beatz; Corey Litwin; Blaqnmild (co., co-producer)

Lore & Background

The narrative behind "Nice for What" centers on celebrating women who have succeeded independently. Lyrically, the hook samples Lauryn Hill singing about "cutting loose in the midst of a relationship," setting a tone of liberation. The song draws from early 2000s R&B and New Orleans bounce elements, incorporating samples from the Showboys' "Drag Rap" (1986) and Big Tymers' "Get Your Roll On" (2000), alongside clips of Big Freedia's performances. This sonic collage creates a space where female empowerment is the primary focus. The track's background traces back to March 14, 2018, when Lauryn Hill's son, Joshua Omaru Marley, posted a snippet on Snapchat. Drake later confirmed an upcoming Murda Beatz-produced single during an Instagram Live session and surprised fans at a Majid Jordan concert in Toronto on April 5, announcing the release for the following night.

Reader's Guide

To understand the impact of "Nice for What," one must look at its chart dominance and critical acclaim. The song topped not only the US Billboard Hot 100 but also the UK Singles Chart and ARIA Singles Chart, marking Drake's second number-one in both countries after "God's Plan." It was certified Diamond by the RIAA. At the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, it received a nomination for Best Rap Performance, while securing two ASCAP Awards, including Top Rap Song. Publications have since cemented its legacy: Rolling Stone ranked it 54th on their '100 Best Songs of the 2010s' list and named it the fifth-best song of 2018 (a distinction shared with Billboard). In 2021, The Guardian ranked it number-one among Drake's 30 greatest songs. Later, in a 2024 update, Billboard staff ranked it as the number one Drake Hot 100 hit overall.