Toosie Slide

The quarantine anthem that made history as the first male solo artist to debut three songs at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Toosie Slide" is a trap song by Canadian rapper Drake from his commercial mixtape Dark Lane Demo Tapes (2020). Released as the lead single on April 3, 2020, through Republic and OVO, it was written alongside producer OZ. The track is named after social media influencer Toosie, who helped the song go viral by introducing a dance challenge to TikTok. A music video released simultaneously shows Drake quarantined in his Toronto mansion during the COVID-19 pandemic while demonstrating the titular dance steps.

Quick Facts

Artist: Drake
Album: Dark Lane Demo Tapes
Released: 3 April 2020
Recorded: 2019–2020
Genre: Trap
Length: 4:7
Label: OVO; Republic
Writer: Aubrey Graham; Ozan Yildirim

Lore & Background

On March 29, 2020, influencer Toosie uploaded a clip of himself and friends performing a dance challenge called the "Toosie Slide" while parts of the song played in the background. Described as a "modern day 'Cha Cha Slide' by DJ Casper," the video went viral after being introduced to TikTok by Toosie, Hiii Key, and Michigan duo Ayo & Teo. As shares spread across social media, fans speculated on Drake's involvement. Drake hinted at an impending release, stating, "I'mma drop soon since ya'll got it going insane." On March 31, 2020, he officially claimed the song via social media, announcing a Friday, April 3, 2020, midnight release. American rapper Lil Baby later revealed via Instagram that Drake had wanted him on the track but he failed to send his verse back.

Reader's Guide

"Toosie Slide" is a trap song featuring "stuttering cymbals," bass drum kicks, and an elliptical beat that highlights Drake's melodic bars. Lyrically, it reflects on "inner pressure," shouts out friends, flirts with admirers, and promises a "hot summer of music." Crucially, it provides specific dance instructions: "It go right foot up, left foot slide/Left foot up, right foot slide/Basically I'm saying, either way we 'bout to slide, aye." Drake noted he initially only intended the song for the moonwalk but Toosie created the dance.

The production by Turkish-Swiss producer OZ (Ozan Yildirim) relies heavily on hi-hats and snare drums. Critics were polarized; Pitchfork's Alphonse Pierre called it "strictly a business decision," while Billboard's Jason Lipshutz praised its ability to conjure hooks. Commercially, the song debuted at number 18 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 before hitting number one on the main Billboard Hot 100 the following week (chart dated April 18, 2020), making Drake the first male solo artist in US history to debut three songs at number one.

In the UK, it peaked at number two initially behind The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" before reaching number one on May 8, 2020.

Did You Know?

The music video was filmed entirely alone by Drake in his Toronto mansion during COVID-19 quarantine, with original plans for the dancers Toosii, Hiii Key, and Ayo & Teo to appear cancelled due to the pandemic.
The dance challenge generated over 5.7 billion views under the hashtag #toosieslide as of July 2021.