The Story Behind Drake’s Hotline Bling

1st September, 2023

Introduction

Hotline Bling is a song by Canadian rapper Drake that became a global sensation in 2015.

The catchy melody and Drake’s distinctive dance moves in the music video made it one of the most popular songs of the year.

But what inspired this hit song? Who is the woman that Drake sings about? And what do the lyrics reveal about his feelings?

In this article, we will uncover the secrets behind Hotline Bling and discover how it was created and received.

The Inspiration: You Used to Call Me on My Cell Phone

The main hook of Hotline Bling is “You used to call me on my cell phone.”

This line, which is repeated throughout the song, expresses Drake’s nostalgia and desire for a former lover.

But who is this mysterious woman that Drake misses so much?

According to fans, the song is based on a real-life relationship that Drake had with a woman named Zineb Samir, also known as Nebby, who is from his hometown of Toronto.

Drake and Nebby dated on and off for several years. In 2009, Drake released his breakthrough hit, Best I Ever Had, which he dedicated to Nebby.

He later said in an interview that Nebby was the best woman he ever had and that she embodied everything he loved about his city.

The song was a huge success and marked the beginning of Drake’s references to Nebby in his music.

The Lyrics: These Days All I Do Is Wonder

The lyrics of Hotline Bling reflect Drake’s emotions for his lost love. He remembers the late-night phone calls they used to have and how things have changed since they broke up.

The chorus says, “These days all I do is wonder,” showing Drake’s curiosity and longing for the past.

The song also explores themes of jealousy and regret. Drake sings about how his ex-lover has moved on with her life, travelling abroad and having fun without him.

He feels a range of emotions, from missing the bond they shared to feeling hurt and ignored.

The Music Video: Drake’s Iconic Dance Moves

When Drake released the music video for Hotline Bling in October 2015, it became an instant hit.

The video features Drake’s signature dance moves, including his bent-knee shuffle, which went viral online.

Wearing a grey turtleneck, Drake’s unique style and dance moves attracted the attention of fans and inspired many memes and parodies.

The music video’s popularity was boosted when scenes from it were used in a T-Mobile commercial during the NFL Super Bowl 50 in February 2016.

The commercial humorously used the lyrics of Hotline Bling to advertise T-Mobile’s long-distance coverage, making it a memorable moment during one of the biggest sporting events of the year.

The Success: Chart-Topping and Diamond Certification

Hotline Bling was not only a cultural phenomenon but also a commercial success.

The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in October 2015, the same week its music video was released.

It stayed on the charts for several weeks, establishing Drake as one of the biggest artists of that year.

In December 2022, Hotline Bling received diamond certification from the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), meaning that it sold and streamed over 10 million units in the United States alone.

This achievement confirms the song’s status as a classic and shows its lasting appeal even years after its release.

Nineteen85’s Perspective: The Producer’s Insight Nineteen85, the producer of Hotline Bling, has shared his insights into how he made the song.

He said that he was inspired by the song Cha Cha by DRAM and decided to make a remix of it for Drake.

He premiered the remix as Hotline Bling on Beats 1 OVO Sound Radio.

He also sampled Timmy Thomas’ 1972 song Why Can’t We Live Together, giving the song a nostalgic and soulful vibe.

Nineteen85’s production choices, combined with Drake’s heartfelt lyrics and delivery, created a winning combination that resonated with listeners around the world.

The song’s unique blend of pop and R&B elements, coupled with its catchy hooks and relatable themes, contributed to its massive success.

Drake’s Reflection: What He Said About Hotline Bling

Drake has spoken about Hotline Bling in various interviews, shedding light on his thoughts and feelings about the song.

In an interview he said, “You know, like in Jamaica, you’ll have a rriddim,and it’s like, everyone has to do a song on that. Imagine that in rap, or imagine that in R&B. Imagine if we got one beat and every single person—me, this guy, this guy, all these guys—had to do a song on that one beat. So sometimes I’ll pick a beat that’s a bit, like, sunnier, I guess is the word you used, than usual, and I just try my hand at it. And that’s kind of what ‘Hotline Bling’ was. And I loved it. It’s cool. I’ve been excited by that sort of creative process.”

Through his music, Drake has often used personal experiences and emotions to connect with his audience.

The song’s universal themes of longing and nostalgia have resonated with listeners worldwide, making it a beloved addition to Drake’s discography.

The Legacy: Memes, Covers, and Cultural Impact

Hotline Bling not only dominated the airwaves but also became a cultural phenomenon.

The music video, with its iconic dance moves, spawned countless memes and parodies on social media.

Drake’s unique style and choreography inspired fans and fellow artists alike, leading to covers and remixes by artists such as Justin Bieber, Erykah Badu, Disclosure, Sam Smith, and Sufjan Stevens.

The song’s impact extended beyond the music industry. It was featured in an episode of American Horror Story: Hotel, and scenes from the music video were used in a T-Mobile commercial during the Super Bowl.

The cultural significance of “Hotline Bling” is a testament to its enduring popularity and Drake’s influence as an artist.

Conclusion

Hotline Bling is more than just a catchy song with memorable dance moves. It tells a story of longing, nostalgia, and lost love.

The song became a worldwide hit and solidified Drake’s status as one of the biggest artists of his time.

Its success on the charts and its diamond certification are a testament to its enduring popularity.

The music video, with its viral dance moves, further propelled the song’s popularity and became a cultural touchstone.

Hotline Bling has left a lasting impact on pop culture, inspiring countless memes, covers, and parodies.

It has taken on a life of its own, becoming an iconic moment in Drake’s career and a beloved song for fans around the world.

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Drake Hotline Bling Lyrics

Intro
You used to call me on my
You used to, you used to
Yeah

Chorus
You used to call me on my cell phone
Late-night when you need my love
Call me on my cell phone
Late-night when you need my love
And I know when that hotline bling
That can only mean one thing
I know when that hotline bling
That can only mean one thing

Verse 1
Ever since I left the city, you
Got a reputation for yourself now
Everybody knows and I feel left out
Girl, you got me down, you got me stressed out
‘Cause ever since I left the city, you
Started wearin’ less and goin’ out more
Glasses of champagne out on the dance floor
Hangin’ with some girls I never seen before

Chorus
You used to call me on my cell phone
Late-night when you need my love
Call me on my cell phone
Late-night when you need my love
I know when that hotline bling
That can only mean one thing
I know when that hotline bling
That can only mean one thing

Verse 2
Ever since I left the city, you, you, you
You and me, we just don’t get along
You make me feel like I did you wrong
Goin’ places where you don’t belong
Ever since I left the city, you
You got exactly what you asked for
Runnin’ out of pages in your passport
Hangin’ with some girls I’ve never seen before

Bridge
These days, all I do is
Wonder if you’re bendin’ over backwards for someone else
Wonder if you’re rollin’ up a Backwoods for someone else
Doing things I taught you, gettin’ nasty for someone else
You don’t need no one else
You don’t need nobody else, no
Why you never alone?
Why you always touchin’ road?
Used to always stay at home
Be a good girl, you was in the zone
Yeah, you should just be yourself
Right now, you’re someone else