The Unseen Echoes: Unpacking Drake's 'Borrowed' Sounds

In the dynamic and often contentious world of hip-hop, few artists command as much attention and adoration as Drake. His reign at the top of the charts seems almost perpetual, with hit after hit solidifying his status as a global phenomenon. Yet, beneath the veneer of unparalleled success, a persistent whisper has followed the Toronto superstar throughout his career: accusations that he has, on multiple occasions, used other artists' tunes or lyrics.

These claims, often circulating in the darker corners of online forums and among dedicated music aficionados, suggest a pattern of appropriation that goes beyond mere inspiration. While the music industry has always thrived on evolution and the reinterpretation of sounds, the specific nature of these allegations against Drake raises questions about originality, credit, and the fine line between homage and outright theft. It’s a narrative that, despite being well-documented by those paying close attention, is seldom discussed in mainstream media, leaving many to wonder about the true extent of these 'borrowed' elements in his discography.

Drake: A Brief Biography

Aubrey Drake Graham, known globally as Drake, was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His journey to superstardom is a fascinating blend of acting, rapping, and singing, a versatility that has defined his career. Before becoming a music icon, Drake gained recognition for his role as Jimmy Brooks on the popular Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation, appearing in 100 episodes from 2001 to 2008. This early exposure to the entertainment industry laid the groundwork for his eventual pivot to music.

In 2006, Drake independently released his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement, followed by Comeback Season in 2007, which featured the hit single "Replacement Girl" with Trey Songz. His third mixtape, So Far Gone (2009), was a monumental success, featuring tracks like "Best I Ever Had" and "Successful," and garnered significant industry attention, leading to a highly sought-after record deal with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment. His debut studio album, Thank Me Later (2010), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, cementing his place as a rising star. Since then, Drake has consistently delivered chart-topping albums, broken numerous streaming records, and earned multiple Grammy Awards, establishing himself as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His influence extends beyond music, touching fashion, business, and pop culture at large.

Personal Data and Biodata

The Recurring Accusations: Drake's 'Borrowed' Artistry

The narrative of Drake's alleged appropriation isn't new; it's a recurring theme that surfaces with almost every major release. While many artists draw inspiration from their peers, the specific nature of the claims against Drake often crosses into territory where the line between influence and outright lifting becomes blurred. Critics and fans alike have pointed to instances where not just a single lyric or melody, but entire flows, concepts, or even song structures bear striking resemblances to the work of lesser-known or emerging artists. These are the "songs Drake stole" accusations that fuel online debates and raise eyebrows within the industry.

It's a phenomenon that leaves many scratching their heads, thinking, "This took no thought, is what I'm saying." The implication is that the alleged appropriations were so direct or unoriginal that they suggest a lack of creative effort on Drake's part, relying instead on the groundwork laid by others. Artists whose lyrics and styles have been stolen by him, according to these claims, often find their work appearing in Drake's tracks, sometimes with little to no credit, leading to significant frustration and public outcry from the original creators. This pattern, though well-documented by dedicated fans and music journalists, remains a topic seldom discussed in the broader public discourse surrounding Drake's otherwise celebrated career.

Case Study 1: D.R.A.M.'s "Cha Cha" vs. "Hotline Bling"

Perhaps one of the most publicized recent indictments against Drake came from Virginia performer D.R.A.M. The controversy centered around Drake's massive 2015 hit, "Hotline Bling," which many, including D.R.A.M. himself, felt bore an uncanny resemblance to his earlier internet hit, "Cha Cha."

The Genesis of the Dispute

D.R.A.M.'s "Cha Cha" was an underground sensation, gaining traction online and among DJs for its unique, dancehall-infused sound and laid-back vibe. When Drake's "Hotline Bling" was released, the similarities were immediately apparent to anyone familiar with "Cha Cha." The beat, the melodic structure, and even the general atmospheric feel of the two tracks were strikingly similar. D.R.A.M. publicly charged the Young Money signee of lifting his internet hit "Cha Cha" for the radio, implying that Drake had taken his niche success and repackaged it for a mainstream audience without proper acknowledgment or compensation.

The accusation wasn't just a casual observation; it was a direct challenge to Drake's originality. D.R.A.M. expressed his disappointment and frustration, feeling that his creative work had been co-opted. The debate sparked a wider conversation about how major artists interact with and potentially exploit the work of smaller, independent artists, especially when their music gains organic traction online. The question lingered: did Drake do this better or worse? For many, the commercial success of "Hotline Bling" overshadowed the original, but the ethical implications remained.

Public Reaction and Aftermath

The internet, as it often does, became the primary battleground for this dispute. Fans and critics quickly drew comparisons, creating mashups and side-by-side analyses to highlight the similarities. While "Hotline Bling" went on to become one of Drake's signature songs, earning him multiple awards and dominating radio waves, the "Cha Cha" controversy continued to simmer. It served as a stark reminder of the power dynamics within the music industry, where established artists can inadvertently (or intentionally) overshadow the originators of sounds and styles. The incident underscored the vulnerability of emerging artists whose viral success can be a double-edged sword, attracting both attention and potential appropriation.

The Weeknd's House of Balloons Allegations

Another significant accusation regarding "songs Drake stole" came from a close collaborator and fellow Canadian artist, The Weeknd. Before his meteoric rise to global superstardom, The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) was a mysterious figure in the R&B scene, gaining a cult following with his critically acclaimed 2011 mixtape, House of Balloons. The project was lauded for its dark, atmospheric sound and innovative approach to R&B, quickly establishing The Weeknd as a unique voice.

However, in a 2013 interview with Complex, The Weeknd revealed a surprising detail about the origins of House of Balloons. He stated that the project was originally supposed to be 14 songs until Drake took several tracks for himself. The Weeknd elaborated, "I had so many records left, and then take..." implying that Drake had directly used unreleased material that was intended for The Weeknd's own projects. This revelation painted a picture of a more direct form of appropriation, where finished or near-finished tracks were allegedly absorbed into Drake's orbit.

The specifics of which songs were taken remain somewhat ambiguous to the public, but the mere accusation from a trusted collaborator like The Weeknd added significant weight to the ongoing narrative of Drake's alleged pattern of taking from other artists. It highlighted the complex and often murky collaborative processes in the music industry, where creative contributions can be blurred, and credit can become a contentious issue, especially when one artist's star power far outweighs the other's at the time of collaboration.

The "KMT" Controversy and Oz's Reference Track

The track "KMT" from Drake's 2017 project More Life also became a focal point for accusations of "songs Drake stole," specifically concerning its beat and flow. The controversy escalated when the song's producer, Oz, actually posted a snippet of his reference track for the song on Instagram in 2019. This seemingly innocuous post quickly became a smoking gun for those alleging appropriation.

When Drake's version was released, people on the internet found that reference track and immediately noticed striking similarities to a track by the British rapper Giggs, particularly his song "Lock Doh." The flow, the cadence, and the overall rhythmic delivery on "KMT" were seen by many as directly mirroring Giggs's distinctive style. The reference track from Oz appeared to confirm that the inspiration, or rather the direct blueprint, for the flow used by Drake was indeed from another artist. This wasn't just about a beat or a sample; it was about the very vocal delivery that defines a rapper's identity.

The controversy surrounding "KMT" also brought out strong opinions from other figures in the music industry. DJ Scheme, for instance, was notably critical, stating, "It was a sh*t song though, said DJ Scheme about Drake's KMT. I think that Drake makes some decent music, some pretty good music, and that was not good. It was not his best." This sentiment, while subjective, underscored a broader criticism that even when Drake allegedly borrows, the resulting product isn't always superior, or even on par with his own best work. It raises the question of whether these alleged appropriations are driven by a genuine artistic need or simply a convenient shortcut to a trending sound.

The X Flow Debate: Imitation or Inspiration?

The discussion around "Did Drake steal X's flow?" refers to the highly publicized debate surrounding the late rapper XXXTentacion (often referred to as X). Following X's breakout hit "Look At Me!" in 2016, a distinctive, aggressive, and often distorted vocal flow became synonymous with his sound. When Drake released his track "KMT," many listeners immediately pointed out a flow that bore a strong resemblance to X's signature delivery.

Adam22's Perspective

The manager of XXXTentacion at the time, Adam22, who is also a prominent figure in the hip-hop podcasting world, has gone on record saying he has entertained both possibilities regarding Drake's use of the flow. On one hand, he acknowledged that "while hundreds of rappers have used the flow X employed on Look At Me!" implying that certain flows become ubiquitous and are adopted by many. On the other hand, the timing and the directness of the resemblance in "KMT" made it difficult to dismiss as mere coincidence, especially given Drake's history of similar accusations. Adam22's nuanced stance reflected the complexity of intellectual property in hip-hop, where flows are often shared and evolved, but direct appropriation can still be contentious.

The Nuance of Flow Adoption

The concept of "stealing a flow" is a particularly tricky one in hip-hop. Unlike melodic lines or specific lyrical phrases, a flow is a rhythmic pattern of words, a cadence that can be adopted and adapted by countless artists. It's a fundamental element of rap that evolves through influence and imitation. However, when an artist with Drake's immense platform adopts a flow popularized by a much newer, smaller artist, especially one with such a distinct and recognizable style as X, it inevitably sparks debate. The core question isn't just "Did he use it?" but "Did he acknowledge it, or did he present it as his own?" The "Yo, n***a Drake watched your interview, he said f**k with you" line, attributed to a message to X, further fueled speculation that Drake was indeed aware of X's work and perhaps even intentionally borrowed from it.

Other Noteworthy Accusations and Unsung Voices

Beyond the high-profile cases, the internet is replete with numerous other instances where Drake has been accused of borrowing from lesser-known artists, often without explicit credit. These are the "songs Drake stole" that might not make headlines but contribute to a persistent pattern observed by dedicated fans and artists alike.

• Sixpathsss's Claim: According to a rising rapper, whose stage name is Sixpathsss, Drizzy stole the bars prominent on the bridged hook of the song from a track he released nearly eight months prior. This kind of specific claim, where a direct lyrical or melodic segment is allegedly lifted, speaks to the frustration of artists who see their original creations appear in the work of a global superstar.
• Deeshanell's Compilations: Social media accounts like Deeshanell (instagram.com/deeshanell) have gained notoriety for compiling videos titled "Everytime Drake stole lyrics, flows and even whole songs." These compilations serve as visual evidence, meticulously detailing side-by-side comparisons that highlight the alleged similarities, making it easier for the public to grasp the extent of the accusations.
• The "Nokia" Incident: While not a direct theft accusation in the same vein, the existence of a "Music video by Drake performing Nokia (Official Music Video). 2025 OVO Sound under exclusive license to Santa Anna Label Group and OVO under exclusive license" is an interesting anomaly. While it could be a placeholder or a fan creation, it points to the broader online ecosystem where Drake's name and brand are constantly in circulation, sometimes in ways that blur the lines of official releases or creative ownership.
• The Nickelback Anecdote: While seemingly unrelated to musical theft, the anecdote about Drake once attending a Juno Awards afterparty in 2013 and meeting the lead singer of Nickelback, who has a tendency to shout at the top of his lungs after three Long Island Iced Teas, highlights Drake's presence in various musical circles. It suggests that he is exposed to a wide array of artists and influences, which, in the context of appropriation claims, can be seen as either a source of inspiration or a vast pool from which to draw uncredited material.

These instances, whether widely reported or confined to niche online communities, collectively paint a picture of an artist who, surprisingly, has been accused on multiple occasions of using other artists' tunes or lyrics. It's a testament to the power of the internet that these alleged instances, though seldom discussed in mainstream media, are meticulously documented and kept alive by a dedicated segment of the music-listening public.

Navigating the Grey Areas of Musical Influence

The debate surrounding "songs Drake stole" is often complicated by the inherent nature of creative influence in music. No artist creates in a vacuum; all are products of their influences, drawing inspiration from predecessors and contemporaries alike. Hip-hop, in particular, has a rich tradition of sampling, interpolation, and homage, where artists build upon existing sounds and ideas. The challenge lies in defining where inspiration ends and appropriation begins.

Is it simply a matter of a similar flow, which can be seen as a common linguistic pattern in rap? Or does it cross a line when specific melodic phrases, lyrical structures, or entire concepts are lifted without proper credit or compensation? The internet's ability to instantly compare and contrast tracks has made these discussions more prevalent and harder to ignore. What might have once been dismissed as coincidence or unconscious influence is now meticulously dissected, leading to public trials by social media.

Drake fans often defend him by arguing that his alleged borrowings are either coincidental, a result of shared cultural zeitgeist, or simply a testament to his ability to popularize sounds that were previously niche. They might argue, "why should you care that he’s creepy, people have had literal years to come up with stuff about Drake being a pedophile and Kendrick stayed up for days on end mining Twitter for lyrics, there was probably a lot to go through but Dot is dedicated." This defense, while deflecting from the core issue of musical appropriation, highlights the fervent loyalty of his fanbase and their willingness to overlook or rationalize such accusations, often by pointing to other, more severe, or unrelated criticisms against him.

The Legal and Ethical Ramifications

The accusations of "songs Drake stole" bring to the forefront critical questions about intellectual property, copyright, and ethical conduct in the music industry. Legally, copyright infringement typically involves the unauthorized use of copyrighted material, where the new work is substantially similar to the original. This can include melodies, lyrics, and sometimes even unique arrangements or sound recordings. However, proving infringement, especially for elements like "flow" or general "vibe," can be incredibly challenging in court.

The "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976" often cited in online discussions and video compilations, states that "allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, tea..." This clause permits the use of copyrighted material for specific purposes without permission, but it doesn't protect against direct commercial appropriation. While fair use allows for critique, it doesn't legitimize taking someone's creative work for one's own commercial gain without attribution or license.

Ethically, the situation is even more complex. Even if an artist avoids legal repercussions, the moral implications of taking from others without credit can be damaging to their reputation and to the broader creative ecosystem. It can stifle innovation among emerging artists who fear their work will be co-opted, and it can erode trust within the artistic community. The music industry relies on a delicate balance of inspiration, collaboration, and respect for original creations. When a superstar like Drake is repeatedly accused of such practices, it casts a shadow over this balance, raising questions about accountability and the true cost of success.

Conclusion: The Echoes of Influence

The ongoing discussion surrounding "songs Drake stole" is more than just internet chatter; it’s a reflection of deeper conversations about originality, influence, and intellectual property in the digital age. While Drake's undeniable talent and commercial success are beyond dispute, the persistent accusations from artists like D.R.A.M., The Weeknd, and the broader online community cannot be entirely dismissed. From the "Cha Cha" controversy to the "KMT" flow debate and the numerous unsung voices compiled by dedicated fans, a pattern of alleged appropriation emerges that is well-documented, if seldom acknowledged by mainstream media.

Ultimately, whether these instances are seen as deliberate theft, unconscious influence, or simply the natural evolution of sound in a highly interconnected industry, they highlight the complex ethical landscape artists navigate. For listeners, it encourages a deeper, more critical engagement with the music they consume, prompting questions about who truly originated a sound or style. As the music industry continues to evolve, so too will the debates around originality and credit. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below: Do you believe these accusations hold weight, or are they simply part of the creative process? What are your thoughts on the fine line between inspiration and appropriation in music? Share this article with fellow music enthusiasts to continue the conversation!