About This Song
Drake released "Controlla" on June 7, 2016 as the fourth single from his fourth studio album Views. The track arrived shortly after the massive success of "One Dance" and served to further explore Caribbean sounds. Produced by Boi-1da, Supa Dups, Di Genius, and Allen Ritter, the song samples Beenie Man's 1998 hit "Who Am I (What's My Name)?" while reworking it into a slower mid-tempo riddim. Lyrics focus on romantic devotion, using the Portuguese word for control to describe a desire for dominance or surrender within a relationship.
Critics noted the smooth delivery and Caribbean rhythms, often comparing the vibe to Drake's collaboration with Rihanna titled Work. Pitchfork later ranked the song at number 62 on their list of the 100 best tracks of 2016. Commercially, the single peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 18 in the UK. It has since earned multi-platinum certifications in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
The official music video directed by Director X features Drake in club settings that match the party atmosphere of the track. Beyond the original release, the song has seen various covers and remixes, including a version by British singer Sampha and a 2026 remix featuring Tyla. In September 2026, Dancehall Mag published an analysis detailing every sample and vocal layer used in the production.
Music Videos
Credits
Songwriters
Drake, Boi-1da, Supa Dups, Di Genius, Allen Ritter, Moses Davis, Matthew Samuels, Dwayne Chin-Quee, Stephen McGregor
Producers
Boi-1da, Supa Dups, Di Genius, Allen Ritter
Certifications
Keywords
Sources
Song Info
- Artist
- Drake
- Album
- Views
- Released
- 2016-06-07
- Duration
- 245
- Label
- OVO Sound
- Track #
- 11
- Peak Chart
- #16 US Billboard Hot 100
- Sample Source
- Beenie Man - Who Am I (What's My Name)?
- Peak Chart Position
- #16 US Billboard Hot 100
- Music Video Director
- Director X
- Pitchfork Rank 2016
- 62
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