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    Controlla

    Song

    Controlla

    by Drake

    Views · 2016 · 245

    Community

    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

    5x Platinum (RIAA)Platinum (BPI)

    Keywords

    DrakeControllaViewsdancehall2016Boi-1daSupa DupsDi GeniusBeenie ManSamphaTylaDirector X

    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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