Started from the Bottom

Drake unveiled this anthem on February 7, 2013, as the lead single ahead of his third studio album. The track arrived with a raw production style that Mike Zombie crafted using a minimalist beat, while Noah Shebib layered atmospheric textures to deepen the mood. Critics immediately identified the lyrics as an authentic account of rising from Toronto's streets rather than a formulaic radio construction designed for mass appeal.

The song narrates a personal journey of perseverance, contrasting humble beginnings with the height of global fame. Its commercial performance validated this narrative approach, reaching number one on the Canadian Hot 100 and securing top ten spots in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The track has since earned five times platinum certification from the RIAA alongside similar honors in Australia and the UK. [edit]