Started from the Bottom

Released on February 7, 2013, this track arrived as the lead single for Drake's third studio album, Nothing Was the Same. The song quickly became a defining anthem for underdogs, resonating with audiences through its focus on rising from humble beginnings in Toronto to global stardom. Critics noted that the lyrics felt like a personal testament to perseverance rather than a manufactured hit designed solely for radio play.

Mike Zombie produced the gritty, minimalist instrumental while Noah Shebib added atmospheric textures to the beat. The writing credits include Aubrey Graham alongside Michael Coleman and Shebib himself. Musically, the piece blends hip-hop and trap elements, contrasting a rough soundscape with polished vocal delivery to underscore the narrative of struggle and success. [edit]