Nice For What
Drake
Celebrating Self-Reliance and Empowerment in Drake's 'Nice For What'
Drake's 'Nice For What' is a vibrant anthem that celebrates female empowerment and self-reliance. The song features a prominent sample from Lauryn Hill's 'Ex-Factor,' which provides a soulful backdrop to the message of independence and strength. The lyrics juxtapose the emotional vulnerability expressed in Hill's song with a narrative of a woman who has moved past needing validation from a partner.
The song opens with a call to representation, setting the stage for a narrative that centers on women who are confidently navigating life on their own terms. Drake's verses highlight the accomplishments and resilience of a woman who is self-sufficient, paying her own bills and not waiting around for a man to make her life complete. The repeated line 'You gotta be nice for what to these niggas?' serves as a rhetorical question, challenging the societal expectation for women to maintain a pleasant demeanor for the sake of men, especially when they are fully capable of thriving independently.
The music video for 'Nice For What' further amplifies the song's message by featuring a diverse cast of successful women from various industries, including entertainment, sports, and activism. This visual representation underscores the song's celebration of women's achievements and autonomy. Overall, 'Nice For What' is a feel-good track that encourages women to live boldly and unapologetically, embracing their power without seeking approval from others.