POPSTAR (feat. Drake)

"POPSTAR" is a song that revels in the spoils of modern superstardom. Performed by Drake, the lyrics are a braggadocious exploration of the extravagant and often surreal lifestyle of a chart-topping musician. The core meaning revolves around Drake's assertion of his status as a 'popstar,' a figure of immense cultural influence and wealth, distinct from ordinary life and its responsibilities. He boasts about his riches, his constant travel via private jets and helicopters, and the incessant attention he receives. The line "I'm a popstar, not a doctor" serves as a central thesis, humorously dismissing any expectation of him being a public servant while embracing his role as an entertainer living a life of luxury. The song also touches on the isolation and the performative aspect of fame, with Drake mentioning the constant calls he receives as if he's 'locked up,' suggesting a feeling of being trapped by his own success. The name-dropping of fellow celebrities like Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, and Justin Bieber further solidifies his position within the pop culture elite and acts as a metric for his success and financial freedom.

The narrative of the song, primarily delivered by Drake, is a portrayal of the quintessential modern celebrity lifestyle, drenched in excess and self-awareness. The artist depicts a life where his phone is constantly buzzing with calls, a metaphor for his high demand and the relentless nature of his fame, comparing it to the constant calls an incarcerated person might receive. He clarifies his status, emphatically stating he is a “popstar, not a doctor,” distinguishing his role in society from one of a public servant to that of a cultural icon. This establishes the central theme of the song: an unapologetic embrace of the privileges and absurdities that come with being at the pinnacle of the music industry.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world of private jets, helicopters, and a life so opulent that law enforcement might mistake his activities for illicit dealings. There's a recurring motif of desire and acquisition, not just of material wealth but of experiences and relationships. The artist expresses a wish for a “long life, a legendary one” paired with a “quick death, and an easy one,” highlighting a simultaneous desire for enduring legacy and an escape from the pressures of his existence. He seeks a “pretty girl and an honest one,” suggesting a longing for authenticity amidst a life of superficiality.

The song is peppered with name-drops of fellow celebrities and luxury brands, which serve to ground the narrative in a specific echelon of society. Mentions of Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, and Justin Bieber are not just for show; they are used to illustrate the scale of his financial power and his place within the pop culture firmament. The reference to Scooter Braun, a prominent talent manager, is a clever way to boast about his success, implying his achievements are so grand they mirror those of artists under high-powered management, even though he operates independently. This self-referential humor and braggadocio are central to the song's tone.

Throughout the song, there's an undercurrent of the complexities that come with fame. While reveling in the material perks, there’s an acknowledgment of the performative nature of his life. He talks about his Visa card having no limit, much like his musical releases which consistently achieve platinum status, drawing a direct parallel between his commercial success and his spending power. The narrative also touches on the idea of legacy, with the artist aspiring to be remembered as a legend. The song is not just a celebration of being a popstar but also a commentary on what it means to be one in the 21st century, complete with all its glamour, expectations, and inherent contradictions.

"POPSTAR" was released on July 17, 2020, as a dual lead single alongside "Greece" from DJ Khaled's twelfth studio album, Khaled Khaled. The collaboration between DJ Khaled and Drake was teased in June 2020 on Khaled's Instagram. The beat for "POPSTAR" was created by producer OZ on July 23, 2019, who then incorporated a loop from the German production duo David x Eli. The song was recorded in 2020. The music video, directed by Director X, was a notable part of the song's release. Due to travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Drake, who was in Canada, couldn't film the video. He then "called in a favor" to Justin Bieber, who stars in the video, lip-syncing to Drake's lyrics. The video features cameos from Bieber's wife Hailey Bieber, his manager Scooter Braun, and social media personalities. The concept for the video came from Drake himself, who pitched the idea of Bieber portraying him. For Bieber, the video was also seen as a statement, symbolizing his departure from his past 'partying pop star' persona.

The rhyme and rhythm of "POPSTAR" are characteristic of contemporary trap and hip-hop music. The song has a mid-tempo beat with a prominent, hard-hitting bass. Drake employs a rhythmic and conversational flow that often blurs the line between rapping and singing. The rhyme scheme is not strictly formal but relies heavily on internal rhymes, assonance, and consonance to create a cohesive and flowing sound. For instance, in the lines "Bitches calling my phone like I'm locked up, nonstop / From the plane to the fucking helicopter, yeah / Cops pulling up like I'm giving drugs out, nah nah / I'm a popstar, not a doctor," the repetition of the 'o' and 'a' sounds creates a sense of melodic continuity. Drake's delivery is characterized by what some have called "tight syllables," allowing him to pack his lines with boasts and references while maintaining a smooth cadence. The interplay between Drake's vocal rhythm and the underlying beat is crucial to the song's overall feel, creating a track that is both laid-back and danceable.

"POPSTAR" employs a variety of stylistic techniques to achieve its boastful and laid-back tone. Drake's vocal delivery is a key feature, characterized by what has been described as a "deflating tone and flow" at the beginning of the track, which is both unique and catchy. He uses a conversational and often humorous tone, filled with charisma and swagger. Lyrically, the song is built on braggadocio and flexing, common tropes in hip-hop. Drake makes extensive use of name-dropping, referencing celebrities like Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, and Scooter Braun, which serves to place him within the highest echelons of the entertainment industry. There's also a clever play on words with the line "Two, four, six, eight watches, factory, so they appreciate," which uses the structure of a cheerleading chant to boast about the appreciating value of his luxury watches. The production, handled by OZ and David x Eli, is described as "moody" and "woozy," with a reggae-tinged, hard beat that complements Drake's vocal style.

"POPSTAR" had a significant cultural impact upon its release. The song debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, while its companion single "Greece" debuted at number eight, making Drake the artist with the most top 10 debuts on the chart. It also marked his 39th and 40th top ten entries, surpassing Madonna for the most top 10 hits on the Hot 100. The song reached number one in Canada. The music video, starring Justin Bieber, became a major talking point, generating significant buzz and discussion online. The video's concept of Bieber lip-syncing Drake's lyrics, including a reference to Bieber's ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez, sparked widespread media coverage and fan reactions. The song was also part of the promotional lead-up to Drake's album "Certified Lover Boy" and DJ Khaled's album "Khaled Khaled." "POPSTAR" has been certified triple-platinum in the United States. The track further solidified the successful collaborative history between DJ Khaled and Drake.

The lyrics of "POPSTAR" are rich with symbolism and metaphors that paint a picture of celebrity life. The opening lines, "Bitches calling my phone like I'm locked up, nonstop," use the simile of being incarcerated to symbolize the feeling of being trapped and constantly in demand due to fame. The constant travel from a "plane to the fucking helicopter" symbolizes a lifestyle that is not just luxurious but also perpetually in motion and detached from a grounded reality. The line "I'm a popstar, not a doctor" is a direct metaphor distinguishing his role as an entertainer from that of a public servant, emphasizing a life of indulgence over one of service. Drake's Visa card, which can take unlimited charges, is a metaphor for his immense wealth and financial freedom, directly equated to his platinum-selling records. The reference to not needing to "stick the keys in" to drive his cars symbolizes a futuristic and effortless luxury. The entire song can be seen as a symbolic representation of the modern American dream, filtered through the lens of hip-hop extravagance.

The most significant recurring phrase in "POPSTAR" is the chorus itself: "Bitches calling my phone like I'm locked up, nonstop / From the plane to the fucking helicopter, yeah / Cops pulling up like I'm giving drugs out, nah nah / I'm a popstar, not a doctor." This hook is repeated throughout the song, reinforcing the central theme of a celebrity lifestyle that is both glamorous and demanding. The phrase "I'm a popstar, not a doctor" acts as the song's thesis statement, repeated for emphasis. Another recurring motif is the idea of constant movement and travel, symbolized by the progression from plane to helicopter. The name-dropping of celebrities and luxury items is a recurring device used to illustrate the extent of the narrator's wealth and status. DJ Khaled's signature ad-libs, such as "We the Best Music" and "Another one," are also recurring elements that frame the track and are trademarks of his productions.