Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2

"Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2" is a dual-track song that serves as a profound meditation on success, legacy, and the personal cost of fame. It functions as the outro to Drake's third studio album, Nothing Was the Same, summarizing its central themes.

The first section, "Pound Cake," featuring Jay-Z, is a triumphant and boastful reflection on reaching the pinnacle of the music industry. The titular "pound cake" is a metaphor for the immense weight and substance of their wealth and achievements. Both artists use their verses to assert their dominance and influence. Jay-Z, as the established veteran, lists the millionaires he's helped create, positioning himself as a kingmaker. Drake, his successor, reflects on his own journey, dismissing detractors and celebrating his self-actualization. The recurring, warped sample of Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M." ("Cash Rules Everything Around Me") reinforces the materialistic focus of this section, grounding their success in financial terms.

The second part, "Paris Morton Music 2," shifts to a more introspective and somber tone. The beat change signifies a move from public triumph to private reflection. Here, Drake explores the isolation and emotional complexities that accompany his success. He references Paris Morton, a model he has mentioned in previous work, illustrating how relationships and personal connections have changed and faded amidst his rise to stardom. This part of the song delves into the idea that achieving one's dreams comes with unforeseen sacrifices and a sense of detachment from a former life. The closing line, "Nothing was the same," encapsulates the album's core message: monumental success is transformative and irreversible, bringing both glory and a sense of loss.

The composition begins with a spoken word introduction, a sample from jazz musician Jimmy Smith. He reminisces about the old days of music creation, a time of creative freedom with champagne in the studio, contrasting it with the controlled environment of A&R executives. Smith's core message is a confident declaration: "Only real music is gonna last, all the other bullshit is here today and gone tomorrow..." This sets a contemplative and authentic tone for the entire piece.

The first part, "Pound Cake," transitions in with a chopped and screwed sample of Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M.," reinforcing the theme of money's influence, underscored by the ethereal vocals of Ellie Goulding. Drake enters with a verse reflecting on his journey and current status in the hip-hop world. He speaks of his undisputed position, holding all the cards in a game where others are just learning to play. He touches upon past slights and his own authenticity, emphasizing his real name and lack of gimmicks. He contrasts his immense success with the conventional paths his former classmates took, imagining a high school reunion where his presence would necessitate security clearances—a symbol of the world he now inhabits. The verse is a mix of vindication and introspection, culminating in the realization that self-belief has manifested into reality: "You know it's real when you are who you think you are."

Jay-Z then takes over, delivering two verses that are a masterclass in flexing wealth and legacy. His rhymes are dense with cultural references, from luxury cars and fine art to international business dealings. He boasts about his influence, claiming to have made more millionaires than the lottery, listing prominent figures in the music industry whose careers he impacted. His lyrics are playful yet assertive, using the extended metaphor of "cake" to symbolize different facets of his immense wealth and success. He refers to his riches as "pound cake," his jewelry as "carrot cake," and dismisses rivals as "clown cakes." This section is an opulent celebration of his long-standing dominance in the industry.

The track then undergoes a complete beat switch, signaling the beginning of "Paris Morton Music 2." The energy shifts to a more personal and melancholic reflection. Drake's tone becomes more subdued as he addresses his evolution in the industry, stating he no longer wants to be seen as a younger brother figure but as a generational great. He reflects on his relentless work ethic and the sacrifices made. He mentions a model named Paris Morton, a recurring muse in his work, noting how their communication has changed now that she's a mother. This reference grounds his astronomical fame in real-life changes and lost connections, highlighting a sense of isolation that accompanies his success. He concludes the entire track, and the standard edition of the album, with the poignant line that gives the album its title: "My life is calling, I gotta go, but fuck it, I'm on a roll / After that, I'm comin' home, I'm comin' home... Nothing was the same." This final statement encapsulates the profound and irreversible changes that fame has brought to his life, ending on a note of both triumph and quiet resignation.

"Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2" was recorded in 2013 for Drake's third studio album, Nothing Was the Same. The track is a two-part composition that serves as the album's outro. The creation was a collaborative effort involving several key producers. "Pound Cake" was produced by Boi-1da and Jordan Evans, while "Paris Morton Music 2" was handled by Detail.

The collaboration with Jay-Z was a significant point of discussion. Drake described the song as a sequel to their previous collaboration, "Light Up." Initially, Jay-Z sent Drake two a cappella verses. Producer Noah "40" Shebib created a beat for them, but Drake felt it wasn't the right fit. Boi-1da then crafted a new instrumental, which became the final beat. Jay-Z liked the completed track so much that he considered using it for his own album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, but ultimately gave it back to Drake for Nothing Was the Same.

The song is notable for its intricate use of samples. The intro features a spoken-word piece called "Jimmy Smith Rap" from jazz organist Jimmy Smith's 1982 album, Off the Top. The use of this sample later led to a lawsuit from Smith's estate, though a court eventually ruled it as "fair use," stating that Drake's track used the sample to send a counter-message about the supremacy of all "real music," not just jazz. The song also heavily samples Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M." and features vocals from Ellie Goulding's song "Don't Say A Word," which producer Jordan Evans brought to Boi-1da. Goulding later revealed she was unaware her vocals were sampled until she heard the song after its release but was thrilled by their inclusion.

The "Paris Morton Music 2" portion is a sequel to Drake's earlier track "Paris Morton Music," which was an extended version of his verse from Rick Ross's "Aston Martin Music." Paris Morton is a real model who served as a muse for Drake.

The rhyme and rhythm of the song are characterized by a relaxed, conversational pace that builds a contemplative and confident mood.

Rhyme Scheme: Both Drake and Jay-Z employ a fluid and often complex rhyme scheme that avoids rigid, predictable patterns. They frequently use multi-syllable rhymes and internal rhymes to create a sophisticated lyrical texture. For instance, in "Pound Cake," Drake rhymes "scrimmage" with "gimmicks," and Jay-Z constructs an entire section around the word "cake," using it as a recurring end rhyme in seven consecutive lines, a technique known as anaphora or refrain that adds emphasis and builds a rhythmic motif. In "Paris Morton Music 2," Drake uses a more narrative, free-verse style, but maintains cohesion with couplets like "calm down" and "compound."

Rhythm and Flow: The song maintains a slow, steady tempo throughout both sections. The rhythm is laid-back, allowing the lyrics to be the central focus. In "Pound Cake," the beat, produced by Boi-1da and Jordan Evans, is smooth and mellow, built around the looping Ellie Goulding sample and understated drums. Drake and Jay-Z's flows are similarly relaxed; they ride the beat effortlessly rather than attacking it aggressively. This creates a feeling of supreme confidence. The beat switch into "Paris Morton Music 2" introduces a more melancholic, piano-driven rhythm produced by Detail, which complements Drake's introspective and slightly somber delivery. This rhythmic shift is crucial in signaling the song's emotional transition.

"Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2" employs a range of stylistic techniques, both musically and lyrically, to create its distinct, reflective atmosphere.

• Two-Part Structure: The song's most prominent feature is its division into two distinct parts with a clear beat switch. This structure allows Drake to explore two contrasting themes: the triumphant, external validation of success in "Pound Cake" and the introspective, personal cost of that success in "Paris Morton Music 2." The transition serves as a narrative device, moving from a public celebration to a private confession.
• Sampling as Intertextuality: The producers, Boi-1da and Jordan Evans, masterfully weave together multiple samples that add layers of meaning. The use of Jimmy Smith's speech, Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M.," and Ellie Goulding's ethereal vocals creates a rich sonic collage. This technique grounds the track in hip-hop tradition while also giving it a contemporary, atmospheric feel. The Goulding sample, in particular, provides a smooth, mellow backdrop that contrasts with the hard-hitting lyrical content.
• Vocal Delivery: Both Drake and Jay-Z utilize a calm, confident, and deliberate vocal delivery. Their flows are nimble but unhurried, reflecting a sense of earned arrogance and deep introspection. This controlled delivery, especially over the mellow beat of "Pound Cake," emphasizes their status as veterans who no longer need to shout to be heard.
• Extended Metaphor: Jay-Z's entire second verse is an extended metaphor built around the word "cake." He skillfully manipulates the word to represent money, status, and authenticity, demonstrating lyrical dexterity and a playful approach to braggadocio. This technique makes his claims of wealth more memorable and artistic.

"Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2" is widely regarded as a standout track from Drake's critically and commercially successful album, Nothing Was the Same (2013). The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 658,000 copies sold in its first week, and the song itself peaked at number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song's influence extends beyond its chart performance. Its unique two-part structure and atmospheric production by Boi-1da had a significant impact on the sound of hip-hop in the 2010s, contributing to the trend of more introspective, sonically layered tracks. The instrumental for "Pound Cake" became highly popular, inspiring numerous remixes and freestyles from artists like Lupe Fiasco, The LOX, and Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan. In 2022, rapper Lil Baby prominently sampled the track in his hit song "In a Minute," demonstrating its enduring relevance.

Jay-Z's verse, particularly his declaration of having "made more millionaires than the Lotto did," became an iconic and much-discussed moment in hip-hop. It sparked responses and clarifications from artists he named, such as Cam'ron, generating significant media conversation about legacy and influence in the industry. Critically, the song was met with positive reviews, with many praising the lyrical chemistry between Drake and Jay-Z, as well as the innovative production. It is often cited as a key track in Drake's discography, perfectly encapsulating the confident yet vulnerable persona that has defined his career.

The song is rich with symbolism and metaphors that explore themes of wealth, status, and authenticity.

• Pound Cake: The central metaphor of the first half, "pound cake," symbolizes substantial, heavy wealth. Unlike a lighter cake, a pound cake is dense, representing the significant and burdensome nature of the success Drake and Jay-Z have achieved. Jay-Z extends this metaphor with variations like "upside-down cake" for fake people (fronting), "clown cakes" for detractors, and "carrot cake" for his diamond jewelry, showcasing his lyrical creativity.
• Jimmy Smith's Intro: The opening spoken-word sample from Jimmy Smith acts as a symbolic endorsement of the song's artistic integrity. Smith's lament for the old days of creative freedom and his assertion that "only real music is gonna last" frames the track as a piece of authentic, enduring art in a world of fleeting trends.
• Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M." Sample: The repeated, distorted sample of "Cash Rules Everything Around Me" is a direct and powerful symbol of the undeniable influence of money in the hip-hop industry and in their personal narratives of success. It's a nod to a classic hip-hop ethos that values financial gain as a primary measure of achievement.
• High School Reunion: In "Paris Morton Music 2," Drake's fantasy of attending his high school reunion and forcing old classmates through "security clearance" is a metaphor for the social distance his fame has created. It symbolizes his vindication over those who may have doubted him and highlights the stark, almost unbridgeable gap between his past and present life.

The song features several recurring lyrical and musical motifs that unify its two parts and reinforce its central themes.

• "Cake, cake, cake": This is the most prominent recurring phrase, chanted by Jay-Z throughout his verse. It serves as a hook and a central motif for wealth, success, and opulence. The repetition drills the theme of immense financial success into the listener's mind, making it one of the song's most memorable elements.
• "Cash rules everything around me": The sampled and manipulated line from Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M." appears multiple times in the first half of the song. Its recurrence acts as a thematic anchor, constantly reminding the listener of the foundational role of money in the narrative of success being presented.
• The Name "Paris Morton": The title of the second part, "Paris Morton Music 2," and Drake's direct lyrical references to her connect the song to his past work ("Paris Morton Music," "Aston Martin Music"). She represents a recurring motif of past relationships and a more grounded life that has been altered by fame. Her name symbolizes the personal connections that have become complicated or distant.
• Musical Motif of Ellie Goulding's Vocals: The ethereal, wordless vocal sample from Ellie Goulding's "Don't Say a Word" serves as a recurring musical motif throughout the "Pound Cake" section. Its looping presence provides a consistent, dreamy, and luxurious sonic texture that contrasts with the rappers' confident verses, creating the song's signature mellow atmosphere.