"Started from the Bottom"
An image of group of people standing on the ground near a billboard at night. The billboard reads "STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM." with each word stacked on top of each other with an drawing of an owl placed on the bottom right of the billboard.
Single by Drake
from the album Nothing Was the Same
ReleasedFebruary 1, 2013 (2013-02-01)[1]
Recorded2012
Genre
Length2:53
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Drake singles chronology
"Right Here"
(2013) 		"Started from the Bottom"
(2013) 		"No New Friends"
(2013)
Music video
"Started from the Bottom" on YouTube

"Started from the Bottom" is a song by Canadian hip hop recording artist Drake, released as the first single from his third studio album Nothing Was the Same.[3] The song was written by Drake, Michael Coleman, and Noah "40" Shebib, and it was produced by Coleman under his stage name Mike Zombie, with additional production by Shebib.[4][5] It features a sample of the ambient piece "Ambessence Piano & Drones 1" by Bruno Sanfilippo.[6] "Started from the Bottom" peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.

Background

"Started from the Bottom" emerged from a studio session with Drake and American rapper Future, who repeatedly requested studio personnel to "start [it] from the bottom", which would prompt a replay of the instrumental. Drake, believing the phrase referred to a song title, used the inspiration to form the overall basis of the record.[7] "Started From the Bottom" was originally planned to be released on February 10, 2013, coinciding with the Grammy Awards.[8] However, it was instead premiered on February 1 through Drake's "October's Very Own" blog, as he preferred to release it without prior interviews.[9] The song was officially released on iTunes on February 6, 2013.[10] At the 55th Grammy Awards, Drake teased that an official remix would be released.[11]

Music and lyrics

Lyrically, "Started from the Bottom" addresses Drake's early life and career beginnings. He commented of its concept, "I feel sometimes that people don't have enough information about my beginnings and therefore they make up a life story for me that isn't consistent with actual events. I did not buy my way into this spot and it was the furthest thing from easy to achieve. I am proud of every part of my past and I'm excited for this song to find a place in your life as well." The song makes use of instrumentation from drums and a piano; MTV describes it as "departure" from his earlier works.[12]

Music video

On September 4, 2012, Drake was seen filming the music video for the song which was being directed by Director X.[13] The music video was released on February 10, 2013. The video features an all-white dressed Drake standing in the back of a white Bentley convertible, during a blizzard. In other scenes, he works retail in a Shoppers Drug Mart drugstore, flies a plane into his native Toronto and dances around in a club. Drake's mother, Sandi, and producers Boi-1da and Noah "40" Shebib also have cameos in the video. It also includes a skit by rapper OB O'Brien, Drake's cousin and friend Ryan Silverstein,[14] and model Angelica Charrupi.[15] At the end it displays Drake and his friends partying at a villa in the Dominican Republic.[16]

Remixes

Shortly after the song's debut Wiz Khalifa was the first to release a remix to the song.[17] Since then artists such as Lil Wayne, Machine Gun Kelly, Bow Wow, Soulja Boy, Ace Hood, Meek Mill, Chris Brown, Papoose, Wyclef Jean, Riff Raff, Arcángel & De La Ghetto, Misha B, and Karmin[18] have released their own remixes or freestyles to the song.[19][20][21][22] On February 15, 2013, Mike Posner, Asher Roth, T. Mills, Chuck Inglish and King Chip released a music video for their remix of the song.[23] On October 12, 2013, DJ Felli Fel released a remix supporting the Los Angeles Dodgers 2013 playoff run, featuring Ice Cube, Tyga and Ty Dolla Sign.[24] Shortly after an extended version also featuring, Warren G, Problem and Chino XL was released.[25] Wiz Khalifa also made a remix to the song.[26]

At the 55th Grammy Awards, Drake suggested that an official remix could be released.[11] He began work on it with Rick Ross and DJ Khaled but the recording session resulted in the first single off Khaled's next album, "No New Friends".[27]

Critical reception

Lewis Corner of Digital Spy gave the song a positive review stating:

Backdropped by a haunting piano loop and tinned snare, the production falls in line with what we've come to expect from a brooding Drake track. "Started from the bottom now we're here," he reflects. "Started from the bottom now my whole team fucking here." The ascent to stardom has clearly been the smoothest of paths, but we hope there's a little more depth to the remainder of his new material to keep him up there with the best. .[28]

On December 2, 2013, Complex named "Started From the Bottom" the second best song released in 2013. David Drake of Complex said, "Musically, "Started From the Bottom" is Drake at his most irrepressibly memorable. Stripped down to a simple piano line and a crisp, unforgettable drum pattern, the song's simplicity gave it a singular fingerprint. It epitomizes the new, clean, minimal direction Drake took throughout Nothing Was The Same, while sounding like no other song on it. It is wistful, atmospheric, as catchy as a nursery rhyme. Lyrically, the song is packed with hooks, each line a mantra of burgeoning confidence, hard-earned."[29] Rolling Stone then ranked the song at number nine on their list of the 100 Best Songs of 2013.[30] XXL named it one of the top five hip hop songs of 2013.[31]

Chart performance

The track entered the UK Singles Chart at number 71 on February 10, 2013. The following week it rose forty-six positions to number 25 – becoming only Drake's third top 40 entry as a solo artist in the UK. The song has reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and is Drake's eleventh top 10 hit on the chart.[32][33] The song sold over 2 million digital copies in the US by January 2014.[34]

Accolades

Year Ceremony Award Result
2013 BET Hip Hop Awards "Track of the Year"[35] Won
2014 Grammy Awards (56th)[36] Best Rap Performance Nominated
Best Rap Song Nominated

Track listing

Digital download
No.TitleLength
1."Started from the Bottom"2:53

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[56] 3× Platinum 210,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[57] Platinum 80,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[58] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[59] 8× Platinum 8,000,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Country Date Format Label
United States February 6, 2013[60] Digital download
February 12, 2013[61] Urban radio
April 9, 2013[62] Mainstream radio

In popular culture

The song was used in the NBA 2K14 soundtrack, as well as in the official trailer of the film Shazam! Fury of the Gods.[63]

References

  1. ^ "Drake's 'Started from the Bottom' Filled with Fire and Frustration". MTV. Archived from the original on 2016-09-14. Retrieved 2016-09-06.
  2. ^ Malmuth, Drew (September 24, 2013). "Review: Drake – Nothing Was The Same". Pretty Much Amazing. Archived from the original on April 30, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  3. ^ "Drake Releases New Single, 'Started From the Bottom' | Music News". Rolling Stone. 2013-02-02. Archived from the original on 2013-02-05. Retrieved 2013-02-08.
  4. ^ "Drake - Started From The Bottom | New Hip Hop Music & All The New Rap Songs 2011". HipHop DX. 2013-02-01. Archived from the original on 2013-02-05. Retrieved 2013-02-08.
  5. ^ Alexander Russell (23 August 2013). "Here Are The BET Award Nominees". Complex. Archived from the original on 17 May 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2013.
  6. ^ "Some weeks ago, the hip hop artist Drake's... - Bruno Sanfilippo". Facebook. March 11, 2013. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  7. ^ https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/pt7r1i/10-things-we-learned-from-future-s-crwn-interview/lfdsjc
  8. ^ Sia, Nicole (2013-02-02). "Hear Drake Set His Origin Story Straight on 'Started From the Bottom' | SPIN | SPIN Mix | Songs". SPIN. Archived from the original on 2015-12-06. Retrieved 2013-02-08.
  9. ^ "OCTOBERS VERY OWN: Started From The Bottom". Octobersveryown.blogspot.com. 2013-02-01. Archived from the original on 2013-02-05. Retrieved 2013-02-08.
  10. ^ "Drake – Started from the Bottom (2013) (iTunes) [Single]". iTunes Store (US). Apple. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
  11. ^ a b HipHopDX (11 February 2013). "Drake Hints At Official Remix Of "Started From The Bottom"". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  12. ^ "Drake's 'Started From the Bottom' Filled With Fire And Frustration - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.com. 2013-02-01. Archived from the original on 2013-02-06. Retrieved 2013-02-08.
  13. ^ "Drake Shooting Video For 'Started From the Bottom' In Toronto, Old Video Teaser Surfaces". Rapfix.mtv.com. Archived from the original on 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2013-02-12.
  14. ^ Krishnamurthy, Sowmya (February 12, 2013). "5 Things We Learned from Drake's "Started From The Bottom" Video". Vibe (magazine). Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  15. ^ "The 10 Hottest Vixens Featured In Drake's Music Videos". Vibe (magazine). February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  16. ^ 02/10/2013 7:43 pm EST (2011-01-23). "'Started From The Bottom' Video: Drake Drops Visuals For New Single On Grammy Night". Huffingtonpost.com. Archived from the original on 2013-02-11. Retrieved 2013-02-12.((cite web)): CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ "Wiz Khalifa Releases "Started From the Bottom" Remix". BET.com. 4 February 2013. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2013.
  18. ^ Karmin - Started From The Bottom (Drake Cover). 25 February 2013 – via YouTube.
  19. ^ Rose Lilah (14 February 2013). "Ace Hood - Started From The Bottom (Freestyle) - Stream [New Song]". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on 17 February 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2013.
  20. ^ "Papoose Freestyles Over "Started From The Bottom" On Showoff Radio!". WORLDSTARHIPHOP. Archived from the original on 2021-10-29. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  21. ^ "Video: Wyclef Jean – 'Started From the Bottom (Freestyle)'". Rap-Up. Archived from the original on 2013-05-15. Retrieved 2013-04-13.
  22. ^ Lil Wayne - Started From The Bottom [Dedication 5] - YouTube Archived 2013-09-02 at the Wayback Machine
  23. ^ "Mike Posner (Feat. Asher Roth, T Mills, Chuck Inglish & King Chip) - Started From The Bottom Remix". WORLDSTARHIPHOP. Archived from the original on 2021-10-29. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  24. ^ cvernoncoleman (13 October 2013). "DJ Felli Fel Featuring Ice Cube, Tyga & Ty Dolla $ign "Dodgers Anthem 2013″". XXL Mag. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
  25. ^ "DJ Felli Fel ft Ice Cube, Tyga, Ty Dolla $ign, Warren G, Chino XL, Problem - Dodgers Anthem 2013 (New Version)". HipHopEarly. Archived from the original on 2019-07-27. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  26. ^ "Wiz Khalifa "Started from the Bottom (Freestyle)" - XXL".
  27. ^ Ernest Baker (12 April 2013). "Drake Is Dropping 2 New Songs Next Week". Complex. Archived from the original on 15 April 2013. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
  28. ^ Lewis Corner (12 February 2013). "Drake: 'Started From the Bottom' - Single review". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 13 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  29. ^ Insanul Ahmed (2 December 2013). "Drake "Started From The Bottom" - The 50 Best Songs of 2013 - Complex". Complex. Archived from the original on 5 December 2013. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
  30. ^ "Drake, "Started From the Bottom"". Rolling Stone. 4 December 2013. Archived from the original on 29 December 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
  31. ^ xxlstaff (9 January 2014). "XXL Lists The Best Hip-Hop Songs And Albums Of The Last 40 Years – XXL Issue 152". XXL Mag. Archived from the original on 10 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  32. ^ "Baauer's 'Harlem Shake' Debuts Atop Revamped Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2016-03-31. Retrieved 2013-02-21.
  33. ^ Trust, Gary (2013-02-27). "Baauer's 'Harlem Shake' Tops Hot 100 for Second Week". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2013-03-02. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
  34. ^ Paul Grein (January 2, 2014). "Can You Believe "Don't Stop Believin'" Loses Spot as Best-Selling Rock Song?". Chart Watch. Yahoo. Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
  35. ^ "Track of the Year". BET.com. 23 September 2013. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  36. ^ "Grammy nominations 2014: See the list of nominees". Entertainment Weekly's EW.com. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 2013-12-10.
  37. ^ "ARIA: Week Commencing ~ 25 February 2013 ~ Issue #1200" (PDF). ARIA Charts. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-03-18. Retrieved 2 April 2013 – via pandora.nla.gov.au.
  38. ^ "Drake – Started From The Bottom" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  39. ^ "Drake – Started From The Bottom" (in French). Ultratip.
  40. ^ "Drake Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-02-14.
  41. ^ "Drake – Started From The Bottom" (in French). Les classement single.
  42. ^ "Drake – Started From The Bottom" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  43. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  44. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  45. ^ "Drake Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  46. ^ "Drake Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-02-14.
  47. ^ "Drake Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  48. ^ "Drake Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard.
  49. ^ "Best of 2013: Canadian Hot 100". Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on December 22, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  50. ^ "Top de l'année Top Singles 2013" (in French). SNEP. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  51. ^ "End of Year 2013" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
  52. ^ "Best of 2013 - Hot 100 Songs". Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  53. ^ "2013 Year End Charts — R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on June 24, 2017. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  54. ^ "2013 Year End Charts — Rap Songs". Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on May 22, 2015. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  55. ^ "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2013". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  56. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2022 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  57. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Drake – Started from the Bottom". Music Canada.
  58. ^ "British single certifications – Drake – Started From The Bottom". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  59. ^ "American single certifications – Drake – Started from the Bottom". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  60. ^ "Started From the Bottom – Single by Drake". iTunes Store. Apple. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
  61. ^ "Urban/UAC Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
  62. ^ "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Nielsen Ratings, Music News and more!". Archived from the original on 2010-02-21. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  63. ^ "Shazam! Fury Of The God's Second Trailer Ups The Ante With Helen Mirren And A Drake Remix". www.gamespot.com. 26 January 2023.
Categories