The following songs are mostly covers covers of Drizzy's R&B or pop-leaning material. They show the universality of his songwriting and how his ideas can be transferred across genres. Starting with Sampha's "Controlla," we've rounded up 10 of our favorite Drake covers, whether they be studio recordings or live performances. Let us know if we missed any in the comments.
Sampha "Controlla"
Earlier today, British singer/producer Sampha -- who's the sole vocalist on the More Life track "4422" -- showed up to the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge with a string quartet to show more love to Drake by performing a cover or "Controlla." Sampha is one of an array of acts -- including Chance The Rapper, The xx, and Alessia Cara -- to bust out a Drake cover in the Live Lounge.
Chance The Rapper "Feel No Ways"
Chance The Rapper tests out his vocal chops in the Live Lounge with a soft and tender cover of the Views standout "Feel No Ways." His melodies aren't the smoothest, but -- like the original -- there's something so honest about this cover. It's about time Drake and Chance, who represent different facets of hip-hop, team up for an official collab.
Alessia Cara "Hotline Bling"
Now with a few hit singles under her belt, 20-year-old Def Jam signee Alessia Cara is officially a rising star. Hailing from just outside of The 6 in Brampton, Cara greatly increased her buzz when she began covering "Hotline Bling," which is now one of her live staples. Watch her particularly impeccable Live Lounge rendition of the Views bonus track below.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra "Know Yourself"
Here's one that obviously stands out, seeing that this is an instrumental cover of "Know Yourself" -- performed with orchestral instruments, wielded by the best musicians in Drake's hometown. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra executed a brilliant arrangement of the If You're Reading This It's Too Late track at the 2015 Polaris gala. They even nailed the famous beat switch. Next time he's back in The 6, Drake should run through a concert with this group of gifted woes.
Erykah Badu "Cel U Lar Device"
Many were surprised when the queen, Ms. Erykah Badu, added to the plethora of "Hotline Bling" covers; few were surprised that hers was the best. Her effort -- entitled "Cel U Lar Device" -- is in a different league due to its inventiveness, as Badu took the concept and the beat and made a cover that pays homage to the original but also exists in its own universe. The song inspired an entire hotline-inspired mixtape -- the fantastic But You Caint Use My Phone.
Blood Orange "Hold On, We're Going Home"
Being one of Drake's best-ever pop songs, it's surprising there aren't more notable covers of "Hold On, We're Going Home." Dev Hynes used his Blood Orange moniker, through which he has released a few critically adored albums, to give the Nothing Was the Same single a funky late-night cover inspired by the pop stylings of Prince.
Eric Bellinger "Fake Love"
R&B virtuoso Eric Bellinger makes the already cozy "Fake Love" even more intimate with an acoustic cover that he performed in his smoke-filled home studio.
The xx "Too Good"
British trio The xx graced the Live Lounge with a haunting cover of "Too Good," delivering a deeply emotional, bare-bones version of Drake and Rihanna's Views collab. Group-member and renowned solo producer Jamie xx happens to be responsible for the instrumental for another Drake and Rihanna collab, the Take Care title track.
Shawn Mendes "Marvins Room / One Dance"
Following in Bieber's footsteps, Shawn Mendes is the latest boy wonder to emerge from north of the border. Mendes has released two No. 1 albums and a handful of platinum singles, but that doesn't mean he can't be a Drake stan like the rest of us. The 18-year-old finally got to meet his hometown hero at the AMAs in November. He also honored the 6 God by covering "Marvins Room" and "One Dance" -- two very different Drake songs -- in one seamless performance for Capital FM.
August Alsina "Trust Issues"
Before he had much of a name, New Orleans' August Alsina was singing acoustic covers of hip-hop songs. One such rendition that obviously hints at his future success is his take on Drake's "Trust Issues." He even dropped a music video for the cover of the classic Drizzy one-off.
What's your all-time favorite Drizzy cover?
