God’s Plan according to Drake

God’s Plan, Drake’s latest single, is a huge hit. It is one of two songs in the Canadian hip-hop star’s recently released EP titled Scary Hours. The other one is Diplomatic Immunity. It is one of the only 29 songs ever that made history by making a No. 1 debut in the charts. It broke Taylor Swift’s streaming record as well as Apple’s and Spotify’s. Those are just the beginning. Expect more of the same type of news to come as God’s Plan shows no sign of leaving the No. 1 berth any time soon.

One reason for this unprecedented success is God’s Plan’s video. Of course, recording artists are required to shoot a video with every release to promote their songs on the web and on TV. In Drake’s case, his video, directed by Karena Evans, is doing an excellent job of selling the single. And take note, the video has no big-name guests, no stunning special effects, no drop-dead choreography, no racy scenes. There is actually no story or sexy leading ladies for Drake to romance. 

What the video has are shots of Drake generously giving away the amount of $996,631.90. That is the budget for the God’s Plan video but Drake decided there are other ways to put it to better, life-changing use. So, cameraman in tow, he chose schools, shelters, support groups and charitable organizations for the big checks awards. Then, he picked out individuals that he treated to scholarships, sudden shopping sprees, new cars, etc., etc., or just a regular wad of cash.

Drake certainly made a lot of people happy. Their joyful faces and their arms wrapped around the rapper are all in the video. And these include his record label who thankfully did not insist on a regular video. Drake seems to be very happy, too. People usually are when they do something good. But you cannot please everybody and Drake has received flak for what he considers the most important thing he has done in his career. Is his video exploitative? Was Drake wrong to focus on himself as a do-gooder and on the unfortunate receiving help in the video?

Maybe. But who cares. The video turned out great. Everybody loves an emotional weeper. Although its meaning of God’s Plan now pales in comparison to the video, the single is still a massive hit. Why can’t everybody just be happy? It is inspiring to know that in this violent, uncaring world of ours, there are still people like Drake who despite huge success can still think of those in need. He found God’s plan and he went out and did it. Can’t help but wish there are more of him around us. 

Meanwhile, the hits of the week. The Top 20 songs in Billboard Magazine’s Hot 100 Chart are: God’s Plan by Drake; Perfect by upcoming Manila visitor Ed Sheeran; Finesse by Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B; Meant To Be by Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line; Psycho by Post Malone feat. Ty Dolla $Ign; The Middle by Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey; Havana by Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug; Pray For Me by The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar; Look Alive by BlocBoy JB feat. Drake.

All The Stars by Kendrick Lamar & SZA; Stir Fry by Migos; Rockstar by Post Malone feat. 21 Savage; Let You Down by NF; New Rules by Dua Lipa; Ric Flair Drip by Offset & Metro Boomin’; Mine by Bazzi; Him & I by G-Eazy & Halsey; Sad! by XXXTentacion; Thunder by Imagine Dragons.

The Top 20 albums are: Bobby Tarantino II by Logic; Lil Boat 2 by Lil Yachty; American Utopia by David Byrne; Black Panther: The Album — Music From And Inspired By by Kendrick Lamar and other artists; Firepower by Judas Priest; The Greatest Showman motion picture soundtrack by Hugh Jackman, Zach Efron and others; Culture II by Migos; Both Sides Of The Sky by Jimi Hendrix; Divide ¸ by Ed Sheeran; Stoney by Post Malone.

Tearing At The Seams by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats; Evolve by Imagine Dragons; Camila by Camila Cabello; Ray Ray From Summerhill by YFN Lucci; DAMN by Kendrick Lamar; Memories Don’t Die by Tory Lanez; 24K Magic by Bruno Mars; American Teen by Khalid; Luv Is Rage 2 by Lil Uzi Vent; and DAY69 by 61x9ine.