Jalen Brewer Blog #2

For starters, Drake has progressed tremendously over the last couple of years.  Before he became famous, he had a relationship with a woman named Nebby from Toronto.  At the time, she had a thing for him and would call him at any time of the day, and this is where the song originates from.  Drake starts the song off by reminiscing on the late night phone calls and almost getting choked up at the times the two shared.  Throughout the song, he uses memories and questions to show confusion and sadness.  In the hook, he makes a reference to how she would call him late at night for sex.  He says, “I know when that hotline bling, that can only mean one thing” referring to him knowing that it is Nebby calling. Because he is alluding to his cell phone as a “hotline”, the connection to a sex hotline can be made seeing that one will have a good time.  The repetition of the word “hotline” shows that Drake feels as if Nebby is only using him for sexual activities.

            In the second verse, Drake describes how leaving the city of Toronto may have ended the relationship.  He reveals the two often argue and do not get along which makes him feel as if he did something wrong.  Drake says, “You got exactly what you asked for, Running out of pages in your passport”.  This leads to the question whether Nebby wanted to travel the world with Drake when he became famous.  Also, after investigating her Instagram, many pictures were posted with her in flamboyant places with many different people.  Another connection that Drake makes is found in the bridge when he questions why she is never alone and how she has changed.  He is having a hard time accepting the fact that a girl that he once knew has changed completely and moved on.  Although some may look at this song as a comedic hit, I would characterize it as a cry for help.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxpDa-c-4Mc