Meaning of "Talk Up" by Drake

"Talk Up" by Drake is a song that reflects on the rapper's journey to success and the challenges he has faced in his career. He proudly declares his growth and transformation, expressing his satisfaction with who he has become. Drake acknowledges that there are people who doubt him or make jokes about him, but he dismisses them because they don't have the facts and are unaware of his true intentions. He recognizes the importance of statistics and data, asserting that his success is based on tangible evidence. Drake demands recognition and financial compensation for his achievements, insisting that he deserves maximum payment and double the recognition he has received. He criticizes those who had the opportunity to support him or collaborate with him but failed to deliver the expected quality, dismissing their work as subpar. Drake emphasizes his position of power and the influence he has on the rap scene, particularly in putting Toronto ("the 6") on the map. He boasts about his ability to attract women, implying that even the girlfriends or partners of others are interested in him. Drake connects his youthfulness to his wealth and longevity in the industry, suggesting that despite being relatively young, he has experienced numerous challenges and success. He asserts his reputation as a reliable and loyal individual, contrasting himself with others who may claim loyalty but do not follow through. Drake references his street credibility and links it to his fashion choices, indicating that his style reflects his involvement in the drug trade. He addresses the popular criticism of his ghostwriting accusations, claiming that he lives out every word he raps and dismissing any doubts about his authenticity. He references a past incident involving drug trafficking and emphasizes that it truly occurred, challenging listeners to believe the unbelievable. Drake shows pride in his status as a trusted figure among drug dealers and compares himself to iconic figures in the criminal underworld, such as Meech and Supreme. He takes a jab at the hypocrisy of society and the justice system, condemning the killing of rapper XXXTentacion while George Zimmerman, who was involved in the controversial Trayvon Martin case, remains alive. Drake suggests that the streets have lost their integrity and power due to this injustice.