October belongs to Drake. There’s no denying it. In honor of Draketober, here are five tracks that have been on heavy rotation for me this month. Each one captures a different side of his sound, and while they’ve defined this Draketober for me, they’re the kind of songs that work any time of year.

Child’s Play

This song has one of his most iconic intros—the kind that instantly feels like the start of basketball season: high-energy and excitement. The lyrics in this song are genuinely comedic, mixing relatability with self-awareness in a way only Drake can pull off. It’s a song that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which might be why it’s one of his most replayable.

Let’s Call It Off

From his So Far Gone album, this song is a unique gem in the rest of his discography. This is definitely one of his best collaborations of all time. Lyrically, it captures that familiar point in a relationship where both people know it’s ending but don’t know how to say it. Blending indie influences with an R&B beat, it’s a song that feels like the transition between seasons, making it a perfect soundtrack for fall. 

November 18th

So Far Gone just has so many really good songs which is why I just had to include another one. This song has such a nice contrast between the way the lyrics are sung and the rest of the musicality of the song. It’s both a chill and upbeat song and it’s one of those songs you can throw on anytime. It never feels out of place. The flow is smooth, the vibe is nostalgic, and it’s just really easy to get lost in.

Up All Night

All of Nicki Minaj and Drake’s songs are peak and this one is no different. This song perfectly balances Drake’s smooth, confident delivery with Nicki’s bold, playful energy. The beat is made for late-night drives or getting hyped before a night out. There’s a fun, carefree vibe here that contrasts with some of Drake’s more introspective tracks, making it a standout moment in his catalog. It’s the kind of song that reminds you why his collabs always hit differently.

Signs

Drake ranges into a lot of different genres, but house-drake might be one of his best. This song is an archive, but it emulates pure cool vibes. The production is light and effortless, with a laid-back rhythm that feels versatile for both summer and winter, making it a year-round song.