Drake and Elkan Share Insight into ‘Nokia’ Creation and Album Success

Drake and Elkan released a behind-the-scenes video of the making of the track “Nokia” from their album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. Elkan discussed the personal struggles he faced while producing the beat. The album achieved No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking significant milestones for both artists with multiple top 10 hits on the Hot 100.

Drake and producer Elkan have provided fans with an exclusive look into the creation of one of the notable tracks from their collaborative album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. The video, shared on Drake’s Instagram account, showcases Elkan producing the beat for “Nokia” in a studio located in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with the timestamp indicating the recording took place on January 8, 2025.

Elkan expressed the emotional significance of the track in an Instagram post, revealing that he had been undergoing a challenging period while composing the beat. “This record means a lot to me. In the midst of a mental breakdown, I channeled all the pain, trauma, and joy into music, not letting a disrupted mental state deter my expression,” he stated.

He also described how the title “Nokia” was inspired by the support of loved ones, who urged him to engage in various social activities. “When Drake puts pen to pad onna Elkan ting, you know it’s a speeeecial one!” he remarked, illustrating the joy infused into the creation of the track.

The collaborative album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart this week, marking a significant achievement for both artists. This milestone grants Elkan his first No. 1 album and provides Drake with his 14th, placing him alongside Taylor Swift and Jay-Z as one of the top soloists in this category. Additionally, both artists have successfully placed songs in the Billboard Hot 100 top 10, with “Gimme a Hug” at No. 6 and “Nokia” at No. 10, solidifying Drake’s record of 80 top 10 appearances on the Hot 100, the most in history.

In summary, Drake and Elkan’s collaboration on the track “Nokia” highlights both the challenges and triumphs experienced during its creation. Elkan’s candid admission of his struggles reveals the depth of emotion behind the music. Additionally, their album’s success on the Billboard charts underscores their significant impact on the music industry.

Original Source: www.billboard.com