Update: We found a sample amongst the 40 songs Drake released across three separate albums.
Turns out Drake did give us one of his standard Houston inspired tracks on his Maid of Honor album. “Road Trips” samples E.S.G’s “Swangin and Bangin.” Thanks to the eagle-eared commentors for steering us straight. The first minute of the track puts you right in the middle of the slowed down vibe you would expect form an ode to Houston culture, using the sample to great effect. Then, the song becomes a electronic pop song that leaves a lot to be desired on a few fronts.
It’s nice to see at least one nod to the Houston rap lineage that Drake has been a apart of.
Sometimes-Texas resident Drake dropped not one, but three albums today, surprising fans with over 40 songs across the three records. Drake has routinely dropped references and shout-outs to his adopted H-Town throughout his career. So, fans of the Canadian rapper in Houston, of course, anticipate hearing him rap about the Galleria or staying at the Derek Hotel.
Surprisingly, over the course of three albums and 40 songs, there doesn’t seem to be any direct H-town shouts.
However, the Canadian rapper does reference a different part of the state with the song “Fort Worth” on Habibti. The song itself doesn’t mention anything exclusive to Fort Worth or the DFW area, with lyrics referencing tour bus rides, counting La Quinta Inns on the highway and stopping at Circle K gas stations (no Buc-ee’s mention).
Fort Worth is an introspective track about dealing with fame, painting the picture of being on the road, possibly reminiscing on a time when he stopped in Fort Worth for a show or long tour bus rides passing though the growing Texas city. It’s the only discernable Texas reference on the album.
There is also no mention of Brenham, Texas, where he lives and owns an expansive ranch where controversial country star Morgan Wallen was recently spotted. Drake has been spotted around the area hitting up dive bars and potentially purchasing historic landmarks like the Brenham Saddle Shop. Yet the album still fails to mention his Texas life.
No discernible Houston influence or reference is weird for Drake, who has made it a point to throw a bone to the H-town audience that has rocked with him since 2009. It’s a far cry from albums of the past that seemed littered with his love for Houston and reverence for the influence of the city’s rap culture.
The last song made specifically in reference to Houston is from his 2025 joint album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, when he dropped “Raining In Houston.”
His last genuinely good Houston song is probably “N 2 Deep” featuring Future on the 2022 album Certified Lover Boy, which samples Bun B’s classic “Get Throwed.” On the record, he mentions the Galleria, Post Oak, Fifth Ward, Dirty Cups and the Northside.
Unfortunately for fans hoping for something along those lines, there’s no such song throughout the 40 released across three albums. There are, however, several Atlanta connections through songs and various features from artists like Sexxy Red, Future and 21 Savage.
Despite no shout-outs, Houston is apparently still digging the album(s). There were several listening parties last night, celebrating the release at locations Drake loves to visit, like Kamp. The morning commutes for many were probably met with cars blasting the new albums.
The lack of Houston love on his new records may not be a cause for concern for fans, but it could be a sign that Drake’s era of unabashed appreciation for Houston may be over.