The Meaning Behind The Song: Way 2 Sexy by Future

Drake’s hit “Way 2 Sexy”, featuring Future and Young Thug, became an instant sensation from the Certified Lover Boy album. The track blends humor, trap beats, and a nostalgic sample, creating a bold anthem about confidence and playful bravado.

Debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021, the song made history. It helped Drake secure nine simultaneous Top 10 hits, while marking Future’s first chart-topper and Young Thug’s third. The bass-heavy production and comedic lyrics stood out, sparking viral trends.

The music video added to its appeal, featuring NBA star Kawhi Leonard and clever pop culture parodies. Despite mixed reactions, the Right Said Fred sample gave it a unique charm, keeping fans engaged long after its release.

Key Takeaways

  • Drake, Future, and Young Thug collaborated on this chart-topping track.
  • It samples Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy” for a nostalgic twist.
  • The song debuted at #1, making history for all three artists.
  • Its music video went viral with celebrity cameos and humor.
  • Part of Drake’s Certified Lover Boy album.

Introduction to “Way 2 Sexy” by Future

Released as the lead single from Certified Lover Boy, this track brought together three rap heavyweights: Drake, Future, and Young Thug. Dropping on September 3, 2021, it marked their reunion after the 2020 hit “D4L,” blending their signature styles into a playful anthem.

The song’s structure stood out. Future delivered a catchy chorus, Drake wove in witty bars about safe sex, and Thug flaunted luxury with his signature ad-libs. Critics debated the comedy rap approach, but fans embraced its bold energy.

Director Dave Meyers amplified the fun with a music video full of parodies. From exaggerated workout scenes to boyband homages, it mirrored the track’s irreverent charm. The timing was strategic, dropping amid Drake’s feud with Kanye West.

OVO and Republic Records pushed the single hard, resulting in 8.2 million U.S. streams in its first week. The maximalist vibe echoed Drake’s Scary Hours 2 era, proving even playful tracks could dominate charts.

The Background and Composition of “Way 2 Sexy”

Behind the humor and swagger lies a meticulously crafted musical arrangement. The track’s success stems from its bold fusion of nostalgic sampling and modern trap elements, creating a sound that’s both playful and powerful.

Release and Recording Details

Recorded in 2021, the song brought together producers TM88 and Supah Mario. Sessions reportedly leaned into spontaneity, with Future and Young Thug improvising ad-libs. Drake’s verses were added last, refining the track’s comedic tone.

Musical Elements and Sampling

Built in E minor at 136 BPM, the instrumental layers trap drums with rumbling sub-bass. The 4/4 time signature keeps it danceable, while the Right Said Fred sample adds cheeky nostalgia. Vocal chops from “I’m Too Sexy” anchor the hook, flipped into a hip-hop mantra.

Future’s Auto-Tune-soaked chorus contrasts Drake’s punchy flow. Thug steals the final third with melodic boasts, creating a call-and-response dynamic. The result? A track that’s as luxurious as it is absurd—perfect for viral moments.

“We wanted something that felt larger than life but didn’t take itself seriously.”

— TM88, Producer

Explore more about the song’s creation on Wikipedia.

Critical Reception and Chart Performance

The track sparked debates among critics while smashing records worldwide. Some called its playful bravado repetitive, but fans embraced the humor, turning it into a cultural moment.

Mixed Reviews from Critics

Publications like Pitchfork dismissed it as “throwaway flexing,” while Rolling Stone praised its infectious energy. The Right Said Fred sample polarized listeners—some found it clever, others gimmicky.

Despite the divide, streaming numbers proved its staying power. It became a top choice for memes and TikTok challenges, amplifying its reach beyond traditional critics.

Chart Success and Records

Debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, it became the 56th song in history to achieve this feat. The track also dominated global charts, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Global 200.

  • Certifications: Platinum in Australia, Gold in the UK, France, and Italy.
  • Future’s milestone: After 126 chart entries, he finally scored his first #1.
  • Drake’s Beatles tie: Matched their 1964 record with nine simultaneous Top 10 hits.

OVO Sound and Republic Records’ aggressive campaign paid off. The song racked up 70 million+ U.S. streams in its first month and ruled rhythmic radio for five weeks.

“It wasn’t just a song—it was a movement. The data reflected what fans already knew.”

— Republic Records Executive

By year-end, it ranked #48 on the Hot 100 (2021) and #21 on R&B/Hip-Hop charts (2022). A testament to its blend of controversy and catchiness.

The Lasting Impact of “Way 2 Sexy”

From TikTok challenges to sports arenas, the track’s influence remains undeniable. Over 500K dance videos flooded the app, while its bass-heavy beats dominated workout playlists and club rotations. The Kawhi Leonard cameo bridged hip-hop and basketball fandom, amplifying its crossover appeal.

Beyond memes, the song’s legacy lives in streaming stats—500M+ combined plays—and its inclusion in the NBA 2K22 soundtrack. Fans still download it for gym sessions, proving its endurance. Future’s follow-up hit, “Too Easy,” rode the wave of this new album era’s ironic flexing.

Critics underestimated its staying power, but viral trends like Drake’s parody fragrance kept it relevant. The Right Said Fred sample inspired a wave of nostalgic flips in hip-hop, cementing its place in stream culture. For more on viral hits, explore our breakdown of Sunday Best’s success.

FAQ

When was "Way 2 Sexy" released?

The track dropped on September 3, 2021, as part of Drake’s album Certified Lover Boy, featuring Future and Young Thug.

Did "Way 2 Sexy" sample another song?

Yes! It samples Right Said Fred’s 1991 hit “I’m Too Sexy”, flipping the upbeat vibe into a hip-hop anthem.

How did critics react to the song?

Reviews were mixed—some praised its playful energy, while others called it repetitive. Despite this, it became a fan favorite.

Did the track perform well on charts?

Absolutely. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Drake’s ninth chart-topping single.

Who directed the music video?

The viral video was directed by Dave Meyers, featuring quirky dance cameos, including NBA star Kawhi Leonard.

What’s the song’s cultural impact?

Its catchy hook and meme-worthy dance moves sparked trends on TikTok and cemented its place in 2021’s hip-hop highlights.

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