Do What You Do
Drake · Comeback Season [2007]
I do this for ya'll man
Malice, Nickelus F, it's the REMIX!
[VERSE 1: Malice]
[BACKGROUND:]
R-E U-P G-A-N-G
R-E U-P G-A-N-G
[CHORUS:]
Stance on lean, leg up on the wall
My people they chill, why you haters wanna ball
I'm satisfied with a little, why you haters want it all
You waiting for the Spring, and I'm gettin it in the fall
But uh, do what you do what you, I do what I do
Do's what you do, I do what I do
Stance on lean, leg up on the wall
My people they chill, why you haters wanna ball
I'm satisfied with a little, why you haters want it all
You waiting for the Spring, and I'm gettin it in the fall
But uh, do what you do what you, I do what I do
Do's what you do, I do what I do
[VERSE 2:]
Check, the verses I'm writing you might wanna learn it
You hatin my song but your wife wanna burn it
So now you at the store for some blank CDs
You can't see me, for your sake might wanna return it
Cause, if you bring them discs home to ya girl, she'll forget you
and I'll be the only one she concerned with
To the people that ignored me before this
This one is for you as a song re-recorded
Funny thing is, you just notice me now but I was here along
your vision's just been distorted
I'm so ? I live this, you ask me what the business
and I write a sixteen and record it, uh
The waiting is over I think music need it
Drake cuttin his records without gettin weeded
People in the South want it chopped and screwed, I got this dude
they expectations Imma exceed it uh
Like a singer with only backgrounds ya'll record it
When it's done ya lyrics tend to mislead ish
Finally here Imma star with the timing
My swagger is chill, and my flow is reclining
This for anybody that's searchin for cash, a purchase ?
you only get the dough when you grindin
And so I grind like I'm listening to I Wayne
MY pain, you can experience through the rhyming boy!
[CHORUS:]
Stance on lean, leg up on the wall
My people they chill, why you haters wanna ball
I'm satisfied with a little, why you haters want it all
You waiting for the Spring, and I'm gettin it in the fall
But uh, do what you do what you, I do what I do
Do's what you do, I do what I do
Stance on lean, leg up on the wall
My people they chill, why you haters wanna ball
I'm satisfied with a little, why you haters want it all
You waiting for the Spring, and I'm gettin it in the fall
But uh, do what you do what you, I do what I do
Do's what you do, I do what I do
[VERSE 3: Nickelus F]
[CHORUS:]
Stance on lean, leg up on the wall
My people they chill, why you haters wanna ball
I'm satisfied with a little, why you haters want it all
You waiting for the Spring, and I'm gettin it in the fall
But uh, do what you do what you, I do what I do
Do's what you do, I do what I do
Stance on lean, leg up on the wall
My people they chill, why you haters wanna ball
I'm satisfied with a little, why you haters want it all
You waiting for the Spring, and I'm gettin it in the fall
But uh, do what you do what you, I do what I do
Do's what you do, I do what I do
Do What You Do
Drake's "Do What You Do" serves as a pivotal track within the early trajectory of his career, appearing on the 2007 compilation album *Comeback Season*. Released during a period when Drake was rapidly establishing himself as a central figure in the Toronto hip-hop scene, the song reflects the raw, unpolished energy characteristic of his debut era. Unlike the highly produced, R&B-infused tracks that would define his later work, this recording captures a more direct, rap-centric approach that prioritizes lyrical flow and rhythmic precision over melodic hooks. The song features Drake trading verses with fellow Canadian artists, a common practice in the city's underground scene at the time, which helped solidify his reputation as a collaborative force capable of navigating complex group dynamics.
Musically, the track relies on a straightforward beat that allows Drake's vocal delivery to take center stage. His performance is marked by a confident, almost aggressive cadence that signaled his intent to dominate the emerging landscape of East Coast hip-hop. The lyrics explore themes of ambition, self-assurance, and the relentless pursuit of success, themes that would become staples in his discography. Rather than focusing on romantic narratives or introspective vulnerability, the song leans into the competitive spirit of the rap game, asserting Drake's readiness to take on the industry's giants. This thematic focus aligns with the broader cultural context of the mid-2000s, where a new generation of artists from the Northeast and the Midwest were challenging the dominance of established acts.
The inclusion of "Do What You Do" on *Comeback Season* highlights Drake's role as a key contributor to the album's success, which served as a critical launchpad for his solo career. While the album itself was a compilation of tracks from various projects, the presence of this song underscored his growing influence within the local music community. It demonstrated his ability to deliver high-energy performances that resonated with fans and peers alike, setting the stage for his subsequent breakthrough with *So Far Gone* and *Thank Me Later*. The song's reception was largely positive within the hip-hop community, which viewed it as a testament to Drake's technical skill and his ability to command attention in a crowded field.
Critically, the track is often cited by music historians and journalists as an example of Drake's early evolution from a feature artist to a headliner. It showcases the foundational elements of his style, including his distinctive vocal texture and his knack for blending rap with melodic sensibilities, even if subtly. The song's legacy is further cemented by its role in the Toronto hip-hop narrative, where it represents a moment when local talent began to make significant inroads into the national and international consciousness. While it may not possess the commercial polish of his later hits, its impact on the development of his artistic identity cannot be overstated, serving as a crucial link between his underground roots and his mainstream stardom.
In the broader context of Drake's discography, "Do What You Do" stands as a reminder of the gritty, competitive nature of his early years. It contrasts sharply with the more polished, R&B-oriented tracks that followed, illustrating the artist's willingness to experiment with different sonic landscapes. The song remains a significant piece of music history, not only for its contribution to the 2007 hip-hop landscape but also for its role in shaping the career of one of the most influential artists of the twenty-first century. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to capture a specific moment in time and the raw energy that defined the era of Drake's emergence.