"Tuscan Leather" is a song by Canadian recording artist Drake for his third… Read Full Bio ↴"Tuscan Leather" is a song by Canadian recording artist Drake for his third studio album "Nothing Was the Same". It was written by Drake along with Anthony Palma and Noah Shebib, who produced the song under his production name "40" along with Nathan Sessoms. The song heavily samples "I Have Nothing" performed by Whitney Houston and written by David Foster and Linda Thompson-Jenner, who received writing credits on "Tuscan Leather". Noted for its unique song structure devoid of any choruses, it is a hip-hop song that utilizes influences of R&B and ambient throughout its composition.

"Tuscan Leather" received critical acclaim from music critics, who highlighted the song's production and praised Drake's growing confidence. The song was a source of controversy due to the song's lyrics describing Drake's deteriorating relationship with label mate Nicki Minaj. Despite not being released as a single, "Tuscan Leather" managed to chart due to the release of the album, with its highest peak being at number 23 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Songs.

"Tuscan Leather" was written by Drake, Anthony Palman and Noah Shebib, and was produced by Drake's longtime collaborator Noah "40" Shebib. It borrows its name from the Tom Ford fragrance of the same name, which generally ranges from $220-$535. The song utilizes a vocal sample from "I Have Nothing", written by David Foster and Linda Thompson-Jenner, who receive writing credits, and performed by Whitney Houston. It also contains interpolations of "Serious", written by Warren McGlone and Lawrence Parker, and samples "When Seasons Change" (live) by Curtis Mayfield.[citation needed]

It was recorded at Noble Street Studios in Toronto and Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, Ontario, along with Tree Sound Studios in Atlanta, Georgia and Marvin's Room in Hollywood, California. "Tuscan Leather" was recorded by Shebib and Noel Cadastre, while the pair received assistance from Luke Neveille, Jeff Crake, Miguel Scott, and John Nettlesbey. Lindsey Warner assisted Noel "Gadget" Campbell Toronto's Studio 306 in mixing the song. Background vocals for the song were provided by Cappadonna, while Shebib handled all the instrumentation. However, Adrian "X" Eccleston played the guitar, and additional drum programming was done by Matthew "Boi-1da" Samuels and Nineteen85.

"“Tuscan Leather,” that’s where I came from. That’s what I used to make—not to say it’s not a blatant The Heatmakerz/Dipset beat [laughs]. I love taking shit and flipping it. There’s nothing I can’t do. Literally. I’m not trying to be a facetious asshole, but I’m serious. If I can think of it from an acoustical standpoint, I can most likely achieve it. It’s like a magic trick; people are like, How did you do it? Well, I did it in two parts and put them together and accidentally created something amazing."

According to Songfacts, Graham explained to Vibe Magazine:

"When we were in Atlanta I told 40, ‘Man, just give me some s— that Dipset would rap on,“ he said. "He gave me the beat for the first part of 'Tuscan Leather.”’ Then Boi-1da sent us some drums and we flipped it, then flipped the end part again. We had this running joke; we’d listen to the song and be like ‘Oh, the album is done. The song was such a journey.’"

- Drake via Vibe

Tuscan Leather
Drake Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah
Alright, yeah

Comin' off the last record
I'm gettin' twenty million off the record
Just to off these records, nigga, that's a record
I'm livin' like I'm out here on my last adventure
Past the present when you have to mention

This is nothin' for the radio, but they'll still play it though
'Cause it's that new Drizzy Drake, that's just the way it go
Heavy airplay all day with no chorus
We keep it thorough, nigga, rap like this for all of my 'Borough niggas
I reached the point where don't shit matter to me, nigga
I reached heights that Dwight Howard couldn't reach, nigga
Prince Akeem, they throw flowers at my feet, nigga
I could go a hour on this beat, nigga
Yeah, I'm just as famous as my mentor
But that's still the boss, don't get sent for
Get hype on tracks and jump in front of a bullet you wasn't meant for
'Cause you don't really wanna hear me vent more
Hot temper, scary outcome
Here's a reason for niggas that's hatin' without one
That always let they mouth run
Bench players talkin' like starters, I hate it
Started from the bottom, now we here, nigga, we made it
Yeah, Tom Ford Tuscan Leather smellin' like a brick
Degenerates, but even Ellen love our shit
Rich enough that I don't have to tell 'em that I'm rich
Self explanatory, you just here to spread the story
Wassup?

Sittin' Gucci Row like they say up at UNLV
Young rebel, Young Money, nothin' you could tell me
Paperwork takin' too long, maybe they don't understand me
I'll compromise if I have to, I gotta stay with the family
Not even talkin' to Nicki, communication is breakin'
I dropped the ball on some personal shit, I need to embrace it
I'm honest, I make mistakes, I'd be the second to admit it
Think that's why I need her in my life, to check me when I'm trippin'
On a mission tryna shift the culture
Tell me who dissin', I got some things that'll hit the culprit
Them strep throat flows, some shit to stop all of the talkin'
All of the talkin', got one reply for all of your comments
Fuck what you think, I'm too busy, that's why you leave a message
Born a perfectionist, guess that makes me a bit obsessive
That shit I heard from you lately really relieved some pressure
Like ayy, B, I got your CD, you get an E for effort
I piece letters together and get to talkin' reckless
Owl chains like credentials, you know you see the necklace
My life's a completed checklist
I'm tired of hearin' 'bout who you checkin' for now
Just give it time, we'll see who's still around a decade from now
That's real

How much time is this nigga spendin' on the intro?
Lately I've been feelin' like Guy Pearce in Memento
I just set the bar, niggas fall under it like a limbo
The family all that matters, I'm just out here with my kinfolk
Off everything my pen wrote, we went from Bundy to Winslow
This for shorty up on Glengrove who love when I catch my tempo
I sip the Pora and listen to Cappadonna (talk to 'em)
The fresh prince just had dinner with Tatyana, no lie
All these 90's fantasies on my mind
The difference is that with mine, they all come true in due time
I might come through without security to check if you're fine
That's just me on my solo like "Fuck it", like "YOLO"
Wanted to tell you, "Accept yourself"
You don't have to prove shit to no one except yourself
And if you end up needin' some extra help, then I could help
You know, back on your feet and shit
Tryna get my karma up, fuck the guilty and greedy shit
How much time is this nigga spendin' on the intro?
How this nigga workin' like he got a fuckin' twin though?
Life is soundin' crazy, 40 on Martin Scorcese
And I wouldn't change a thing if you paid me, man
Real nigga, wassup?
Ayy, yeah, ayy
How much time is this nigga spendin' on the intro?

If there's hell below, I'll see you when you get there
Are you enjoying yourselves?
If we may, we would just like to close off with somethin' a bit inspirational
Hopefully something a bit relevant as to us all
Are having the same fears, shedding similar tears
And of course dying in so many years
It don't mean that we can't have a good life

So we'd like to just maybe close out with something
Some food for thought for all of us

Overall Meaning

In the first verse of Tuscan Leather, Drake talks about the success he has achieved as a musician. He mentions how he made twenty million off his last record and how he lives like he’s on his last adventure. The lyrics suggest that Drake has reached a level of fame where nothing matters to him anymore. He is also known as Drizzy Drake, which he references in the lyrics, claiming that people will play his music regardless of whether it's for the radio or not.

Drake is trying to point out that he has reached the peak of success and has nothing left to prove - he can go an hour on a beat, and even though he is just as famous as his mentor, he is not getting carried away with the fame. He also mentions implications of being a celebrity, such as people pretending to be his friends or associates for gains. In the second verse, he divulges some of his personal life, including the strain on his relationship with Nicki Minaj and his mission to shift the culture. The final verse of the song takes a more reflective turn and points out the value of life and what truly matters.

The overall message of the song is about the different phases of life that Drake has gone through and how his attitudes and perceptions have changed over time.

Line by Line Meaning

Comin' off the last record
Starting fresh from the previous album

I'm gettin' twenty million off the record
Earning a colossal amount of money from the album

Just to off these records, nigga, that's a record
Breaking the record by making a huge amount of money from selling the album

I'm livin' like I'm out here on my last adventure
Living life to the fullest as if it's the last adventure

Past the present when you have to mention
Going beyond the present and creating history

This is nothin' for the radio, but they'll still play it though
Although it's not suitable for radio play, it's still getting played

'Cause it's that new Drizzy Drake, that's just the way it go
Being famous leads to people giving his music a chance

Heavy airplay all day with no chorus
No chorus, but still earning good airplay throughout the day

We keep it thorough, nigga, rap like this for all of my 'Borough niggas
Rapping truthfully for his loyal fans from the Burrows

I reached the point where don't shit matter to me, nigga
Not being bothered by things anymore after reaching a peak

I reached heights that Dwight Howard couldn't reach, nigga
Achieving more than basketball player Dwight Howard

Prince Akeem, they throw flowers at my feet, nigga
Being treated like a prince where people praise and respect him

I could go a hour on this beat, nigga
Rapping for an hour without stopping

Yeah, I'm just as famous as my mentor
Being as famous as his mentor Lil Wayne

But that's still the boss, don't get sent for
Acknowledging Lil Wayne still is his boss and he shouldn't be crossed

Get hype on tracks and jump in front of a bullet you wasn't meant for
Being overzealous can cause a lot of danger that one cannot handle

'Cause you don't really wanna hear me vent more
People not wanting to listen to him vent anymore

Hot temper, scary outcome
Having a hot temper can lead to dangerous consequences

Here's a reason for niggas that's hatin' without one
Giving a reason for people who hate him for no specific reason

That always let they mouth run
People who talk without knowing anything about him or his life

Bench players talkin' like starters, I hate it
People who aren't qualified to talk are acting like they know it all

Started from the bottom, now we here, nigga, we made it
Coming from a humble beginning to a successful place

Yeah, Tom Ford Tuscan Leather smellin' like a brick
Wearing a signature fragrance of Tom Ford

Degenerates, but even Ellen love our shit
Being loved by people of all kinds, even Ellen DeGeneres

Rich enough that I don't have to tell 'em that I'm rich
Being wealthy enough to not have to show off his wealth

Self explanatory, you just here to spread the story
People just wanting to talk about him without knowing much

Sittin' Gucci Row like they say up at UNLV
Being seated at the Gucci Row

Young rebel, Young Money, nothin' you could tell me
Being a young rebel and part of Young Money that cannot be told what to do

Paperwork takin' too long, maybe they don't understand me
Maybe his paperwork is taking long because people don't seem to understand him

I'll compromise if I have to, I gotta stay with the family
Compromising if necessary but staying loyal to the family

Not even talkin' to Nicki, communication is breakin'
Not even having good communication with Nicki anymore

I dropped the ball on some personal shit, I need to embrace it
Making mistakes in personal life and acknowledging it

I'm honest, I make mistakes, I'd be the second to admit it
Being honest enough to admit his mistakes

Think that's why I need her in my life, to check me when I'm trippin'
Needing Nicki in his life to keep him in check and on the right path

On a mission tryna shift the culture
Trying to make a difference and influence the culture

Tell me who dissin', I got some things that'll hit the culprit
Going after anyone who talks badly about him

Them strep throat flows, some shit to stop all of the talkin'
Rapping in a way that silences the negativity and gossip

All of the talkin', got one reply for all of your comments
Just replying to all the negativity with one response

Fuck what you think, I'm too busy, that's why you leave a message
Ignoring others' thoughts and focuses on being busy and successful

Born a perfectionist, guess that makes me a bit obsessive
Born with a desire to be perfect which can come across as obsessive

That shit I heard from you lately really relieved some pressure
Hearing recent comments relieved some stressful situations

Like ayy, B, I got your CD, you get an E for effort
Giving an 'E' for effort to those who listen and appreciate his music

I piece letters together and get to talkin' reckless
Putting words together to express his thoughts freely

Owl chains like credentials, you know you see the necklace
Wearing jewelry that looks like credentials with an owl chain necklace

My life's a completed checklist
Having accomplished most things on his life's checklist

I'm tired of hearin' 'bout who you checkin' for now
Not interested in who others prefer listening to

Just give it time, we'll see who's still around a decade from now
Waiting to see who is still relevant and successful in the long run

How much time is this nigga spendin' on the intro?
Wondering how much time was spent on the intro of the song

Lately I've been feelin' like Guy Pearce in Memento
Feeling like Guy Pearce's character in the movie Memento, where he can barely remember anything

I just set the bar, niggas fall under it like a limbo
Setting the standard for others to follow and they fall short

The family all that matters, I'm just out here with my kinfolk
Being all about family and spending time with them

Off everything my pen wrote, we went from Bundy to Winslow
Using his writing to go from humble beginnings to a better place

This for shorty up on Glengrove who love when I catch my tempo
Dedicating the song to the fans who love when he raps fast

I sip the Pora and listen to Cappadonna (talk to 'em)
Drinking Pora and listening to Cappadonna while focusing

The fresh prince just had dinner with Tatyana, no lie
Meeting with Tatyana Ali who played Ashley in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

All these 90's fantasies on my mind
Fantasizing about the 90s and all the great things from that time

The difference is that with mine, they all come true in due time
Having fantasies and dreams that end up coming true over time

I might come through without security to check if you're fine
Visiting alone to check on someone's well-being and not needing security

That's just me on my solo like "Fuck it", like "YOLO"
Being spontaneous and living life as if only living once

Wanted to tell you, "Accept yourself"
Encouraging others to accept themselves for who they are

You don't have to prove shit to no one except yourself
You don't have to prove anything to anyone but yourself

And if you end up needin' some extra help, then I could help
Offering to help those who need it

You know, back on your feet and shit
Helping someone get back on their feet and become successful

Tryna get my karma up, fuck the guilty and greedy shit
Trying to be a better person and not getting involved in the bad things

How this nigga workin' like he got a fuckin' twin though?
Working hard like he has a twin to get things done faster

Life is soundin' crazy, 40 on Martin Scorcese
Life seems chaotic and unpredictable with influence from Martin Scorsese's films

And I wouldn't change a thing if you paid me, man
Being content with his life choices and not wanting to change them for anything

Real nigga, wassup?
Being authentic and real

If there's hell below, I'll see you when you get there
If someone is causing hell, he'll see them when they end up in hell

Are you enjoying yourselves?
Questioning if others are having a good time

If we may, we would just like to close off with somethin' a bit inspirational
Ending on an inspirational note

Hopefully something a bit relevant as to us all
Something relevant for everyone to relate to

Are having the same fears, shedding similar tears
Everyone has the same fears and sheds similar tears

And of course dying in so many years
Human mortality is the inevitable end for all

It don't mean that we can't have a good life
Even with the inevitable end, we can still have a good life

So we'd like to just maybe close out with something
Ending with inspiring words

Some food for thought for all of us
Leaving something to think about for everyone

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Aubrey Graham, Anthony Palman, David Foster, Curtis Mayfield, Warren McGlone, Lawrence Parker, Noah Shebib, Linda Thompson-Jenner

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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