Drake has given fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how producer Elkan crafted the beat for “NOKIA,” one of the standout tracks from his collaborative album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U.
The song has made a strong debut, landing at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, while another solo track from the album, “GIMME A HUG,” climbed even higher to No. 6.
In a clip reposted by Drake on his “plot twist” burner Instagram account, Elkan is seen working on the beat in a Sierra Leone studio on January 8. The U.K.-based producer reflected on the significance of the track, saying, “This record means a lot to me. In the mist of a mental breakdown I channeled all the pain, trauma, and joy into music not letting a f***ed up mental state stop me from expressing myself.”
He went on to describe how the song’s theme emerged from personal experiences, sharing, “Nokia came from people I love ringing my line asking if I was okay, inviting me out to karaoke, clubbing, going to crazy food spots, and just enjoying the finer things in life! When Drake puts pen to pad onna elkan ting you know it’s a speeeecial one!”
Drake’s commercial dominance continues with $ome $exy $ongs 4 U securing an impressive 246,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and with two solo tracks breaking into the Hot 100’s top 10, Drake extends his record to 80 top 10 hits—more than any artist in history.
Drake’s ‘GIMME A HUG’ and ‘NOKIA’ both chart inside the top ten on Billboard this week 🔥🦉
He now has 80 top ten hits, the most of ANY artist in history. pic.twitter.com/07gSo6Z0wN
— Hip Hop All Day (@HipHopAllDayy) February 24, 2025
Currently on his “Anita Max Win” tour across Australia and New Zealand, Drake is expected to perform “NOKIA” live, much to the excitement of his fans. Meanwhile, Elkan is receiving widespread praise for his production work, with the track solidifying his name in the industry. As summer approaches, “NOKIA” is already shaping up to be a seasonal anthem.
