Make Them Know

Drake dives deep into his life experiences in "Make Them Know." He paints a picture of his past, blending moments of doubt with confidence. It’s like he’s saying, “Yeah, I’ve been through a lot, but I’m still here.” The song captures the tension between how people see him and who he really is. There’s a sense of defiance, like he’s ready to prove himself despite the challenges.

Verse 1

Ay
I tried and tried and tried 'til the R switched place with the I
I'll never forget that July, the worst that I felt in a while
I'm glad that you think that I'm soft, I'm glad that you think that I'm shy
I need you to think all these things, I got bigger than what's in my mind

In this verse, Drake opens up about his struggles. He hints at a turning point, referencing a tough time in July. The play on words with the letters R and I suggests a shift in his identity or mindset. He acknowledges that others may see him as weak or shy, but he also wants them to underestimate him. It’s a clever twist; he’s using their perceptions to fuel his ambition. He feels he has bigger dreams than what people expect.

Chorus

I'll take it, an eye for an eye, I'll send a boy up to the sky
I still haven't lost any sleep, and I definitely didn't cry
Ayo, Gucci get back in the ride 'cause that's definitely not the guy
Mistaken identity mixed with adrenaline, almost just kissed you goodbye

The chorus reflects a mix of bravado and resilience. Drake talks about retaliation but seems unfazed by it. He hasn’t lost sleep over his struggles, which shows his toughness. The mention of “mistaken identity” hints at how people misjudge him. There’s an adrenaline rush here, highlighting the chaotic nature of his life.

Verse 2

It's rap, so it sound like a lie when I talk to you and I confide
I'm goin', goin' back to Cali, I got hearts in both of my eyes
I'm sleepin' with death on my mind 'cause the shots that I called in my time
And karma has been on my side, but I also just heard that she's blind

In this verse, Drake reflects on the nature of rap and truth. He feels like his confessions might come off as unbelievable. The reference to going back to Cali is significant, as it often symbolizes success in hip-hop. He admits to being aware of his past mistakes, hinting at a darker side to his journey. Karma is a recurring theme, suggesting that while he’s had good fortune, he knows he can’t take it for granted.

Chorus

That bitch might just switch on a dime 'cause she can't even see I'm a guy
Pressure been gettin' applied, and I know I been bad with replies
The lawsuit I got is fried, 'til the R switched place with the I
They'll frame it as people retired, but we know what's a truth and a lie

Here, the chorus continues to explore the pressures Drake faces. He feels that things can change unexpectedly, especially with how people perceive him. There’s pressure to respond and be present, but he struggles with that. The mention of a lawsuit adds a layer of conflict and shows that he’s navigating some tough situations. The idea of truth versus lies is prominent, emphasizing that what’s presented to the public often isn’t the full story.

Verse 3

And they'll act like we signin' a deal when they pay me for wastin' my time
And they'll act like I lost my appeal, but they'll pay me for changin' they mind
They got wind of the fact I was hit, and the whole world started to chime
Not scared of no suit or no tie 'cause shit, victory always been mine

In this verse, Drake comments on the business side of music. He feels like people don’t recognize his worth until they need something from him. He challenges the idea that he’s lost his appeal, asserting that he still has power in the industry. The “suit or tie” line shows he won’t conform to expectations. It’s all about him taking control and claiming his victories.

Chorus

If I free up, my bro gotta live wit' it 'cause we know that that man isn't innocent
If they sayin' he did it, he did the shit, but he still might come home in a lil' bit
400 racks on the head, how am I spendin' so frivolous?
I act like the money's unlimited, if a Rolex I want 'bout to drop

This chorus touches on loyalty and consequences. Drake acknowledges the realities of his circle and how actions have weight. The mention of money emphasizes how it can blur lines between responsibility and excess. He seems aware that his lifestyle might be unsustainable but chooses to live in the moment.

Verse 4

I reserve the shit like I'm indigenous
Barber from 6 went broke, and he under my arm like I'm ticklish
Kow do they say they got classics if it's shit that you never revisited?
And if that's the shit you revisited, then why am I boss of the business?

In this verse, Drake’s confidence is clear. He talks about reserving items like they’re precious, hinting at his status. There’s a jab at those claiming to have classic music while not really revisiting it. He questions the authenticity in the industry and asserts himself as a leader. It’s a call-out to those who don’t truly understand the craft.

Chorus

Niggas been talkin' on digital, knowin' how shit could get physical
Niggas gon' see me at birds and act like they fuckin' invisible
If a Rolex I want 'bout to drop, I reserve it like I'm aboriginal
50 millimeter president for all the times shit got political

This chorus continues the theme of bravado and tension. Drake acknowledges the digital talk but knows things can get real. The idea of being invisible suggests people might hide behind screens but not face him directly. He’s once again tying material success to his identity and how he navigates his world.

Bridge

This album, I'm never submittin' it 'cause I know that they'll never consider it
This might be the one year I won 'cause I know how they like to position it
My bros wanna mob on the stage, but I tell them boys, "Now have some discipline"
We don't even want what they givin' us, them shits don't even have no significance

In the bridge, Drake makes a strong statement about his music. He’s unwilling to compromise or submit to industry standards. There’s a sense of pride in his work and a recognition that his success may not fit the mold. He emphasizes the importance of discipline among his crew, showing he values depth over superficiality.

Outro

They just wanna turn up with gang, they wanna turn up with the syndicate
And bro just touched down in the States, took a jetski from Windsor to Michigan
These niggas recoupin' on 2012, they gotta do it in increments
What happened to Drake from 2009 when all of the moments was intimate?

In the outro, Drake reflects on the shift in his life and career. He notes how others want to party while he’s more focused on his path. The mention of past moments being intimate contrasts with the current chaotic vibe. He’s nostalgic for a time when things felt more genuine, showing growth and maturity.

Closing Thoughts

"Make Them Know" is a powerful reflection on Drake's journey. He grapples with identity, fame, and the pressures that come with success. Through clever wordplay and emotional honesty, he shows that despite the challenges, he’s still in control. It's a reminder that even in the spotlight, there’s always more beneath the surface.