4Batz Gets Drake's Stimulus Package, But Will It Work?

Not gonna lie, this video got me hyped. I couldn't make out what the song actually sounded like, but everyone seemed pretty pumped up, so I was expecting a certified hit that Flex could drop some bombs on. When the Dallas-based singer performed with “act i: stickerz '99” in the fall of 2023 (the first upload of “act i” on YouTube was September 16, 2023), a collaboration with Drake felt unlikely. Some have compared 4Batz to a deranged Brent Faiyaz or the Weeknd. I've seen people say he makes R&B music for stick up guys. And I, too, think he makes love songs for villains. You know, the ones who also happen to be true lovers. The thugs with the big hearts, like Method Man in “All I Need.”

That's why everyone saw Drake Stimmy coming from a mile away. He is the Certified Lover Boy after all. Ultimately though? I was a bit disappointed. Aside from some fans on X complaining that the song wasn't available in the US, this one didn't occupy my timeline. Usually when Drake remixes a popular newcomer's song, everything stops for a moment. However, last night most of X was still high on the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets game because on Thursday nights, my sports and music worlds collide on social media. “act ii: date @ 8 (remix)” didn't stop us all in our tracks. I actually didn't even think to listen to it until 12:30. My timeline usually explodes around midnight when some heat hits. That was a telltale sign for me. So when I finally checked it out, I was disappointed.

The remix as we know it has changed. There was a time when a remix meant a different beat and new lyrics. Today, we have a verse that links to the original song. The aforementioned Method Man and Mary J. Blige song is actually his remix the original version of the album in which MJB does not make an appearance. Nobody remembers the OG version. The same can be said for Craig Mack's “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” where the pace was the samebut Craig Mack added a new verse to go along with lyrics from Biggie, Rampage, LL Cool J and Busta Rhymes.

This piece has some of those features, but they aren't significant enough to do much. Drake's contribution, while good in terms of sound and bars, is stitched together like a bad patchwork. We don't even get a new verse from 4Batz. This feels like two different songs and is essentially a home run for the Canadian rapper as it doesn't challenge him. It's almost too much on the nose. However, Drake steps into his real bag and delivers a good verse. “A thousand in your own hair/Two hooves in your claws,” he croons, effectively reminding 4Batz that he's now dealing with cats in different tax brackets. It would be nice if 4Batz added a verse to the breakdown of 40. These two teaming up on say “act iv” would hit a lot harder, hopefully they'll team up in the near future. I have to admit though, Drake's addition sounds great on some good speakers, the streets just need 4Batz to kick in too. That would knock this remix out of the park because these two are a match made in Thug Matrimony.

Shouts to the real lovers, the real cravers, the real cheaters, though. I'm calling it now, Thug Love is coming back this summer. Someone get Ja Rule and Bobby Brown on the phone.