'Habibti, please': Drake raps in Arabic on new single 'Only You Freestyle'

In the drill track with Headie One, the Canadian rapper gives a nod to his Middle Eastern resemblance

Drake has released 'Only You Freestyle', a drill track in which he raps some lyrics in Arabic. AP

Drake is now peppering his verses with some Arabic.

Having just released two new songs with DJ Khaled, the Canadian rapper has now brought out Only You Freestyle, a drill track in which he raps some lyrics in Arabic.

"Arabic ting told me that I look like Youssef, look like Hamza. Habibti please, ana akeed, enti w ana ahla," Drake raps, alluding to suggestions he looks Arab.

The Arabic line in the verse translates to “My love, please, I’m sure, you and I look better together".

The track, which features British rapper Headie One, also features several shoutouts to other musicians, including Desiigner and Popcaan. In the song, Drake promises to retaliate against an unnamed rival.

Arab social media users were quick to notice Drake's use of the language in the single. "Drake sounds good speaking Arabic," Twitter user Youmna wrote.

However, there was some constructive criticism as well.

One user wrote that she “loved this great effort”, before tagging Drake’s handle and writing, “we need to work on your Haa".

“I just know that DJ Khaled was the one that taught Drake Arabic,” quipped another.

This is not the first time Drake has used Arabic in his lyrics. In his 2017 song Portland, he says "habibi" and on 2018's Diplomatic Immunity, he says "Inshallah" (God willing).

It also is not the first time Drake has recognised his Middle Eastern resemblance. After visiting Dubai in 2015, the Grammy-winning rapper posted a picture on his Instagram with Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed, writing that he was his "long lost brother".

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