Started from the Bottom

"Started from the Bottom" emerged from a studio session with Drake and American rapper Future, who repeatedly requested studio personnel to "start [it] from the bottom", which would prompt a replay of the instrumental. Drake, believing the phrase referred to a song title, used the inspiration to form the overall basis of the record.{{cite web | url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/pt7r1i/10-things-we-learned-from-future-s-crwn-interview/lfdsjc | title=10 Things We Learned from Future's CRWN Interview | website=BET }} "Started From the Bottom" was originally planned to be released on February 10, 2013, coinciding with the Grammy Awards.{{cite web |last=Sia |first=Nicole |url=https://www.spin.com/2013/02/drake-started-from-the-bottom-stream/ |title=Hear Drake Set His Origin Story Straight on 'Started From the Bottom' | SPIN | SPIN Mix | Songs |publisher=SPIN |date=2013-02-02 |access-date=2013-02-08 |archive-date=2015-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206015040/http://www.spin.com/2013/02/drake-started-from-the-bottom-stream/ |url-status=live }} However, it was instead premiered on February 1 through Drake's "October's Very Own" blog, as he preferred to release it without prior interviews.{{cite web |url=http://octobersveryown.blogspot.com/2013/02/started-from-bottom.html |title=OCTOBERS VERY OWN: Started From The Bottom |publisher=Octobersveryown.blogspot.com |date=2013-02-01 |access-date=2013-02-08 |archive-date=2013-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205194033/http://octobersveryown.blogspot.com/2013/02/started-from-bottom.html |url-status=live }} The song was officially released on iTunes on February 6, 2013.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/album/started-from-bottom-single/id600729789/|title=Drake – Started from the Bottom (2013) (iTunes) [Single]|publisher=iTunes Store (US). Apple|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=October 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014003113/https://itunes.apple.com/album/started-from-bottom-single/id600729789|url-status=dead}} At the 55th Grammy Awards, Drake teased that an official remix would be released.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22889/title.drake-reveals-meaning-behind-started-from-the-bottom-|title=Drake Hints At Official Remix Of "Started From The Bottom"|author=HipHopDX|date=11 February 2013|work=HipHopDX|access-date=12 February 2013|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029080403/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertagids&topUrl=hiphopdx.com&gdpr=0&gdpr_consent=|url-status=live}}

Lyrically, "Started from the Bottom" addresses Drake's early life and career beginnings. He commented of its concept, "I feel sometimes that people don't have enough information about my beginnings and therefore they make up a life story for me that isn't consistent with actual events. I did not buy my way into this spot and it was the furthest thing from easy to achieve. I am proud of every part of my past and I'm excited for this song to find a place in your life as well." The song makes use of instrumentation from drums and a piano; MTV describes it as "departure" from his earlier works.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1701267/drake-started-from-the-bottom-new-single.jhtml |title=Drake's 'Started From the Bottom' Filled With Fire And Frustration - Music, Celebrity, Artist News |publisher=MTV.com |date=2013-02-01 |access-date=2013-02-08 |archive-date=2013-02-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206084348/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1701267/drake-started-from-the-bottom-new-single.jhtml |url-status=dead }}

On September 4, 2012, Drake was seen filming the music video for the song which was being directed by Director X.{{cite web |url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2013/01/16/drake-shooting-video-for-started-from-the-bottom-in-toronto-old-video-teaser-surfaces/#more-68589 |title=Drake Shooting Video For 'Started From the Bottom' In Toronto, Old Video Teaser Surfaces |publisher=Rapfix.mtv.com |access-date=2013-02-12 |archive-date=2013-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055546/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2013/01/16/drake-shooting-video-for-started-from-the-bottom-in-toronto-old-video-teaser-surfaces/#more-68589 |url-status=dead }} The music video was released on February 10, 2013. The video features an all-white dressed Drake standing in the back of a white Bentley convertible, during a blizzard. In other scenes, he works retail in a Shoppers Drug Mart drugstore, flies a plane into his native Toronto and dances around in a club. Drake's mother, Sandi, and producers Boi-1da and Noah "40" Shebib also have cameos in the video. It also includes a skit by rapper OB O'Brien, Drake's cousin and friend Ryan Silverstein,{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/gallery/5-things-we-learned-drakes-started-bottom-video/sftb-3/|title=5 Things We Learned from Drake's "Started From The Bottom" Video|last=Krishnamurthy|first=Sowmya|date=February 12, 2013|website=Vibe (magazine)|access-date=January 13, 2023}} and model Angelica Charrupi.{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/gallery/10-hottest-vixens-featured-drakes-music-videos/|title=The 10 Hottest Vixens Featured In Drake's Music Videos|date=February 15, 2013|website=Vibe (magazine)|access-date=January 13, 2023}} At the end it displays Drake and his friends partying at a villa in the Dominican Republic.{{cite web |first=Kia |last=Makarechi |url=https://huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/10/started-from-the-bottom-video-drake_n_2659081.html |title='Started From The Bottom' Video: Drake Drops Visuals For New Single On Grammy Night |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date=2011-01-23 |access-date=2024-05-31 |archive-date=2013-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211081956/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/10/started-from-the-bottom-video-drake_n_2659081.html |url-status=live }}

Shortly after the song's debut Wiz Khalifa was the first to release a remix to the song.{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/expluo/wiz-khalifa-releases-started-from-the-bottom-remix|title=Wiz Khalifa Releases "Started From the Bottom" Remix|date=4 February 2013|work=BET.com|access-date=16 February 2013|archive-date=8 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208041219/http://www.bet.com/news/music/2013/02/04/wiz-khalifa-releases-started-from-the-bottom-remix.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=3 February 2013 |title=Wiz Khalifa "Started from the Bottom (Freestyle)" - XXL |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/wiz-khalifa-started-from-the-bottom-remix/}} Since then artists such as Lil Wayne, Machine Gun Kelly, Bow Wow, Soulja Boy, Ace Hood, Meek Mill, Chris Brown, Papoose, Wyclef Jean, Riff Raff, Arcángel & De La Ghetto, Misha B, and Karmin{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyWv2D-ESMw|title=Karmin - Started From The Bottom (Drake Cover)|date=25 February 2013|via=YouTube}} have released their own remixes or freestyles to the song.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ace-hood-started-from-the-bottom-song.1225543.html|title=Ace Hood - Started From The Bottom (Freestyle) - Stream [New Song]|author=Rose Lilah|date=14 February 2013|work=HotNewHipHop|access-date=16 February 2013|archive-date=17 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217041641/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ace-hood-started-from-the-bottom-song.1225543.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhZ6117To1fv4TAgot|title=Papoose Freestyles Over "Started From The Bottom" On Showoff Radio!|work=WORLDSTARHIPHOP|access-date=2013-02-16|archive-date=2021-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029080407/https://aktrack.pubmatic.com/AdServer/AdDisplayTrackerServlet?operId=1&pubId=160994&siteId=854527&adId=3951881&adType=13&adServerId=243&kefact=4.581085&kaxefact=4.581085&kadNetFrequecy=0&kadwidth=0&kadheight=0&kadsizeid=97&kltstamp=1635494646&indirectAdId=0&adServerOptimizerId=2&ranreq=0.1&kpbmtpfact=4.581085&dcId=1&tldId=0&passback=0&svr=BID77436U&adsver=_2318678144&adsabzcid=0&cls=BID&ekefact=9qp7YYvSBQAvaMKEyTGAPdQvedk2-9nQvLdG_QB-lHytoywJ&ekaxefact=9qp7YaHSBQBDPgSn7WnLVlL-09CDzgVrbdPCqCSKqS2rjHhz&ekpbmtpfact=9qp7YbXSBQBPAe8tLfPK5LiMnXm-szcC3qt9Vv1qGhZh4sAr&enpp=9qp7YcnSBQDo7Fv0ZRHymPFzTILebEA-qLiHL-TykSHkRCLC&pfi=1&dc=SFO2&pubBuyId=30378&crID=3400530&lpu=simplisafe.com&ucrid=10921344015020327714&campaignId=23026&creativeId=0&pctr=0.000000&wDSPByrId=OATH101654000&wDspId=452&wbId=8&wrId=0&wAdvID=93051&wDspCampId=1500320&isRTB=1&rtbId=B5ACD1DF-BC01-4AE0-B61F-7C78E38FD40B&imprId=BECD86E1-AB91-4D57-88EC-C7F442D011A4&oid=BECD86E1-AB91-4D57-88EC-C7F442D011A4&cntryId=232&sec=1&pAuSt=3&wops=0&sURL=worldstarhiphop.com&BrID=5&tpb=2|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/04/09/video-wyclef-jean-started-from-the-bottom-freestyle/|title=Video: Wyclef Jean – 'Started From the Bottom (Freestyle)'|work=Rap-Up|access-date=2013-04-13|archive-date=2013-05-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515045516/http://www.rap-up.com/2013/04/09/video-wyclef-jean-started-from-the-bottom-freestyle/|url-status=live}}[https://youtube.com/watch?v=P5wETZyng1g Lil Wayne - Started From The Bottom [Dedication 5] - YouTube] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902002944/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5wETZyng1g&gl=US&hl=en |date=2013-09-02 }} On February 15, 2013, Mike Posner, Asher Roth, T. Mills, Chuck Inglish and King Chip released a music video for their remix of the song.{{cite web|url=http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshh18TqcY29Dx8u1V47|title=Mike Posner (Feat. Asher Roth, T Mills, Chuck Inglish & King Chip) - Started From The Bottom Remix|work=WORLDSTARHIPHOP|access-date=2013-02-16|archive-date=2021-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029080407/https://aktrack.pubmatic.com/track?operId=7&p=160994&s=854527&a=3951881&wa=243&ts=1635494645&wc=23026&crId=3400530&ucrid=10921344015020327714&impid=51B6C7E5-F509-4E1C-B7AE-453F27C161A2&advertiser_id=93051&ecpm=5.122498&e=2&pfi=1&vps=1&ch=3&it=5&vadFmt=6&vapi=2&sURL=worldstarhiphop.com|url-status=live}} On October 12, 2013, DJ Felli Fel released a remix supporting the Los Angeles Dodgers 2013 playoff run, featuring Ice Cube, Tyga and Ty Dolla Sign.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/10/dj-felli-fel-featuring-ice-cube-tyga-ty-dolla-ign-dodgers-anthem-2013/|title=DJ Felli Fel Featuring Ice Cube, Tyga & Ty Dolla $ign "Dodgers Anthem 2013″|author=cvernoncoleman|date=13 October 2013|work=XXL Mag|access-date=13 October 2013|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017040652/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/10/dj-felli-fel-featuring-ice-cube-tyga-ty-dolla-ign-dodgers-anthem-2013/|url-status=live}} Shortly after an extended version also featuring, Warren G, Problem and Chino XL was released.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopearly.com/DJ-Felli-Fel-ft-Ice-Cube-Tyga-Ty-Dolla-ign-War-t20902.html|title=DJ Felli Fel ft Ice Cube, Tyga, Ty Dolla $ign, Warren G, Chino XL, Problem - Dodgers Anthem 2013 (New Version)|work=HipHopEarly|access-date=2013-10-19|archive-date=2019-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727141817/http://www.hiphopearly.com/DJ-Felli-Fel-ft-Ice-Cube-Tyga-Ty-Dolla-ign-War-t20902.html|url-status=dead}}

At the 55th Grammy Awards, Drake suggested that an official remix could be released. He began work on it with Rick Ross and DJ Khaled but the recording session resulted in the first single off Khaled's next album, "No New Friends".{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/04/drake-is-dropping-2-new-songs-next-week|title=Drake Is Dropping 2 New Songs Next Week|author=Ernest Baker|date=12 April 2013|work=Complex|access-date=13 April 2013|archive-date=15 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415105552/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/04/drake-is-dropping-2-new-songs-next-week|url-status=live}}

Lewis Corner of Digital Spy gave the song a positive review stating:

Backdropped by a haunting piano loop and tinned snare, the production falls in line with what we've come to expect from a brooding Drake track. "Started from the bottom now we're here," he reflects. "Started from the bottom now my whole team fucking here." The ascent to stardom has clearly been the smoothest of paths, but we hope there's a little more depth to the remainder of his new material to keep him up there with the best. {{rating|3|5}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a458211/drake-started-from-the-bottom-single-review.html|title=Drake: 'Started From the Bottom' - Single review|author=Lewis Corner|date=12 February 2013|work=Digital Spy|access-date=12 February 2013|archive-date=13 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213171944/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a458211/drake-started-from-the-bottom-single-review.html|url-status=live}}

On December 2, 2013, Complex named "Started From the Bottom" the second best song released in 2013. David Drake of Complex said, "Musically, "Started From the Bottom" is Drake at his most irrepressibly memorable. Stripped down to a simple piano line and a crisp, unforgettable drum pattern, the song's simplicity gave it a singular fingerprint. It epitomizes the new, clean, minimal direction Drake took throughout Nothing Was The Same, while sounding like no other song on it. It is wistful, atmospheric, as catchy as a nursery rhyme. Lyrically, the song is packed with hooks, each line a mantra of burgeoning confidence, hard-earned."{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/best-songs-of-2013/drake-started-from-the-bottom|title=Drake "Started From The Bottom" - The 50 Best Songs of 2013 - Complex|author=Insanul Ahmed|date=2 December 2013|work=Complex|access-date=2 December 2013|archive-date=5 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205163334/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/best-songs-of-2013/drake-started-from-the-bottom|url-status=live}} Rolling Stone then ranked the song at number nine on their list of the 100 Best Songs of 2013.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-best-songs-of-2013-20131204/drake-started-from-the-bottom-19691231|title=Drake, "Started From the Bottom"|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=4 December 2013|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-date=29 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229015035/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-best-songs-of-2013-20131204/drake-started-from-the-bottom-19691231|url-status=live}} XXL named it one of the top five hip hop songs of 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/xxl-lists-best-hip-hop-songs-albums-last-40-years-xxl-issue-152/4/|title=XXL Lists The Best Hip-Hop Songs And Albums Of The Last 40 Years – XXL Issue 152|author=xxlstaff|date=9 January 2014|work=XXL Mag|access-date=9 January 2014|archive-date=10 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110004336/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/xxl-lists-best-hip-hop-songs-albums-last-40-years-xxl-issue-152/4/|url-status=live}}

The track entered the UK Singles Chart at number 71 on February 10, 2013. The following week it rose forty-six positions to number 25 – becoming only Drake's third top 40 entry as a solo artist in the UK. The song has reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and is Drake's eleventh top 10 hit on the chart.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1549388/baauers-harlem-shake-debuts-atop-revamped-hot-100|title=Baauer's 'Harlem Shake' Debuts Atop Revamped Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2013-02-21|archive-date=2016-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331193813/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1549388/baauers-harlem-shake-debuts-atop-revamped-hot-100|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1550092/baauers-harlem-shake-tops-hot-100-for-second-week|title=Baauer's 'Harlem Shake' Tops Hot 100 for Second Week|last=Trust|first=Gary|magazine=Billboard|date=2013-02-27|access-date=2013-02-27|archive-date=2013-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302002902/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1550092/baauers-harlem-shake-tops-hot-100-for-second-week|url-status=live}} The song sold over 2 million digital copies in the US by January 2014.{{cite news |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/music-news/chart-watch-radioactive-sets-rock-record-001439867.html |title=Can You Believe "Don't Stop Believin'" Loses Spot as Best-Selling Rock Song? |author=Paul Grein |work=Chart Watch |publisher=Yahoo |date=January 2, 2014 |access-date=January 6, 2014 |archive-date=January 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104155422/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/music-news/chart-watch-radioactive-sets-rock-record-001439867.html |url-status=live }}

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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2013|certyear=2022|access-date=November 7, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Drake|title=Started from the Bottom|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2012|certyear=2024|access-date=June 17, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=single|artist=Drake|title=Started from the Bottom|award=Platinum|relyear=2012|certyear=2013|digital=true}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Drake|title=Started From The Bottom|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2013|certyear=2021|access-date=October 1, 2021|id=13095-2363-1}}

{{certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Drake|title=Started from the Bottom|award=Platinum|number=8|relyear=2013|certyear=2023|type=single|access-date=October 26, 2023}}

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The song was used in the NBA 2K14 soundtrack, as well as in the official trailer of the film Shazam! Fury of the Gods.{{cite web | url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/shazam-fury-of-the-gods-second-trailer-ups-the-ante-with-helen-mirren-and-a-drake-remix/1100-6510897/ | title=Shazam! Fury Of The God's Second Trailer Ups The Ante With Helen Mirren And A Drake Remix | website=www.gamespot.com | date=26 January 2023 }}

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Category:Drake (musician) songs

Category:2013 singles

Category:2013 songs

Category:Cash Money Records singles

Category:Music videos directed by Director X

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Category:Songs written by Drake (musician)

Category:Songs written by 40 (record producer)

Category:Music videos shot in Toronto