For All the Dogs
For All the Dogs is the eighth studio album by Canadian rapper Drake, released on October 6, 2023, through OVO Sound and Republic Records.[1] The project comprises 23 tracks and features guest appearances from artists including J. Cole, SZA, 21 Savage, Bad Bunny, and Teezo Touchdown, blending hip-hop, R&B, and introspective lyricism that explores themes of fame, relationships, and personal reflection.[2] Originally scheduled for September 22, the release was delayed by two weeks, coinciding with the launch of Drake's debut poetry book, Titles Ruin Everything.[3] Upon release, For All the Dogs debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning 402,000 album-equivalent units in its first week and marking Drake's ninth consecutive number-one album.[4] All 23 tracks from the album entered the Billboard Hot 100, with 21 landing in the top 40 and the lead single "First Person Shooter" featuring J. Cole debuting at number one.[4] The album also topped charts in several countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.[5] Critically, For All the Dogs received mixed reviews, praised for its production and standout collaborations but critiqued for its length and occasional lack of cohesion, with some outlets noting it as a return to Drake's signature sound while others felt it lacked innovation. In November 2023, Drake released an expanded edition titled For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition, adding six new tracks, including collaborations with Lil Yachty and Future.Background and promotion
Development and recording
Drake first teased For All the Dogs during his January 21, 2023, performance at the Apollo Theater in New York City, where he announced plans for a new album aimed at evoking deeper emotions following his recent releases Honestly, Nevermind and Her Loss.[6] The project began development shortly thereafter, with Drake describing it in subsequent interviews as a return to more introspective and raw material.[7] By mid-2023, much of the album's creation overlapped with his demanding schedule, including the start of the It's All a Blur Tour on July 5, 2023, alongside 21 Savage, during which Drake continued shaping the record amid performances across North America.[8] Originally slated for release on September 22, 2023, For All the Dogs faced a postponement to October 6, 2023, as Drake prioritized completing the tour dates to ensure the album's quality and cohesion.[8] Recording sessions occurred in multiple locations, reflecting Drake's mobile workflow, though key finalization, including mixing, took place at S.O.T.A. Studios in Toronto, Canada.[9] In a pre-release SiriusXM interview, Drake revealed ongoing studio work in Toronto, including late-night sessions where he collaborated closely with producers and featured artists like J. Cole, emphasizing a "fourth quarter magic" in their joint efforts.[7] The album's production involved a diverse roster of contributors, with executive production handled by Drake (under his real name Aubrey Graham), longtime collaborator Noah "40" Shebib, Oliver El-Khatib, and engineer Noel Cadastre.[9] Notable producers included BNYX, Boi-1da, Cash Cobain, Justin Raisen, Sadpony, and Southside, who crafted beats across the 23-track project, blending hip-hop, R&B, and experimental elements.[9] NBA star Kevin Durant contributed as A&R, adding an unconventional layer to the creative oversight.[9] Engineering was led by Cadastre, with mixing by Shebib and Cadastre, and mastering by Chris Athens at Sterling Sound.[9] This collaborative process underscored Drake's established OVO Sound ecosystem, honed over years of iterative studio work.Announcement and marketing
Drake first teased the album For All the Dogs during a January 2023 performance at the Apollo Theater in New York City, where he hinted at upcoming projects without specifying details.[10][11] The project's formal announcement came on June 23, 2023, tied to the promotion of Drake's debut poetry book, Titles Ruin Everything: A Stream of Consciousness, co-written with Kenza Samir and published by Assouline. Full-page advertisements for the book appeared in major newspapers including the New York Post, Los Angeles Times, and Houston Chronicle, featuring a QR code that directed users to a website displaying the message: "I made an album to go with the book. They say they miss the old Drake... For All the Dogs. Album Coming Soon." This integrated marketing approach blended literary and musical promotion, generating intrigue by embedding album hints within the book's rollout.[12][13][14] Throughout the summer of 2023, Drake employed thematic teasers aligned with the album's "dogs" motif to sustain buzz. On July 24, he was photographed in New York City wearing multiple dog masks during public appearances, a subtle nod to the title that sparked social media speculation. Additional promotions included cryptic social media posts and appearances, such as a July 23 motivational speech at a Toronto fashion event where he alluded to an imminent release "in a couple weeks." In August, unofficial promotional posters circulated online, though Drake clarified on Instagram that they were fan-made and not part of his official campaign. These low-key, viral tactics leveraged fan engagement and mystery to build anticipation without heavy traditional advertising.[15][16][17] On September 6, 2023, Drake revealed the initial release date of September 22 via an Instagram video featuring archival footage of his father, Dennis Graham, performing on bass, accompanied by the caption "FOR ALL THE DOGS SEPTEMBER 22." This personal touch emphasized family themes resonant with the album's dedication. However, on September 16, he postponed the launch to October 6, explaining on Instagram that additional time was needed to finalize the artwork drawn by his son, Adonis, framing the delay as a commitment to quality. The tracklist, comprising 23 songs, was unveiled on October 5 through Instagram, heightening last-minute excitement. Overall, the campaign exemplified Drake's strategy of prolonged teasing, social media-driven hype, and personal storytelling to maximize fan investment and cultural conversation.[18][3][19][20]Singles
The album For All the Dogs was supported by five official singles, released between September and November 2023, which collectively extended Drake's dominance on the Billboard Hot 100 by achieving multiple top-10 entries and two number-one debuts. These tracks highlighted collaborations with prominent artists such as SZA, J. Cole, Sexyy Red, and others, blending introspective rap with R&B and trap influences to build anticipation for the project's October 6 release. The singles' commercial success contributed to the album's chart-topping debut, with streaming and radio airplay driving their performance across global markets.[4] The lead single, "Slime You Out" featuring SZA, was released on September 15, 2023, as a precursor to the album, marking the duo's second collaboration after their 2022 hit "Creepin'." Produced by Karvin Honasan, Nik Domo, and others, the song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Drake's twelfth chart-topper and SZA's second, with 32.6 million streams in its first week. It also topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rhythmic Airplay charts, certified 2x platinum by the RIAA as of October 2025. Critics praised its smooth production and themes of relational reconciliation, though some noted its formulaic approach to Drake's signature sound. The track's music video, directed by Dave Meyers, premiered on October 3, 2023, featuring surreal visuals of the artists navigating emotional landscapes.[21] "8AM in Charlotte," released simultaneously with the album on October 6, 2023, served as the second single and showcased Drake's solo introspection over a minimalist beat produced by Conductor Williams. Referencing his OVO co-founder Oliver El-Khatib and personal reflections on legacy, it debuted at number 17 on the Hot 100, peaking there with streams in its first full week, and reached number 28 on the UK Singles Chart. The track received acclaim for its raw lyricism and subtle nods to hip-hop history. Its audio visualizer, uploaded to YouTube on release day, amassed over 50 million views by late 2025.[22][23] "Rich Baby Daddy" featuring Sexyy Red and SZA, issued as the third single on October 13, 2023, brought a high-energy trap vibe with production by Jay Versace and others, sampling Silk Sonic's "Fly As Me." The song debuted at number 30 on the Hot 100 before climbing to a peak of number 11, fueled by strong TikTok virality from Sexyy Red's verse. It marked Sexyy Red's highest-charting single and SZA's third top-20 hit from the album cycle, also topping the Rhythmic Airplay chart in November 2023. Certified 3x platinum by the RIAA as of October 2025, the track's music video, released on February 21, 2024, and directed by Theo Skudra, depicted a lively Phoenix house party and garnered over 100 million YouTube views by 2025.[24][25] "First Person Shooter" featuring J. Cole, released to radio on October 24, 2023, as the fourth single, debuted at number one on the Hot 100, tying Drake with Michael Jackson for the most leaders by a male artist with 13. Produced by Conductor Williams, Boi-1da, and others, the track's boastful bars about career milestones and their rare collaboration generated buzz, accumulating 42.2 million streams in its debut week. It also topped the Hot Rap Songs chart. The song's impact extended to cultural discussions on rap longevity, though it drew minor controversy for lyrical references to other artists. An official audio visualizer was shared on October 6, 2023, exceeding 200 million views.[26] The fifth single, "You Broke My Heart," from the Scary Hours Edition released on November 17, 2023, impacted rhythmic radio on November 28, 2023, and peaked at number 11 on the Hot 100 with introspective lyrics over a sample-heavy beat produced by Boi-1da. Drawing from The-Dream's 2007 track of the same name, it debuted at number 92 before rising on airplay, reaching number one on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in April 2024. Certified platinum, the song's emotional depth about betrayal resonated widely, with its music video—directed by Theo Skudra and released December 20, 2023—featuring archival footage and surpassing 80 million views by 2025.[27]| Title | Release Date | Featured Artist(s) | Peak Position (Billboard Hot 100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slime You Out | September 15, 2023 | SZA | 1 |
| 8AM in Charlotte | October 6, 2023 | None | 17 |
| Rich Baby Daddy | October 13, 2023 | Sexyy Red, SZA | 11 |
| First Person Shooter | October 24, 2023 | J. Cole | 1 |
| You Broke My Heart | November 28, 2023 (radio) | None | 11 |
Music and lyrics
Composition and production
The production of For All the Dogs was led by a core team of executive producers including Drake (Aubrey Graham), Noah "40" Shebib, Oliver El-Khatib, and Noel Cadastre, with additional A&R support from Kevin Durant and coordinator Mr. Morgan under OVO Sound.[9] The album's 23 tracks were primarily recorded and mixed at S.O.T.A. Studios in Toronto, Canada, with engineering handled by Noel Cadastre on most songs and Hector Castro on select tracks like the lead single "Slime You Out."[9] Mastering was completed by Chris Athens at his Austin, Texas facility, assisted by Dave Huffman.[9] Drake described the creative process as emotionally raw and recent, noting in a SiriusXM interview that he had "just got out of the studio" prior to the October 6, 2023 release, emphasizing authenticity in songwriting to avoid superficial responses to personal feelings.[7] The production involved iterative remote collaborations, where producers like Gordo sent multiple beats to Drake over weeks, refining them based on feedback such as altering samples or drum patterns to achieve a unique sound.[29] For instance, the track "Rich Baby Daddy" (featuring Sexyy Red and SZA) drew inspiration from K.P. & Envyi's 1998 hit "Swing My Way," incorporating Miami bass and two-step elements co-produced by Gordo, Johan, and Richard.[29] Similarly, "Gently" (featuring Bad Bunny) began with initial work from OZ and Drake, with Gordo enhancing the production using provided stems for polish.[29] A diverse roster of producers contributed across the album, blending hip-hop, R&B, and trap influences. Noah "40" Shebib handled production on opener "Virginia Beach," which samples Frank Ocean's spoken-word from the 2012 film Django Unchained, and co-produced "Slime You Out" with BNYX, Drake, and Noel Cadastre.[30] Boi-1da produced "First Person Shooter" (featuring J. Cole), while Lil Yachty contributed to "Calling for You" (featuring 21 Savage).[30] BNYX (Jordan Banks) worked on high-profile tracks like "IDGAF" (featuring Yeat) and "Rich Baby Daddy," often layering atmospheric synths and heavy bass.[30] Other notable contributors included Southside on "Daylight" and Cash Cobain on "Calling for You," reflecting a mix of established OVO affiliates and emerging talents to create the album's 84-minute runtime.[9]Lyrical themes
The lyrics on For All the Dogs predominantly revolve around Drake's tumultuous romantic relationships, marked by reflections on past entanglements, infidelity, and emotional vulnerability. Tracks like "Fear of Heights" address lingering feelings toward ex-partners, including apparent references to Rihanna with lines such as "Why do they make it sound like I’m still hung up on you?" while "Tried Our Best" contemplates post-breakup avoidance: "I swear there’s a list of places that I been with you, I wanna go without you." These themes extend to transactional dynamics in love, as seen in "Rich Baby Daddy," where material offers like a G-Wagon symbolize desperation amid heartbreak.[31][32] A recurring critique of the album's lyrics centers on misogyny and objectification of women, often portraying them as indecisive or inadequate. On "Slime You Out," Drake airs grievances against "indecisive women," while "Bahamas Promises" includes dismissive lines like "You put the ‘no’ in monogamy," referencing a specific ex. Reviewers have noted this as an escalation, with "ugly, unreserved contempt for women" dominating several songs, including complaints about "average" sexual experiences that contribute to a wearying tone. Such elements have fueled debates about the album's maturity, suggesting a regression into bitterness rather than growth.[33][34][35] Introspection on fame, insecurity, and personal status forms another core thread, blending braggadocio with self-doubt. In "BBL Love (Interlude)," Drake questions loyalty amid success: "Sometimes I think to myself, what if I was somebody else/Would your ass still be here?" This vulnerability intersects with celebrity isolation and references to rivals, such as the controversial shot at Megan Thee Stallion on "Circo Loco" ("This bitch lie ’bout getting shots but she still a stallion"), tied to the Tory Lanez incident. Overall, the lyrics exhibit limited evolution, recycling familiar motifs of romantic messiness and superstar burdens without deeper resolution.[31][34][32]Songs
The album For All the Dogs comprises 23 tracks with a total runtime of 84 minutes, blending hip-hop, R&B, and trap elements across its song selection. It features guest appearances from artists such as Teezo Touchdown, 21 Savage, J. Cole, Yeat, Lil Baby, SZA, Future, Bad Bunny, Chief Keef, Lil Yachty, and Sexyy Red, many of whom contribute verses or hooks that complement Drake's introspective and boastful flows. The tracklist emphasizes a mix of solo reflections, collaborative bangers, and brief interludes, with production ranging from atmospheric synths to bass-heavy beats.[36][37] The following table lists the standard edition tracklist, including featured artists and durations:| No. | Title | Featured artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Virginia Beach" | 4:11 | |
| 2 | "Amen" | Teezo Touchdown | 2:21 |
| 3 | "Calling for You" | 21 Savage | 4:45 |
| 4 | "Fear of Heights" | 2:35 | |
| 5 | "Daylight" | 3:21 | |
| 6 | "First Person Shooter" | J. Cole | 4:07 |
| 7 | "IDGAF" | Yeat | 3:14 |
| 8 | "Honest" | Lil Baby | 2:40 |
| 9 | "7969 Santa" | 2:59 | |
| 10 | "Slime You Out" | SZA | 4:35 |
| 11 | "Bahamas Promises" | 3:47 | |
| 12 | "What Would Pluto Do" | Future | 2:52 |
| 13 | "My Man" | Lil Baby | 3:52 |
| 14 | "Drew a Picasso" | 3:12 | |
| 15 | "Tried Our Best" | 3:25 | |
| 16 | "All the Parties" | Chief Keef | 3:27 |
| 17 | "Nab Interlude" | 0:26 | |
| 18 | "Wiggy" | Lil Yachty | 2:16 |
| 19 | "BBL Love" | 1:28 | |
| 20 | "Polar Opposites" | 3:43 | |
| 21 | "Gently" | Bad Bunny | 2:08 |
| 22 | "Rich Baby Daddy" | Sexyy Red, SZA | 3:36 |
| 23 | "Away from Home" | 3:35 |
Artwork and visuals
Cover art
The cover art for Drake's eighth studio album For All the Dogs features a simple, childlike illustration of a white-furred animal with tall ears and glowing red eyes set against a solid black background, accompanied by a parental advisory label.[40][41] The artwork was created by Drake's son, Adonis Graham, who was five years old at the time of its reveal.[40][42] Drake shared the image on Instagram on August 21, 2023, crediting Adonis directly in the caption: "FOR ALL THE DOGS / Cover by @adonisgraham."[41][42] In a video posted to Instagram on October 5, 2023, Adonis provided context for his drawing, clarifying that the figure is not a dog but a goat intended to represent his father as the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time).[43] He described the scene as the goat fleeing from "other monsters and other animals," with a fiery flower blocking its path, tying into the album's thematic elements of struggle and triumph.[43][44] The raw sketch underwent minor digital post-production to enhance contrast and refine the black backdrop, aligning with contemporary minimalist trends in hip-hop album packaging.[45] Despite its simplistic style, the artwork garnered widespread attention for its personal touch, symbolizing Drake's family involvement in the project.[41][46]Promotional materials
The promotion of For All the Dogs incorporated a range of visual elements, including merchandise, music videos, and collaborative campaigns, emphasizing family themes and Drake's OVO branding. These materials were rolled out in the lead-up to the album's October 6, 2023, release, building anticipation through official drops and social media teasers.[12][47] Merchandise served as a key visual promotional tool, with OVO launching a dedicated collection on drakerelated.com featuring apparel and accessories inspired by the album's artwork and title. Items included garment-dyed cotton t-shirts screen-printed with the album cover graphic—a drawing by Drake's son Adonis—on the front and "For All the Dogs" text on the back, priced at around $45 and released pre-album to generate buzz.[48][49] Additional pieces encompassed hoodies like the FATD Hoodie, tees such as the Heavenly Father and Pinky Promise designs, and a custom-shaped plush toy exclusive to Amazon Music, all utilizing embroidered or printed motifs of dogs and OVO owl iconography to tie into the album's canine motif.[50][51] Music videos provided dynamic visual storytelling, released strategically around the album drop to highlight collaborations and personal narratives. Hours before launch, videos for "8AM in Charlotte" and "Another Late Night" (featuring Lil Yachty, directed by Cole Bennett) debuted, the former showcasing Adonis explaining the cover art amid OVO crew in branded shirts, and the latter employing CGI animations of the artists in playful, environment-specific settings. reinforcing familial bonds, while the Scary Hours Edition's "My Man" freestyle video centered Adonis as the star, passing the "torch" in a freestyle format.[52][53][54] Other visuals extended to experiential promotions, such as the NOCTA x Nike Air Force 1 Low "Love You Forever" campaign starring Drake and Adonis in intimate, family-oriented footage released in December 2023, and a Toronto street poster featuring the album title that surfaced unofficially but sparked social media discussion. Concert tie-ins, like a G-Wagon raffle at a Toronto show, further amplified visual hype through live event imagery shared online.[55][17][56] In August 2024, Drake released 100 gigabytes of behind-the-scenes data via the website 100gigs.org, including B-roll footage from the album's recording sessions and unused artwork.[57]Release
Standard edition
The standard edition of For All the Dogs was released on October 6, 2023, through OVO Sound and Republic Records.[20] Originally announced for September 22, 2023, the date was postponed by two weeks to give Drake more time to complete the album amid his ongoing It's All a Blur Tour with 21 Savage.[19] It became available digitally on major streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, as well as for purchase via iTunes and other platforms.[2] The edition features 23 tracks with a total runtime of 84 minutes and 50 seconds, showcasing collaborations with artists such as 21 Savage, J. Cole, SZA, Bad Bunny, and Lil Yachty.[58] Physical releases followed the digital launch, with double-LP vinyl editions made available in 2024 through official channels like Drake's merchandise store, pressed on colored variants for collectors.[50] No official CD version of the standard edition was issued at launch, though digital files in AAC format were distributed worldwide.[59]Scary Hours Edition
The For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition is a deluxe reissue of Drake's eighth studio album, expanding the original 23-track standard edition by appending six new songs, resulting in a total of 29 tracks and a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes. Released on November 17, 2023, through OVO Sound and Republic Records, the edition serves as the third installment in Drake's Scary Hours series of EPs and projects, following Scary Hours (2018) and Scary Hours 2 (2020).[60][61][62] Drake announced the project on November 16, 2023, via Instagram, revealing that the additional tracks were written and recorded in just five days following the standard edition's release on October 6, 2023. In a voice memo shared on social media, he described feeling "the most confident and inspired" since the creation of his 2015 mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late, emphasizing the rapid production process as a return to his creative peak. The edition was positioned as a surprise extension to address fan demand and capitalize on the album's momentum, which had already debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.[62][60][63] The six new tracks—collectively referred to as Scary Hours 3—are placed at the end of the standard tracklist and focus on introspective and confrontational themes, including personal relationships, industry rivalries, and self-reflection. They are: "Red Button" (produced by Boi-1da), "Stories About My Brother" (produced by The Alchemist), "The Shoe Fits" (produced by Vinylz and Ovrkast), "Wick Man" (produced by Lil Yachty), "Evil Ways" (featuring J. Cole, produced by Conductor Williams), and "You Broke My Heart" (produced by 40). J. Cole's appearance on "Evil Ways" marks a follow-up collaboration to their earlier joint track "First Person Shooter" from the standard edition. The production draws from a mix of trap-influenced beats and soulful samples, with contributions from established collaborators like Noah "40" Shebib and new elements from producers such as Conductor Williams.[60][64][63] The edition was made available on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music immediately upon release, with physical formats following later. It received a parental advisory label due to explicit content and was promoted through social media teasers, including artwork featuring a black-and-white image of a dog with glowing eyes, tying into the album's canine motif. Critics noted the additions as a more focused counterpoint to the standard edition's sprawling length, though some viewed them as supplementary rather than transformative.[65][66][67]Release history
For All the Dogs was initially teased by Drake in early 2023, building anticipation among fans for his eighth studio album.[68] On September 6, 2023, Drake officially announced the album's title and set the release date for September 22, 2023, via an Instagram post featuring a video of his father performing.[18] However, the release was postponed, with Drake confirming on September 16, 2023, that it would instead arrive on October 6, 2023.[20] The standard edition of the album was released digitally on October 6, 2023, through OVO Sound and Republic Records, available for streaming and download worldwide.[68] On November 17, 2023, Drake surprise-released the For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition, an expanded version adding six new tracks to the original 23-song lineup.[69] This deluxe edition was also distributed digitally via the same labels.[69]| Date | Title | Format | Label(s) | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 6, 2023 | For All the Dogs (standard) | Digital download, streaming | OVO Sound, Republic Records | Worldwide |
| November 17, 2023 | For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition | Digital download, streaming | OVO Sound, Republic Records | Worldwide |
Critical reception
Initial reviews
Upon its release on October 6, 2023, For All the Dogs received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its production and select tracks while critiquing its excessive length, repetitive themes, and lyrical content. The album holds a Metacritic score of 53 out of 100, based on 13 reviews, marking it as Drake's lowest-rated studio album on the aggregator and indicating a generally average reception with three positive, ten mixed, and no negative verdicts.[70] Critics frequently highlighted the album's strong production and standout collaborations as redeeming qualities amid its 84-minute runtime across 23 tracks. Pitchfork noted that tracks like "Rich Baby Daddy," featuring Sexyy Red and SZA, and "Away From Home" provide moments of energy and introspection, with the former's club-ready bounce standing out as a highlight. Rolling Stone commended the highs, such as the tense opener "Virginia Beach" and the melodic "First Person Shooter" with J. Cole, describing them as sharper than much of Drake's recent output despite the overall bloat. The Guardian appreciated invigorating songs like "Gently" with Bad Bunny, which effectively blends pleading vulnerability with futuristic beats, offering some of Drake's most engaging work in years.[31][34][33] However, much of the criticism centered on the album's lack of innovation, formulaic grievances about relationships and fame, and perceived misogyny, which many felt had grown stale. NME described it as "bitter and deeply mid," arguing that the sprawling tracklist feels like a slog, with Drake's pettiness and unchallenged chauvinism dominating over substance. Variety called it a "bloated, sonically conservative slog," suggesting it serves more as streaming bait than a creative triumph, with filler tracks diluting stronger material. The Guardian further criticized the "dismal lyrics and wearying misogyny" on cuts like "Fear of Heights," where Drake's strained attempts at rage-rap aesthetics come across as unconvincing and repetitive. Pitchfork echoed this, stating that Drake's familiar concerns about wealth, women, and rivals have become "quite boring," rendering much of the project a tedious listen despite his technical skill.[32][71][33][31]Year-end and retrospective lists
At the end of 2023, For All the Dogs received recognition on multiple year-end lists from prominent music outlets, reflecting its commercial success and influence within hip-hop despite mixed critical reception.[72][73]| Publication | List Title | Position | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Stone | The 100 Best Albums of 2023 | 35 | Praised for showcasing Drake's enduring skill as a top-tier artist, even if not his peak effort, highlighting tracks like "First Person Shooter" with J. Cole.[74] |
| Complex | The 50 Best Albums of 2023 | 22 | Described as a masterclass in melodic hip-hop, with strong openings like "Virginia Beach" sampling Frank Ocean and hits such as "Slime You Out" featuring SZA and "Rich Baby Daddy" with Sexyy Red.[73] |
| Billboard | The 50 Best Albums of 2023 | 50 | Noted for its role in a vibrant year of pop music, underscoring Drake's continued dominance.[72] |
| XXL | The Best Hip-Hop Projects of 2023 | Unranked (included among 40) | Highlighted for reaffirming Drake's multifaceted dominance in rap, R&B, and Afrobeats, with key collaborations including 21 Savage, Chief Keef, and his son Adonis on "Little Mad"; the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.[75] |
Commercial performance
Chart performance
''For All the Dogs'' debuted at number one on the US ''Billboard'' 200, earning 402,000 album-equivalent units in its first full tracking week, which comprised 258,000 streaming equivalent units (from 514 million on-demand official streams of its tracks—the largest streaming week for any album in 2023 to that point), 137,000 in pure album sales, and 7,000 track-equivalent album units.[77] This marked Drake's 13th number-one album on the chart and his fourth consecutive studio album to launch at the summit.[77] In its second week, the album slipped to number two with 164,000 units.[77] The release of the ''Scary Hours Edition'' on November 17, 2023, propelled it back to number one for a second non-consecutive week, with 145,000 equivalent units (including 126,000 from streaming).[78] As of the chart dated November 15, 2025, ''For All the Dogs'' has accumulated 109 weeks on the ''Billboard'' 200.[79] All 23 tracks from the standard edition of ''For All the Dogs'' charted on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 during the week of October 21, 2023, occupying the entire top 50—a rare feat achieved by only a handful of albums in the chart's history.[4] The lead track "First Person Shooter" featuring J. Cole debuted at number one, securing Drake's fifth Hot 100-topping single as a lead artist and his first since "Way 2 Sexy" in 2021.[4] Other high entries included "IDGAF" featuring Yeat at number 2 and "Rich Baby Daddy" featuring Sexyy Red and SZA at number 11, both of which later peaked higher—"Rich Baby Daddy" reached number 2 in December 2023.[4] The album performed strongly on international charts, debuting at number one in multiple territories and underscoring Drake's global appeal. In Canada, it topped the ''Billboard'' Canadian Albums chart for its debut week, marking Drake's eighth number-one album there, and has logged 99 weeks on the ranking as of November 15, 2025.[80] It also debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart (Official Charts Company) for one week, becoming Drake's fifth chart-topper in the UK.[5] In Australia, ''For All the Dogs'' entered the ARIA Albums Chart at number one—Drake's fifth number-one album and fourth consecutive studio release to achieve the feat there.[81] The project topped the New Zealand Top 40 Albums chart (Recorded Music NZ) for two weeks and reached number one in Ireland, Norway, and the Netherlands, while peaking at number two in Denmark, France, and Sweden.[82]| Chart (2023–2025) | Peak position | Weeks on chart |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 1 | 26+ |
| Canadian Albums (''Billboard'') | 1 | 99+ |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) | 1 | 29+ |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 1 | 30 |
| US ''Billboard'' 200 | 1 | 109 |
Certifications
In the United States, For All the Dogs was certified 3× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on October 24, 2025, denoting 3,000,000 album-equivalent units consumed, including sales, streaming, and track equivalents.[84] The album achieved Gold status in the United Kingdom from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) on January 5, 2024, for 100,000 units.[85] In France, it earned a Gold certification from the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) on May 29, 2025, representing 50,000 equivalent units.[86]| Region | Certifying Body | Certification | Certified Units | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RIAA | 3× Platinum | 3,000,000 | October 24, 2025[84] |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Gold | 100,000 | January 5, 2024[85] |
| France | SNEP | Gold | 50,000 | May 29, 2025[86] |
Track listing and personnel
Standard edition tracks
The standard edition of For All the Dogs comprises 23 tracks with a total runtime of 84 minutes and 50 seconds.[87][2]| No. | Title | Featuring | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Virginia Beach" | 4:11 | |
| 2 | "Amen" | Teezo Touchdown | 2:21 |
| 3 | "Calling for You" | 21 Savage | 4:45 |
| 4 | "Fear of Heights" | 2:35 | |
| 5 | "Daylight" | 2:44 | |
| 6 | "First Person Shooter" | J. Cole | 4:07 |
| 7 | "IDGAF" | Yeat | 4:20 |
| 8 | "7969 Santa" | 4:19 | |
| 9 | "Slime You Out" | SZA | 5:10 |
| 10 | "Bahamas Promises" | 3:04 | |
| 11 | "Tried Our Best" | 3:29 | |
| 12 | "Screw the World (Interlude)" | 1:52 | |
| 13 | "Drew a Picasso" | 4:22 | |
| 14 | "Members Only" | PartyNextDoor | 4:37 |
| 15 | "What Would Pluto Do" | 3:02 | |
| 16 | "All the Parties" | Chief Keef | 3:38 |
| 17 | "8AM in Charlotte" | 4:26 | |
| 18 | "BBL Love (Interlude)" | 2:41 | |
| 19 | "Gently" | Bad Bunny | 2:13 |
| 20 | "Rich Baby Daddy" | Sexyy Red & SZA | 5:19 |
| 21 | "Another Late Night" | Lil Yachty | 2:50 |
| 22 | "Away from Home" | 4:18 | |
| 23 | "Polar Opposites" | 4:17 |
Scary Hours Edition additions
The Scary Hours Edition of For All the Dogs was released on November 17, 2023, expanding the original album by adding six new tracks recorded in the weeks following its October debut. This edition totals 29 tracks with a runtime exceeding 108 minutes.[88] Drake announced the project on Instagram, stating that he wrote and recorded the additions in five days as a continuation of the album's themes.[64] The added tracks emphasize introspective and confrontational lyricism, with production contributions from notable hip-hop producers including Conductor Williams, The Alchemist, and Boi-1da.[64] The sole guest appearance is J. Cole on "Evil Ways."[60] The new tracks, positioned as 24–29 on the edition, are as follows:- "Red Button" (2:40) (produced by Ovrkast and Lil Yachty)
- "Stories About My Brother" (4:24) (produced by Conductor Williams)
- "The Shoe Fits" (6:14) (produced by Ovrkast and Lil Yachty)
- "Wick Man" (3:01) (produced by The Alchemist)
- "Evil Ways" (3:47) (featuring J. Cole; produced by Vinylz, Boi-1da, FNZ, and Fierce)
- "You Broke My Heart" (3:50) (produced by Vinylz and FNZ)[65]
Personnel
The album was executive produced by Drake (Aubrey Graham), Noah "40" Shebib, Oliver El-Khatib, and Noel Cadastre.[9] A&R services were provided by Kevin Durant, with coordination by Mr. Morgan of OVO Sound.[9] Management was handled by Adel Nur of Gone Clear.[9] Featured vocalists include Teezo Touchdown on "Amen" and "7969 Santa", 21 Savage on "Calling for You", J. Cole on "First Person Shooter", Yeat on "IDGAF", SZA on "Slime You Out" and "Rich Baby Daddy", PARTYNEXTDOOR on "Members Only", Chief Keef on "All the Parties", Bad Bunny on "Gently", Sexyy Red on "Rich Baby Daddy", and Lil Yachty on "Another Late Night".[89] Additional vocal contributions came from Snoop Dogg on "7969 Santa", Sampha on "Drew a Picasso", and background vocals by Adonis, Monique Avant, Nyan, JeRonelle, Baby M, and Teezo Touchdown.[90] Production credits are extensive, with Noah "40" Shebib serving as a primary producer across multiple tracks, including "Virginia Beach" alongside Harley Arsenault.[89] Other notable producers include Lil Yachty (on "Calling for You" and others), BNYX (multiple tracks), Sango and Budgie (on "Amen"), Cash Cobain, Jaystolaa, and Gentuar Memishi (on "Calling for You"), Southside (on "All the Parties"), Tay Keith (on "First Person Shooter"), Boi-1da (on "Members Only"), OZ (multiple tracks), Jahaan Sweet (multiple tracks), Conductor Williams, Mario Luciano, Gordo, DJ Screw (sample on "Work"), and many more such as PoWR Trav, Nik D, Vinylz, FNZ, Alex Lustig, Stwo, and SadPony.[30][90] Mixing was handled by Noah "40" Shebib and Noel Cadastre at S.O.T.A. Studios in Toronto, with assistant mixing by Oupsing.[9] Mastering engineers were Chris Athens and Dave Huffman.[9] Additional studio personnel included engineers Harley Arsenault and Hector Castro, as well as systems engineer Les "Bates" Bateman.[9] Songwriting credits primarily feature Drake, with contributions from featured artists such as Frank Ocean (on "Amen"), Florence Welch (on "Virginia Beach"), Teezo Touchdown, 21 Savage, J. Cole, Yeat, Chief Keef, SZA, Bad Bunny, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Sexyy Red, along with producers and additional writers.[91][90] The album artwork was created by Drake's son, Adonis Graham.[36]Charts
Weekly charts
For All the Dogs debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, accumulating 402,000 album-equivalent units in its first week and marking Drake's thirteenth number-one album on the ranking.[77] The set returned to the summit for a second non-consecutive week on the chart dated December 2, 2023, following the release of its Scary Hours Edition deluxe version, which generated 145,000 units.[78] By September 2025, the album had accumulated 100 weeks on the Billboard 200, becoming Drake's tenth project to reach that milestone, and it continues to chart as of November 15, 2025 at number 57 in its 109th week.[92][79] In Canada, the album entered the Billboard Canadian Albums chart at number one and has maintained longevity, logging 98 weeks by late 2025.[80] It also debuted atop the UK Official Albums Chart, securing Drake's sixth number-one album there and spending over 30 weeks on the ranking through mid-2024.[5][93] The album achieved number-one debuts on the ARIA Albums Chart in Australia, marking Drake's fifth chart-topper in the territory.[81] In other European markets, it peaked at number two on the French Albums Chart (SNEP) and number five on the German Albums Chart.[94][95]| Chart (2023–2025) | Peak position | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 1 | 43 |
| Canadian Albums (Billboard) | 1 | 21 |
| French Albums (SNEP) | 2 | 92 |
| German Albums (Offizielle) | 5 | 72 |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 1 | 30 |
| US Billboard 200 | 1 | 3 |
Year-end charts
For All the Dogs achieved notable placements on various year-end album charts in 2023, bolstered by its strong streaming numbers and sales following the October release. Globally, the album ranked No. 18 on MediaTraffic's year-end album chart, earning 1,911,000 equivalent album units across all territories. This performance highlighted Drake's continued dominance in international markets, with significant contributions from streaming platforms.[96] The album's late-year debut impacted its domestic year-end standings, but it still registered on key U.S. lists. On the Billboard 200 year-end chart for 2023, For All the Dogs placed at No. 15, accumulating 1,082,000 album-equivalent units for the year.[97] Sustained listener engagement propelled the album to stronger results in 2024 year-end rankings. It reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200 year-end chart, becoming the highest-charting rap album of the year and underscoring its long-tail commercial success.[98] This position was driven by ongoing streams and catalog consumption, with the set maintaining presence on the weekly Billboard 200 for over 100 weeks by mid-2025.| Chart (Year) | Position | Units/Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Global Albums (MediaTraffic) (2023) | 18 | 1,911,000 equivalent units [96] |
| Billboard 200 (US) (2023) | 15 | 1,082,000 album-equivalent units[97] |
| Billboard 200 (US) (2024) | 5 | — [98] |