I'm Upset
"I'm Upset" is a hip-hop song by Canadian rapper and singer Drake, released as the third single from his fifth studio album Scorpion on May 26, 2018, through Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records.[1] The track, produced by Oogie Mane, features Drake rapping over a beat that interpolates elements from Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable," with lyrics addressing personal frustrations, relationships, and industry disrespect, including lines like "Fifty thousand on my head, it's disrespect."[2][3] The song's cover art pays homage to the 2014 film Tusk, directed by Kevin Smith.[4] The music video for "I'm Upset," directed by Karena Evans, premiered on June 13, 2018, and notably features a reunion of actors from Drake's former television series Degrassi: The Next Generation, including Cristine Prosperi, Lauren Collins, Adamo Ruggiero, and others, along with cameos by Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, portraying exaggerated versions of their characters in comedic skits.[5] This nostalgic element tied into the announcement of Scorpion's release date, June 29, 2018, boosting the video's cultural impact and garnering over 118 million views on YouTube as of November 2025.[6][7] Commercially, "I'm Upset" debuted at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later peaked at number 7, contributing to Drake's record-breaking seven simultaneous top-10 entries from Scorpion that year, surpassing The Beatles' previous mark.[8] It also reached number 5 on the Canadian Hot 100 and number 37 on the UK Singles Chart, while accumulating over 450 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025.[9][10] Critically, the track received mixed reviews for its raw emotional delivery but was praised for its catchy hook and production, solidifying its place as a standout from the double album Scorpion, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.[11]Background and development
Contextual release
"I'm Upset" was released on May 26, 2018, serving as the third single from Drake's fifth studio album, Scorpion.[1] The album arrived on June 29, 2018, in a double-disc format comprising 25 tracks, with the first disc emphasizing hip hop production and the second incorporating R&B and pop influences.[12] This release built on the promotional momentum from the album's lead singles, "God's Plan" (January 19, 2018) and "Nice for What" (April 6, 2018), both of which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.[13] The single's rollout occurred during a tumultuous period in Drake's career, marked by a high-profile feud with Pusha T that involved Kanye West as a collaborator and producer.[14] The conflict intensified in late May 2018 with the release of Pusha T's diss track "Infrared" from his album DAYTONA, followed by Drake's response "Duppy Freestyle" and Pusha T's retaliatory "The Story of Adidon" on May 29.[14] Despite the surrounding drama, "I'm Upset" stood apart from the beef, focusing instead on Drake's broader artistic output for the year. The single's cover art served as an homage to the 2014 horror-comedy film Tusk, directed by Kevin Smith, featuring a stylized black-and-white image of Drake that evoked the movie's themes.[3] Oogie Mane, a producer from the Working on Dying collective, contributed to the track's writing alongside Drake.[15]Writing process
The writing credits for "I'm Upset" are attributed to Aubrey Graham, known professionally as Drake, and Jordan Ortiz, who performs under the name Oogie Mane.[2] Oogie Mane held a dual role as co-writer and producer, where he significantly shaped the track's foundational elements by supplying beats to Drake during the creative sessions for the album Scorpion.[4] One such beat evolved into the song's core sound, reflecting Oogie Mane's input on its moody, introspective vibe.[4] The track emerged amid the broader development of Scorpion, a double album released in June 2018 after months of intensive work.[2] Drake infused the lyrics with themes drawn from his personal frustrations in relationships, transforming raw emotional discontent into a direct, venting narrative that underscores the song's intensity.[4]Production
Recording and mixing
The recording sessions for "I'm Upset" took place in early 2018, prior to the track's release as a single on May 26, 2018, and its inclusion on Drake's fifth studio album Scorpion the following month. These sessions were part of a broader, intensive production period for the album, conducted across multiple locations. The track was recorded at SOTA Studios in Toronto.[4] Recording engineers Noah "40" Shebib and Noel Cadastre oversaw the technical aspects, focusing on capturing Drake's delivery and integrating the production elements seamlessly. Their work involved multiple takes to refine the song's pacing and ad-libs, contributing to its polished yet spontaneous feel.[3][4] Following recording, the mixing was completed by Noel "Gadget" Campbell at SOTA Studios. This post-production phase wrapped swiftly in spring 2018, aligning with the album's accelerated rollout.[16]Personnel
VocalsDrake performed lead vocals on "I'm Upset".[3] Production
Oogie Mane served as the producer for the track.[3][17] Recording engineers
Noah "40" Shebib and Noel Cadastre handled the recording engineering.[17][3] Mixing engineer
Noel "Gadget" Campbell was the mixing engineer.[17][18] Assistant engineers
Harley Arsenault, Greg Moffet, and Ronald Moonoo provided assistance on mixing.[17]
Composition
Musical elements
"I'm Upset" is classified as a hip hop song incorporating trap elements, characterized by its brooding atmosphere that aligns with emo rap influences prevalent in Drake's work during this period.[19][20] The production, handled by Oogie Mane, features prominent rolling hi-hats that drive the rhythmic momentum, paired with a deep 808 bass line providing a resonant low-end foundation typical of trap beats. A subdued piano loop runs throughout, contributing to the track's moody, introspective tone without overpowering the mix. The chorus interpolates the melody from Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable" (2006), adding a layer of emotional resonance to the track.[19][2] The song operates at a tempo of 150 beats per minute (BPM), though its half-time groove gives it an effective feel closer to 75 BPM, emphasizing a laid-back yet intense delivery. It is composed in B minor, enhancing the overall somber and emotional quality. The track's duration is 3:34.[21][22][23]Song structure
"I'm Upset" follows a straightforward verse-chorus arrangement typical of contemporary hip-hop tracks, clocking in at 3:34 in duration. The song opens with a brief intro consisting of ad-libbed vocals from Drake, setting a moody tone over the trap-influenced beat. This leads into the chorus, where Drake opens with "I'm upset" amid lines about personal betrayals and resilience. This is followed by Verse 1 (approximately 16 bars), addressing themes of fame and conflict. A pre-chorus follows, building tension with shorter, punchier phrases that transition into the main hook.[3][24] The chorus serves as the song's central hook, repeating the phrase "I'm upset" amid lines about personal betrayals and resilience, with the full section repeating twice in the track for emphasis. This structure recurs after Verse 2, which mirrors the first verse in length but incorporates bridge-like elements through escalating delivery and references to relational strain, creating emotional peaks without a distinct bridge section. The pre-chorus reappears before the final chorus, heightening intensity through layered vocals and rhythmic shifts. The track concludes with an outro that fades out the chorus elements, incorporating ad-libs over the sustained beat loop.[25][3] Notably, the chorus hook builds in intensity across repetitions, starting subdued and gaining vocal aggression, reinforced by the consistent original beat loop featuring sharp hi-hats and deep bass. Unlike many hip-hop tracks, "I'm Upset" eschews traditional samples, relying instead on producer Oogie Mane's custom trap production for its looping foundation throughout the arrangement.Lyrics
Lyrical themes
The lyrics of "I'm Upset" revolve around Drake's frustration stemming from romantic relationships, where he voices irritation over women's perceived high expectations and hints of infidelity. He describes scenarios involving rivals' partners reaching out to him, leading to emotional entanglements that exacerbate relational tensions, as in his account of a woman developing feelings after he purchases her gifts despite her being in a relationship. This reflects a broader discontent with how romantic dynamics play out amid fame, blending personal grievances with interpersonal drama.[26] A recurring motif contrasts Drake's financial generosity—exemplified by buying luxury items like new Timberland boots for women—with the emotional betrayal or complications that follow, such as accusations of overstepping boundaries or stirring jealousy. Lines like "All in her feelings 'cause I bought her some new Tims / That's not my fault, you left her home too much" illustrate this disconnect, portraying his material support as a double-edged sword that invites disrespect rather than appreciation. These elements highlight the singer's exasperation with unbalanced exchanges in love, where generosity fails to secure loyalty.[27][26] The song embodies emo-rap's signature vulnerability by interweaving tough bravado, such as threats toward adversaries, with candid admissions of hurt and bitterness, creating a layered portrayal of emotional turmoil. Drake's listless delivery underscores this rawness, shifting from aggressive posturing to a more subdued reflection on personal slights.[26][28] At its emotional core, the chorus—"I'm upset / 50,000 on my head, it's disrespect"—encapsulates the track's raw outburst of anger and vulnerability, tying relational woes to broader feelings of targeted disrespect and amplifying the song's confessional intensity.[27][28]Notable references
In the lyrics of "I'm Upset," Drake alludes to his past relationships through references to emotional fallout and financial obligations tied to ex-partners. For instance, the line "Say she got some things she gotta come here and collect, that shit is in a box to the left, to the left" draws from Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable," depicting an ex retrieving her belongings after a breakup, which underscores the transient nature of celebrity romances where luxury and commitment often clash.[29] This ties into broader allusions to women seeking material benefits without deeper involvement, as seen in "I'ma always take the money over sex," reflecting the pressures of fame where personal connections are commodified.[27] The song includes industry nods to rival behaviors and threats, emphasizing the hostile undercurrents of hip-hop success. The repeated chorus hook, "Fifty thousand on my head, it's disrespect," metaphorically evokes a bounty placed by competitors, symbolizing the constant peril and envy from peers aiming to undermine his dominance without direct confrontation.[30] This line subtly comments on hip-hop tropes of indirect disrespect, such as anonymous threats and sabotage, rather than overt disses, highlighting the genre's culture of veiled rivalry.[31] Self-referential elements reinforce Drake's persona as a sensitive yet resilient artist navigating vulnerability amid triumph. The personal detail "My dad still got child support from 1991" references his father's long-standing financial responsibilities from Drake's childhood, paralleling his own experiences with support payments and illustrating a generational cycle of emotional and fiscal strain in his life.[27] Lines like "I can't relate to these fuck niggas, fuck bein' vulnerable" further embody this duality, portraying his frustration with inauthentic rivals while affirming his authentic, introspective approach to success.[31]Release and promotion
Single release
"I'm Upset" was released as the third single from Drake's fifth studio album Scorpion by Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records on May 26, 2018.[3][32] It followed the album's lead singles "God's Plan" and "Nice for What".[33] The track was distributed in digital download and streaming formats, becoming available on platforms including Apple Music and Spotify.[34][32] Additionally, it was serviced to rhythmic and urban contemporary radio stations for airplay.[1]Marketing efforts
Drake announced the release of "I'm Upset" via Instagram on May 26, 2018, sharing the single's cover art depicting a scorpion perched on a skeleton's hand, which served as an early visual tease for his forthcoming album Scorpion.[1][35] This surprise drop, following his diss track "Duppy Freestyle" the previous day, was positioned as the third single in the Scorpion rollout to maintain momentum and fan engagement ahead of the album's June 29 launch.[36] The track received immediate promotion through streaming platforms, amplifying its visibility among listeners. Radio efforts included rapid airplay from influential DJs to hype its energetic vibe and lyrical content. Although no formal live performances or interview snippets of "I'm Upset" occurred immediately upon release, the single's integration into the broader Scorpion campaign—via OVO Sound's social channels and Drake's personal posts—helped build anticipation by linking it directly to the album's thematic elements of introspection and confrontation.[1]Music video
Production
The music video for Drake's "I'm Upset" was directed by Karena Evans, a Toronto-based filmmaker who had previously collaborated with the artist on videos for "God's Plan" and "Nice for What." Evans, then 22 years old, brought her familiarity with Degrassi: The Next Generation—having grown up watching the series—to the project, ensuring an authentic recreation of its high school environment. The video premiered on June 13, 2018, just weeks after the single's release on May 26, 2018, allowing Drake to maintain promotional momentum leading into his album Scorpion.[37][38] Filming took place over three intensive days from June 8 to 10, 2018, on the original Degrassi set in Toronto, which the production team restored to evoke the show's nostalgic atmosphere. The entire process, from initial concept to completion, spanned only about two weeks, reflecting a rapid production schedule designed to capture spontaneous energy and capitalize on the song's growing buzz. This tight timeline was facilitated by the video's straightforward setup, focusing on a high school reunion narrative without extensive post-production effects.[37][38] The reunion concept was envisioned and pitched by Drake himself as a way to revisit his early acting career on Degrassi, where he portrayed Jimmy Brooks from 2001 to 2008. This idea intentionally incorporated cameos from over 20 original cast members to serve as a deliberate homage to the series that launched his fame, emphasizing themes of nostalgia and reconnection rather than scripted performances. The inclusion of these elements was prioritized to foster genuine interactions on set, aligning with Drake's broader career reflection during the Scorpion era.[37]Content and cameos
The music video for "I'm Upset," directed by Karena Evans, is set at a fictional reunion for Degrassi Community School, where Drake reprises his role as Jimmy Brooks and performs the track amid nostalgic chaos.[6] The storyline opens with Drake waking up on a Toronto Raptors basketball court before joining old friends like Spinner (played by Shane Kippel) to attend the event, which unfolds as a prom-themed high school dance filled with alumni antics such as a food fight, vomiting, and chases.[6][39] Visually, the video adopts a humorous and nostalgic tone, exaggerating high school stereotypes through character archetypes like cheerleaders and goths while incorporating lip-sync performances by the cast to the song's lyrics.[6] Flashbacks highlight past relationships, such as Drake's on-screen history with Hazel (Andrea Lewis), and subtle nods to Degrassi episodes appear in elements like fire imagery and posters referencing school spirit events.[6][39] The video features numerous cameos from the Degrassi: The Next Generation cast, including Stefan Brogren as Principal Simpson (also known as Snake), Nina Dobrev as Mia Jones, Lauren Collins as Paige Michalchuk, Cassie Steele as Manny Santos, Jake Epstein as Craig Manning, Adamo Ruggiero as Marco Del Rossi, Stacey Farber as Ellie Nash, Melissa McIntyre as Ashley Kerwin, Andrea Lewis as Hazel Aden, Ephram Ellis as Rick Murray, Christina Schmidt as Terri McQueen, Miriam McDonald as Emma Nelson, A.J. Saudin as Connor DeLaurier, Melinda Shankar as Alli Bhandari, and Cristine Prosperi as Imogen Moreno.[6][39][40] Additional appearances include Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes reprising their roles as Jay and Silent Bob, who are shown selling merchandise to Principal Simpson in a comedic scene.[6][39] Notably absent from the reunion is Ryan Cooley, who portrayed J.T. Yorke, as he reportedly believed the invitation was a scam and declined to participate.[6]Critical reception
Reviews from music critics
Upon its release, "I'm Upset" received mixed reviews from music critics, who were divided on its artistic merits amid Drake's ongoing feud with Pusha T. Jayson Greene of Pitchfork panned the track as "boring," highlighting its monotonous flow, droning minimalistic beat, and simplistic chanted chorus, which he likened to a toddler's tantrum rather than genuine self-expression.[26] In Pitchfork's review of the parent album Scorpion, the song was deemed one of Drake's worst ever, with the outlet critiquing its lack of innovation by comparing it to the moody, emo-rap introspection of his earlier work like Take Care (2011), noting that Scorpion largely revisits familiar emotional territory without progression.[41] Rolling Stone echoed this sentiment in its Scorpion appraisal, calling "I'm Upset" the worst single on Scorpion while faulting the album for mining the same emo-rap veins as Take Care (2011) and Nothing Was the Same (2013) with little evolution beyond Views (2016).[42] The review emphasized how the track's petulant tone and repetitive structure failed to advance Drake's signature blend of vulnerability and bravado.[42] Some critics offered more favorable takes, praising the song's catchy hook and emotional rawness. Entertainment Voice commended Drake's ability to craft instantly catchy hooks, observing that the barebones, syncopated beat complements his clipped delivery and authentic venting about fame's downsides.[43] Similarly, The Musical Hype described it as an enjoyable, solid single with a respectable, varied hook and emotional intensity conveyed through harder flows and biting production.[44] Critics' assessments aligned with Scorpion's overall mixed reception, averaging scores of 6-7/10 across major outlets like Pitchfork (6.9/10) and Rolling Stone (7/10).[45]Public reception
The release of the "I'm Upset" music video generated significant fan excitement due to its surprise reunion of the Degrassi: The Next Generation cast, evoking widespread nostalgia among viewers familiar with Drake's early acting role as Jimmy Brooks.[6] Fans on social media platforms celebrated the cameos from actors like Shane Kippel (Spinner) and Lauren Collins (Paige), which sparked a wave of memes referencing iconic Degrassi storylines and the show's teen drama elements.[46] This nostalgic pull transformed the video into a cultural moment, with audiences praising its lighthearted callback to Drake's pre-music career roots.[47] Media outlets highlighted the video's humorous tone and star-studded cameos, positioning it as a playful return to Drake's Toronto origins. For instance, Rolling Stone described the clip as Drake "returning to Degrassi roots," emphasizing the chaotic, comedic reunion that featured over a dozen original cast members in exaggerated, NSFW scenarios.[48] Publications like Billboard noted how the video's self-aware humor and ensemble appearances shifted public focus from recent feuds, amplifying its viral appeal through relatable, over-the-top antics.[49] Online discourse surrounding the song revealed mixed sentiments, with praise for its relatable lyrics on personal frustrations contrasting criticism of its production as a generic trap track lacking innovation.[50] Supporters appreciated the emotional vulnerability in lines about relationships and self-doubt, seeing it as an accessible entry point into Drake's introspective style, while detractors online dismissed the beat and flow as formulaic, echoing broader fatigue with mainstream hip-hop sounds at the time.[8] The track and video have continued to inspire throwback discussions and nostalgia, particularly regarding the Degrassi reunion, as of 2025. For example, in November 2025, cast member Ephraim Ellis discussed the video in an interview, highlighting its enduring appeal.[51] Retrospective online conversations credit the online video premiere with solidifying the song's meme-worthy legacy amid Drake's evolving career narrative.[52]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"I'm Upset" debuted at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in the issue dated June 9, 2018. The song climbed the chart over the following weeks, reaching its peak position of number 7 in the issue dated July 14, 2018. It remained on the Hot 100 for a total of 20 weeks.[53] In Canada, "I'm Upset" entered the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 at number 13 in the same June 9, 2018, issue before ascending to a peak of number 5 on July 14, 2018.[54] Internationally, the track achieved moderate success on other major charts. It peaked at number 37 on the UK Singles Chart, where it spent five weeks.[55] On the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, "I'm Upset" reached number 6 in the issue dated September 1, 2018.[56] On Billboard's year-end charts for 2018, "I'm Upset" ranked number 86 on the Hot 100 and number 71 on the Canadian Hot 100.[57] It placed at number 45 on the year-end Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song's performance was significantly driven by streaming activity, which accounted for a substantial portion of its points under Billboard's multi-metric consumption formula, alongside digital sales and radio airplay.[58]| Chart (2018) | Peak Position | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 7 | Billboard |
| Canadian Hot 100 | 5 | Billboard |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 37 | Official Charts |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 6 | Billboard |