Camila Cabello finally revealed the tracklist for her new record C,XOXO, and early fan reactions have been a hot-and-cold mixture of anticipation and criticism. Judging by the titles, her fourth album will arrive steeped in the chaos of her newfound bad-girl persona, teeming with an abundance of collaborations first teased by its two singles “I LUV IT” (feat. Playboi Carti) and “HE KNOWS” (feat. Lil Nas X). But one problematic name on that list — Drake, featured a staggering two times — has earned Cabello the ire of fans.
This feature was produced by Sandra Burciaga Olinger, and written by David Sosa
The back-to-back songs that feature Drake, “Hot Uptown” and “Uuugly,” appear a little over halfway through the album. One is a full track, but the other is an interlude from which Cabello is absent, meaning the Canadian rapper has his own solo on her record. “Why does he have his own song? Because selfishly, I just want to hear Drake on my own album,” she explained in an interview with Billboard. “I love that for me — it’s like that rebellious mood. Who says I can’t do that? It’s Drake talking his sh-t.”
But commenters on her Instagram announcement of the tracklist for C,XOXO were vocal in their lack of love over that decision. “Was excited till I saw the Drake features ngl,” @i_hundo confessed. From bewilderment to disappointment plenty of people found themselves in a mess of emotions. Some vowed to ignore the Drake features altogether — “vamos fingir que não tem drake ali ☠️” @isaaolyv advised — while others were more pointed in their distaste. “are u collaborating with drake? c’mon sis, delete that,” @cccamolaaa urged.
For those who need a refresher, Drake has come under fire in the past for his misogynistic lyrics, the most recent being his high-profile belittling of Megan Thee Stallion on “Circo Loco.” He also justified his working with Chris Brown after his brutal assault against Rihanna by calling it “childish s–t” that they needed to get past. Beyond invalidating the violence perpetrated against Black women, he has also maintained long-term friendships with girls that started while they were underage, like Millie Bobby Brown and Billie Eilish. Then there’s the fact that one of the rappers he surrounds himself with, Baka Not Nice, was convicted of assaulting a young woman and allegedly conducting a prostitution ring. Not to mention his childish, jealous disses against influential (and REAL) rap and hip-hop artists like Childish Gambino and, most recently, Kendrick.
ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
BEST NEW MUSIC
Apart from the ethical reasons behind his appearance on Cabello’s record, some viewed an excess of Drake as a missed opportunity to include some of the rumored features fans thought were going to appear, such as Selena Gomez or Lana Del Rey. After all, much of the visual aesthetic for this era of Cabello’s career was confirmed to take inspiration from “Spring Breakers,” a film that starred Gomez as a teen on an off-the-rails rebellious streak. “No Lana but Drake… 🥲🥲🥲🥲” @smt_kj.94 lamented.
But there were also plenty of stan accounts and fans were raving over the coming album. “this is so exciting i can’t wait to experience the world of c xoxo 🩷🙏🏽” @itsmiavell exclaimed. “oh i know this album is gonna be so good, this whole era is giving. mother.” @NTLTCGENESIS proclaimed on X. “cxoxo comes out the day after my birthday 🥹 can’t wait to shake ass to it” @repmiIas confessed.
Despite the evident hype, the skewed reactions are evidence of a greater (and disappointing) trend of female artists collaborating with abusive and trashy men. In the last few years alone, Nicki Minaj, Chloe Bailey, and H.E.R. are just some women who’ve continued to sign off on working with Chris Brown, who has a sordid history of assaulting women and others.
Not only does it overshadow their own empowerment and any advocation for the same in others — but it also pits women against women. Already certain stan accounts are materializing to fan confrontation between Cabello’s release and Megan Thee Stallion‘s new album, both releasing on the same day. When toxic men needle their way in (or worse, are invited) into a space like this, it only serves to undermine everything that space exists to foster.
Cool Gifts for Music Lovers
The best concert earplugs to protect your hearing
This guitar is adorable! Aspiring musician?
Style & Function: Impress friends at your next party
Camila Cabello
C,XOXO
Geffen / Interscope Records
June 28, 2024
01 I Luv It (feat. Playboi Carti)
02 Chanel No. 5
03 Pink XOXO
04 He Knows (feat. Lil Nas X)
05 Twentysomethings
06 Dade County Dreamin (feat. JT and Yung Miami)
07 Koshi XOXO
08 Hot Uptown (feat. Drake)
09 Uuugly (feat. Drake)
10 Dream-Girls
11 305TILIDIE
12 B.O.A.T.
13 Pretty When I Cry
14 June Gloom
This post may contain affiliate links. Ads and affiliate links are how independent blogs like Grimy Goods can operate. Thank you for supporting our work and being a part of our music community.
