Work – Rihanna (Explicit) ft. Drake

Released on January 27, 2016, Rihanna’s “Work,” featuring Drake, quickly became a defining track of the year and a standout moment in both artists’ careers. This infectious single, produced by partynextdoor and Noah “40” Shebib, combines Caribbean rhythms with contemporary pop, creating a unique sound that resonated with audiences worldwide. The song’s explicit version, in particular, stands out for its unapologetic boldness and catchy composition, marking a significant milestone in Rihanna’s discography.

The Song’s Musical and Lyrical Composition

“Work” is a vibrant blend of dancehall and pop, driven by a rhythmic beat that reflects Rihanna’s Barbadian roots. The track’s production features a minimalist yet compelling instrumental arrangement that places heavy emphasis on a syncopated beat and a repeating bassline. This arrangement is emblematic of dancehall music, which heavily influenced Rihanna’s early career and continues to be a significant part of her musical identity.

The song opens with Rihanna’s sultry vocals, immediately setting the tone for the track. Her use of Caribbean patois in the chorus—“Work, work, work, work, work, work”—is a signature element that adds authenticity and cultural depth to the song. The repeated refrain of “work” reflects not only the rhythmic structure of dancehall but also emphasizes the song’s central theme of persistent effort and dedication in a relationship.

Drake’s contribution to the song is equally integral. His verse, characterized by his signature flow and melodic delivery, complements Rihanna’s vocals perfectly. The interplay between their voices creates a dynamic energy that fuels the track’s infectious appeal. Drake’s verse, while more subdued in comparison to Rihanna’s energetic performance, adds a layer of smoothness and contrast that enhances the overall sound.

The Explicit Version: A Bold Expression

The explicit version of “Work” includes additional lyrical content that amplifies the song’s sensuality and boldness. Rihanna’s delivery in this version is notably more provocative, aligning with the explicit nature of the track. Her lyrics are direct and unfiltered, reflecting a raw honesty that contrasts with the more subdued language of the radio edit.

The explicit content serves to underscore the song’s themes of desire and intensity. The lyrics depict a relationship characterized by passionate exchanges and a strong emotional connection. This candid approach is in line with Rihanna’s persona as an artist who frequently explores themes of love, lust, and empowerment in her music.

The Music Video: A Visual Celebration

The official music video for “Work,” directed by X, provides a visual counterpart to the song’s vibrant energy. Shot in a dimly lit Caribbean setting, the video features Rihanna and Drake performing in a lively dancehall environment. The setting is both intimate and festive, perfectly mirroring the song’s rhythmic and sensual vibe.

The choreography in the video is a key element that enhances the song’s overall impact. Rihanna and Drake’s dance moves are both engaging and expressive, capturing the essence of the dancehall culture. The video’s aesthetic, with its vibrant colors and dynamic camera work, adds to the song’s appeal, making it a visual feast that complements its auditory experience.

Cultural Impact and Reception

“Work” received widespread acclaim upon its release, quickly climbing the charts and becoming a global hit. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks, further cementing Rihanna’s status as a pop icon. Its success was driven by both its catchy beat and its strategic promotion, including high-profile performances and radio airplay.

The song’s fusion of dancehall and pop not only showcased Rihanna’s versatility but also contributed to the broader popularity of Caribbean-influenced music in mainstream pop. By blending these genres, Rihanna and Drake created a track that resonated with a diverse audience, highlighting the growing influence of Caribbean sounds in contemporary music.

Moreover, “Work” also demonstrated the strength of Rihanna and Drake’s collaborative chemistry. Their successful partnership on this track led to further collaborations and solidified their status as two of the most influential artists of the decade. The song’s success also highlighted the growing trend of blending different musical styles and genres, reflecting the evolving landscape of the music industry.

Conclusion

Rihanna’s “Work” featuring Drake stands out as a quintessential example of how artists can blend diverse musical influences to create something uniquely compelling. The explicit version of the song, with its bold lyrics and infectious rhythm, captures the essence of both artists’ styles and represents a significant moment in their careers. The track’s success not only showcased Rihanna’s ability to seamlessly integrate Caribbean influences into mainstream pop but also underscored the growing prominence of such musical fusions in contemporary music. As a cultural touchstone, “Work” remains a powerful reminder of the dynamic nature of pop music and the enduring appeal of cross-genre experimentation.

Work, work, work, work, work, work
He said me haffi work, work, work, work, work, work
He see me do mi dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt
Ah so me put in work, work, work, work, work, work
When you ah guh learn, learn, learn, learn, learn, learn?
Me nuh cyar if him hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurting

Dry, me ah desert him
Nuh time to have you lurking
Him ah go act like he nuh like it
You know I dealt with you the nicest
Nuh body touch me, you nuh righteous
Nuh badda, text me in a crisis
I believed all of your dreams, adoration
You took my heart and my keys and my patience
You took my heart on my sleeve for decoration
You mistaken my love I brought for you for foundation
All that I wanted from you was to give me
Something that I never had
Something that you’ve never seen
Something that you’ve never been, mm
But I wake up and act like nothing’s wrong

Just get ready fi work, work, work, work, work, work
He said me haffi work, work, work, work, work, work
He see me do mi dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt
Ah so me put in work, work, work, work, work, work
Ner, ner, ner, ner, ner, ner
When you ah guh learn, learn, learn, learn, learn, learn?
Before the tables turn, turn, turn, turn, turn, turn

Beg you something, please
Baby, don’t you leave
Don’t leave me stuck here in the streets, uh-huh
If I get another chance to
I will never, no, never neglect you
I mean, who am I to hold your past against you?
I just hope that it gets to you
I hope that you see this through
I hope that you see this true
What can I say?
Please recognize I’m tryin’, babe

I haffi work, work, work, work, work, work
He said me haffi work, work, work, work, work, work
He see me do mi dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt
So me put in work, work, work, work, work, work
When you ah guh learn, learn, learn, learn, learn, learn?
Me nuh cyar if him hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurting (Yeah, okay)

You need to get done, done, done, done at work, come over
We just need to slow the motion
Don’t give that away to no one
Long distance, I need you (Ah)
When I see potential, I just gotta see it through
If you had a twin, I would still choose you
I don’t wanna rush into it if it’s too soon
But I know you need to get done, done, done, done
If you come over
Sorry if I’m way less friendly
I got niggas tryna end me, oh (Yeah)
I spilled all my emotions tonight, I’m sorry
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
How many more shots until you’re rollin’?
We just need a face-to-face
You could pick the time and the place
You spent some time away
Now you need to forward

And give me all the work, work, work, work, work, work
He said me haffi work, work, work, work, work, work
He see me do mi dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt
So me put in work, work, work, work, work, work
When you ah guh learn, learn, learn, learn, learn, learn?
Me nuh cyar if him hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurting

Mm
Mm
Work, work, work, work, work, work
Mm