“Jimmy Cooks” by Drake (ft. 21 Savage)

For those of you who may not know, Drake was actually a tenured professional actor before becoming a global music star. From 2001 to 2008 he portrayed one of the main characters, “Jimmy Brooks”, on a teen drama series known as Degrassi: The Next Generation. And it has been concluded that the title of this song was inspired by the name of that character.

But of course instead of “Jimmy Brooks” we are met with “Jimmy Cooks”. And as subtly implied in the first verse, said cooking would be the type drug dealers when preparing cra-k or what have you. And relatedly, as alluded to later in the article, this piece is more along the lines of the traditional, braggadocious hardcore raps that Drake is known for. 

In fact a recurring sentiment of Drake’s, that of being appreciative of his “day ones” – i.e. associates that have supported him from the jump – also appears in this verse. And it’s like we all know he’s chillin’, but the vocalist goes about reminding us of that fact primarily by pointing to his romantic conquests.

Meanwhile 21 Savage, as he is also known for, dedicates most of his lyrics to gunplay. In fact, as to expected, there are plenty of pop media references in this song. But Savage perhaps has to the most notable line of all, stating that ‘if he was Will Smith, he would’ve slapped him with a stick’. In other words, he’s saying that Smith should’ve pistol-whipped Chris Rock instead of merely striking him with his hand.

And the outro verifies that this is indeed a confrontational piece. That is to say that Drake, buttressed by 21 Savage, is challenging his rivals to “say something” negative in public, so that he can then turn around and respond accordingly.

Facts about “Jimmy Cooks”

“Jimmy Cooks” was introduced to the world via “Honestly, Nevermind”, a surprise album Drake dropped 17 June 2022. And based on some early reports, this is the best song on an overall lackluster and pop-based effort.

Drake and 21 Savage have teamed up numerous times in the past, dating back to a 2016 Drizzy track called “Sneakin’” and most recently (prior to “Jimmy Cooks”) on a song called “Knife Talk” from Drake’s 2021 “Certified Lover Boy” album.

This track was put out by Drake’s OVO label alongside Republic Records.

Drake uses his verse and the chorus to give a shoutout to DJ Kay Slay (1966-2022), aka “Drama King”, the hip-hop figure who recently passed away, at 55 years of age, due to COVID-19 complications.

Drake and Savage wrote “Jimmy Cooks”, with its producers being CuBeatz, Vinylz, Tizzle and Tay Keith.

The aforenoted Will Smith reference was inspired by an event at the 94^th Academy Awards (aka 2022 Oscar Awards) whereas Smith, in front of the entire world so to speak, went up on stage and slapped fellow actor/comedian Chris Rock for making fun of his wife, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith.

The intro of “Jimmy Cooks” samples a 1999 song called “Just Awaken Shaken” by a Memphis-based rapper known as Playa Fly.