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40 Explains Why “The Calm” Is His Favorite Drake Song

Noah “40” Shebib recently took a break from cooking up with Drake for Certified Lover Boy to chop it up with Kevin Durant and co-host Eddie Gonzalez on The ETCs podcast. While the conversation is wide-ranging, one of the most interesting moments arrives near the end, when Kevin Durant asks what he deems to be an “unanswerable question” — what is 40’s favorite Drake song of all time?
40 Shebib

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After a bit of encouragement from the host, 40 declares that “Resistance” is “up there.” “‘The Calm’ is one of them for me, because of those bars,” continues 40. “Those bars in ‘The Calm’ about his mom, and fighting with his mom, and his uncle on the phone. You guys gotta understand, when we made that song, I was living on Fort York, which was a big condo in downtown Toronto they had just built…That’s where me and Drake first linked up and started making So Far Gone.”

“Drake was coming to the apartment all the time to work on records with me outta my bedroom where I had my little set-up,” he continues. “That’s where we formed October’s Very Own, and that’s where everything began, out of that apartment. That night, Drake came over to the crib, and he shows up with a couple bottles of liquor, a bottle of champagne. He just got there, and his phone is ringing, some shit is going down. He goes out on the balcony and starts cussing. He’s out there for like, half an hour. And it’s getting heated. He’s talking to his uncle, in a big fight with his uncle.”

“There’s screaming and yelling, and he comes back in and he’s just rattled,” reflects 40. “He’s livid, he’s steaming mad. And he’s like yo, put that beat on. And he walks up to the mic and bodies that record. And like, that experience of seeing him be so triggered by that conversation and then spit those bars, and then seeing the way people react to that song — how heart-wrenching that was, how much you felt what he was saying, that was so real. That really happened in that moment. So for me listening to that song is pretty important to me. It also defined me as a producer, as far as that sparseness and being very different and very emotional in a time where motherfuckers were making big booming, slapping records.”

Artist Spotlight

TABOO ZERO unveils tthe beauty of unexpected connection on new release “Stay”

TABOO ZERO beckons emotional honesty and timeless storytelling with “Stay,” a captivating alternative duet about the rare and transformative experience of finding something real when you least expect it.

The track, influenced by the romantic ambiance of Meet Joe Black, develops with a wonderful patience, letting its emotions breathe naturally. “Stay” works best when it isn’t rushing towards dramatic conclusions. Every beat is intentional. It’s a listening experience that slowly brings audiences into its story.

The track is based around a story of connection, which feels authentic, vulnerable, and refreshingly sincere. The duet format helps in this emotional dynamic, with the voices working in tandem to communicate longing, hope, and the uncertainty that often comes with significant relationships. The chemistry in the performance lends a human quality to the song that can’t be ignored.

It’s one of the most striking things about it, “Stay,” managing to feel both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Its low-key approach is a throwback to classic, emotionally driven songs, but never feels stuck in the past. TABOO ZERO instead redefines heartfelt storytelling with a modern voice, proving that true emotion is always in style.

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QUIETLOVE unveils a midnight rush covered with emotions and energy on latest release “High”

QUIETLOVE makes a confident entrance into the spotlight with his new release “High,” a late-night anthem that’s full of emotion, energy, and undeniable chemistry. The third single from the self-produced EP Handshakes & Heartbreaks, the song finds an artist unafraid to blur the lines between indie pop and alternative R&B to craft something that’s both deeply immersive and instantly memorable.

“High” exudes a glossy, after-dark atmosphere, and bright guitars cut through punchy drums with infectious momentum to create a sound that’s both polished and spontaneous. There’s a controlled chaos that runs through the song and mirrors the emotional whirlwind at its heart. Each beat feels intentional, yet the energy is still flowing freely and exciting.

At the heart of “High” is the exhilarating rush of connection. The song explores that fine line between attraction and obsession, and where feelings start to feel as strong as any drug. Instead of offering up the easy answers, QUIETLOVE leans into the ambiguity, delivering the thrill and fragility of losing oneself in a moment that feels too good to be true.

The single is especially interesting for its combination of confidence and emotional depth. The hooks are immediate and addictive, bringing listeners into the orbit of the track, and the themes underneath give it long-term impact. It’s a song that celebrates impulse, while quietly recognising the risks of giving in to it.

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