Drake's Nothing Was The Same Tracklist: All 15 Songs And The Untold Story Behind Each Hit

The legacy of Drake’s third studio album, Nothing Was The Same (NWTS), remains one of the most defining moments in modern Hip-Hop. Released on September 24, 2013, the album’s tracklist was a masterclass in blending braggadocio rap with emotional R&B, solidifying Drake’s status as a global superstar and influencing a generation of artists.

As of late 2024, nearly 11 years after its debut, fans and critics continue to dissect the 15-song Deluxe Edition tracklist, which perfectly captured the shift in Drake's life—from a rising star to a cultural titan. The album's concise structure, minimal features, and deep, atmospheric production by Noah "40" Shebib and his team created a soundscape that truly heralded a new era for Aubrey Graham.

The Complete Nothing Was The Same Tracklist (Standard & Deluxe Edition)

Nothing Was The Same was intentionally scaled back to a lean 13 tracks on the standard version, a stark contrast to many of his contemporaries’ lengthy releases. The Deluxe Edition added two essential bonus tracks, "Come Thru" and "All Me," bringing the total to 15 songs.

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Here is the full, definitive tracklist, including the key featured artists and the masterminds behind the production of each track:

• 1. Tuscan Leather
  • Featured Artist: None
  • Producer(s): Noah "40" Shebib, Boi-1da, Detail
  • Notes: A six-minute opener that sets the tone, featuring a sample of "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston and a famous name-drop of Wu-Tang Clan member Cappadonna.
• 2. Furthest Thing
  • Featured Artist: None
  • Producer(s): Noah "40" Shebib, Jake One
• 3. Started from the Bottom
  • Featured Artist: None
  • Producer(s): Mike Zombie, Noah "40" Shebib
  • Notes: The iconic lead single, which features a haunting sample of "Ambessence Piano & Drones 1" by Bruno Sanfilippo and Mathias Grassow.
• 4. Wu-Tang Forever
  • Featured Artist: None
  • Producer(s): Noah "40" Shebib
  • Notes: A controversial track upon release, with its title paying homage to the legendary Wu-Tang Clan.
• 5. Own It
  • Featured Artist: None
  • Producer(s): Noah "40" Shebib, Detail
• 6. Worst Behavior
  • Featured Artist: None
  • Producer(s): DJ Dahi, Nineteen85
  • Notes: One of the album's hardest-hitting tracks, co-produced by DJ Dahi, who brought a distinctive, aggressive sound to the album's latter half.
• 7. From Time
  • Featured Artist: Jhené Aiko
  • Producer(s): Noah "40" Shebib
  • Notes: A fan-favorite R&B collaboration that showcases Drake's softer, more introspective side.
• 8. Hold On, We're Going Home
  • Featured Artist: Majid Jordan
  • Producer(s): Nineteen85, Majid Jordan, Noah "40" Shebib
  • Notes: The album's biggest pop crossover hit, featuring the infectious vocals of Majid Jordan.
• 9. Connect
  • Featured Artist: None
  • Producer(s): Hudson Mohawke, Noah "40" Shebib
• 10. The Language
  • Featured Artist: None
  • Producer(s): Boi-1da, Vinylz, Nineteen85
• 11. Too Much
  • Featured Artist: Sampha
  • Producer(s): Nineteen85, Sampha
  • Notes: Features a captivating vocal performance from British artist Sampha, a key collaborator of the era.
• 12. Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2
  • Featured Artist: Jay-Z
  • Producer(s): Boi-1da, Vinylz, Jordan Evans
  • Notes: The epic, two-part closer that features a verse from rap legend Jay-Z and a prominent sample of the Wu-Tang Clan’s "C.R.E.A.M."

The Essential Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks

While the standard edition is a tight, cohesive body of work, the two bonus tracks included on the deluxe version are considered essential listening by many fans and critics. They offer a more traditional, rap-focused experience that was largely pared back from the main album.

• 13. Come Thru (Bonus Track)
  • Featured Artist: None
  • Producer(s): Noah "40" Shebib, PartyNextDoor
  • Notes: A smooth, late-night R&B track that was originally a leak, its official inclusion on the deluxe album was a nod to the dedicated fanbase.
• 14. All Me (Bonus Track)
  • Featured Artist: Big Sean, 2 Chainz
  • Producer(s): Key Wane, Noah "40" Shebib
  • Notes: This track is notable for being the only feature from other rappers on the entire album, with standout verses from Big Sean and 2 Chainz.

The Production Entities That Defined the NWTS Sound

The sonic identity of Nothing Was The Same is as crucial as the tracklist itself. Drake's longtime collaborator, Noah "40" Shebib, served as the primary executive producer, crafting the album's signature sound: cold, atmospheric, and deeply emotional.

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The album’s topical authority is bolstered by the presence of a tight-knit circle of producers, many of whom were part of Drake’s OVO Sound label. This collective approach ensured a cohesive sound that was fresh and unique for 2013, setting a new standard for hip-hop production.

The Core Production Team & Entities:

• Noah "40" Shebib: The co-executive producer, credited on nearly every track, known for his sparse, underwater sound design.
• Boi-1da: A Canadian production powerhouse responsible for some of the album’s biggest beats, including "Tuscan Leather" and "Pound Cake."
• Nineteen85: A key producer who helped craft the R&B-pop masterpiece "Hold On, We're Going Home" and the Sampha-assisted "Too Much."
• Mike Zombie: The then-emerging producer who created the instantly recognizable, haunting beat for "Started from the Bottom."
• DJ Dahi: Brought a more aggressive, West Coast-influenced sound to the album with the fan-favorite "Worst Behavior."
• Majid Jordan: Beyond their feature, the duo was instrumental in the production of their hit single.
• Detail: Credited on "Tuscan Leather" and "Own It," adding to the album's diverse sonic palette.

By keeping the production in-house and focusing on a small group of trusted collaborators, Drake ensured that the Nothing Was The Same tracklist flowed seamlessly, creating a listening experience that felt less like a collection of singles and more like a definitive artistic statement. This strategic consolidation of talent is a major reason why the album is still celebrated as a modern classic.