Quavo and Lana Del Rey join forces and demonstrate their toughness in a new collaboration.
In a combining of worlds, the two musicians conjoin their respective music genres to make what could be the song of the summer. “Tough” is a twangy southern-inspired track, with a revitilizaing heartbeat of Quavo’s signature 808’s and Del Rey’s purr towards Americana. The song feels alive thanks to blending the two genres, showing the best of both worlds.
The concept of “Tough” can have various meanings. As depicted in the song’s lyrics, it may be influenced by the singer’s personal family challenges or based on the hardships of their upbringing. However, one definite meaning behind the song is the connection one feels when they find someone who understands their background. Quavo and Del Rey show this meaning beautifully, especially through their music video that’s dripping with chemistry.
Tough like the scuff on a pair of old leather boots
Like the blue-collar, red-dirt attitude
Like a .38 made out of brass
Tough like the stuff in your grandpa’s glass (Grandpa’s glass)
Life’s gonna do what it does (Ooh)
Sure as the good Lord’s up above
I’m cut like a diamond shinin’ in the rough (Shine, shine)
In a surprising turn of events, one of the track’s co-writers is none other than country music’s ode to 2010 Justin Bieber, Maddox Batson. It was reported that a demo of the track was made last November. Later, the song was shown to Del Rey, and she expressed interest in it. Working together with a slew of Grammy-nominated producers like Jack Antonoff, Andrew Watt, and the singers in question as well, Batson joins the list of singer-songwriters navigating their way to becoming multi-hyphenated artists.
The song is a dreamy ode to American Western living, especially on the heels of Del Rey’s impending album. Rumoured to be called Lasso, it should come as no surprise that this track is the early materialization of what the sound may be. To keep up with any news with Del Rey, make sure to follow her socials on Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube. If you want to stay in the know with Quavo, follow his Instagram, Spotify and YouTube as well.
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