Make Them Cry
2026 song by Drake
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"Make Them Cry" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his ninth studio album, Iceman. It was released on May 15, 2026, through OVO Sound and Republic Records, as the album's opening track.
- Aubrey Graham
- Akash Lakhani
- Boi Yanel
- Maneesh Bidaye
- Manny Manhattan
- Octavian Oliver Godji
- Roger Ridley
| "Make Them Cry" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Drake | |
| from the album Iceman | |
| Released | May 15, 2026 |
| Length | 5:07 |
| Label | |
| Songwriters |
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| Producers |
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| Audio video | |
| "Make Them Cry" on YouTube | |
Background and composition
Ahead of its release, Drake first teased "Make Them Cry" on May 11, 2026, via a cryptic Instagram Story showing the song title in white font on a blue background, mirroring the teaser for "What Did I Miss?" (2025).[1]
The song was released as the opening track on its parent album, Iceman, on May 15, 2026. It was written by Aubrey Graham, Roger Ridley, Akash Lakhani, Boi Yanel, Maneesh, Manny Manhattan, O Lil Angel, and Skeyez, with production handled by the latter five. The track samples "What Am I" (1979) by American musician Roger Ridley.[2] Described as a "slower, reflective track", it introduces themes of "betrayal" and isolation and establishes the tone for the rest of the album.[3] It includes references to the artist's hometown, Toronto, as well as to his feud with American rapper Kendrick Lamar.[4][5] He further compared discussions surrounding the feud and his music to the television series Twin Peaks. In the song, Drake also reveals that his father, Dennis Graham, has been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer.[6] Besides the news regarding his father, he reflects on family matters, referencing being an only child and caring for his parents in the present day.[7]
Another reference in the song is to the South Korean boy band BTS. In response to the shoutout, member V shared a video on his Instagram Stories showing the group reacting to the lyric, including them listening to "Make Them Cry" and exchanging looks afterward.[8][9]
Critical reception
"Make Them Cry" received generally positive reviews from music critics. Jeff Ihaza of Rolling Stone described the song as presenting Drake in an "introspective, personal mood", setting the tone for the rest of the album.[10] Joe Simpson of Clash praised the song for its "refreshing moments of vulnerability", evoking his earlier career.[11]