News broke this week that Young Money is planning to give Drake‘s “Trophies” a proper promotional release as part of their upcoming label compilation, Rise Of An Empire. The song, which was produced by the one and only Hit-Boy, was originally teased on Drake’s fall 2013 tour before being released for free at the end of the year as a thank you to fans. Whether you have heard the song before now or not no longer matters because it will soon be blasting in regular rotation on every top 40 station in America, which is perfectly fine because quite frankly it kicks your current favorite song’s ass. Whatever it is, be it Young Thug or my beloved Haim, it’s all about to be pushed aside for the man that had hit records on his demo.

^^ Listen to that anthem. Yes, I said anthem. No matter who you are, everyone is invited to celebrate their own personal success on “Trophies.” It’s the ultimate pat yourself on the back soundtrack, and it’s penned by the person perhaps best suited to boast about building something from nothing. Drake knows he has built his own empire and anyone who says otherwise is either lying or the miraculous survivor of a five-year coma who only recently regained consciousness. If that latter applies, thanks for reading.

Listen again. Seriously. Stop checking your phone, quit your dead end job, cut ties with fake friends, go to the gym, do whatever you it is you need to take the first step towards living your life on your own terms, then put on headphones or plug in the best speakers you can find and play this song one more time.

You feel that surge of energy rushing through your body as if lightning or something just this side of god himself thrust a new thirst for existence into your soul? That’s “Trophies.” It’s not about being a fan of Drake or loving the production work of Hit-Boy, it’s about giving haters the cold shoulder and celebrating the thing you’ve done to get to where you are today. You’ve done what you’ve had to support the people you love and you will continue to do so no matter what anyone tells you to do.

That’s a sentiment my own mother can get behind, so I know you feel it too. She might not agree with Drake’s use of profanity, but I know she respects his hustle. I know this, because, in her own way she hustles as well. In her own way she has built an empire. She got out of her hometown and built a life with her best friend and husband that has, so far, lasted twenty-six years. That is certainly something to celebrate, but there ain’t no award for that. Trophies. Trophies.

Consider “Trophies” the new soundtrack to your life. Whether you want to lose weight, take over Wall Street, or just represent your city and stay true to your friends, doing you is something to celebrate. Don’t take that stuff for granted because it’s what makes you unique. Drake is here to remind you of that, but also to motivate you to keep going. The struggle never ends. Haters are going to hate and problems are going to come your way, but being true to yourself is the key to happiness. Don’t let anything hold you back.

Written by: James Shotwell Follow @utgjames

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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