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Views

Views is the fourth studio album by Canadian rapper Drake.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Views is the fourth studio album by Canadian rapper Drake. It was released on April 29, 2016, and became one of his most commercially successful albums, debuting at number one in several major markets and featuring the hit single “One Dance.”

Background

Views was conceived as Drake’s follow-up studio album and was initially announced under the title Views from the 6. The final title was shortened before release, while the album’s cover and themes emphasized Toronto and Drake’s Canadian identity.

Release and promotion

The album was released on April 29, 2016, through Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Republic Records. It was promoted with several singles, including “One Dance,” which became a major international hit.

Commercial performance

Views debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and posted very large first‑week sales and streaming figures. It remained a major commercial success worldwide and received multiple platinum certifications.

Critical and cultural reception

The album was widely discussed for its Toronto‑focused imagery and its place in Drake’s career. Reviews often described it as a reflective, city‑centred project and an important statement of his Canadian identity.

Key facts

  • Drake's fourth studio album
  • Released on April 29, 2016
  • Debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200
  • Certified eight times platinum by the RIAA and six times platinum by Music Canada
  • The album’s cover and themes emphasized Toronto and Drake’s Canadian identity
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Canadian context

Views is closely associated with Toronto and is one of the best-known albums by a Canadian artist. Its cover art and lyrical themes helped reinforce Drake’s image as a Toronto-based global pop and hip hop figure.

Frequently asked questions

What is Views?
Views is the fourth studio album by Canadian rapper Drake, released in 2016.
When was Views released?
It was released on April 29, 2016.
What were the main singles from Views?
The singles included “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” “Pop Style,” “Controlla,” and “Too Good.”
Was Views successful commercially?
Yes. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and later received multi‑platinum certifications in the United States and Canada.
Was Views connected to Toronto?
Yes. The album’s title, artwork, and themes were strongly tied to Toronto and Drake’s identity as a Toronto artist.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Views_(album)
    Supports: Release date, studio album status, label information, executive producers, singles, chart performance, and certifications.
  2. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/us/album/views/1440842556
    Supports: Release date, track count, length, and Toronto-focused album description.
  3. Billboard — https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/drake-views-tracklist-7348510/
    Supports: Track list announcement, album title, singles, and release context.
  4. uDiscoverMusic — https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/drake-views-album/
    Supports: Commercial impact, release context, and retrospective description of the album's significance.