It’s already known that pop star Drake is pals with Babeo Baggins, the Virginia native who makes geeky, countercultural hip-hop with underground clique Barf Troop. But now, they’re officially collaborators, too.
Love Songs For Tough Guys, the EP Baggins released today, includes a cover song recorded with the singsong Canadian rapper. It’s their take on “These Days,” the Jackson Browne tune popularized by Nico in 1967.
“‘These Days’ is my favorite song in the world and I showed [Drake] the song because he had never heard it,” Baggins tells Dazed. “He connected with it, which explains us doing the cover.”
Baggins’ EP also includes a cover of Lykke Li’s “Little Bit” (retitled “Stay With Me”) and Patsy Cline’s “She’s Got You” (retitled “Used to Be”).
When an early version of the track leaked today, some outlets speculated that it was a fresh Drake cut from his forthcoming album, Views From The Six. Baggins cleared the air by releasing the cover under its intended name, “Things I Forgot To Do,” along with the rest of the EP.
Pitchfork has declared the cover “not great,” and published a list of “five modern covers of ‘These Days’ that are better than Drake’s,” including versions by Elliott Smith and St. Vincent.
“The corniness runs high, even for [Drake],” Pitchfork writes.
Meanwhile, Baggins is hearing positive feedback from fans. “I was so concerned with the leak that my version wouldn’t be recognized,” Baggins tweeted, “but I’m so blown away by this reaction. I can’t express my gratitude.”