Drake’s electrifying ‘Papi’s Home’ gave Montell Jordan a triumphant boost, helping the R&B legend finally recoup after a long 28-year wait
When Drake dropped his sixth studio album Certified Lover Boy in 2021, fans immediately flocked to standout tracks like “Way 2 Sexy” and “Girls Want Girls.” But one song, Papi’s Home, held a deeper significance for R&B fans and a particular music legend—Montell Jordan. Known for his iconic 1995 hit This Is How We Do It, Jordan had long been a footnote in conversations about ‘90s R&B. However, with Papi’s Home, Drake offered more than just a musical nod—he delivered a lifeline. In the wake of the track’s release, Jordan finally began to recoup royalties and recognition that had eluded him for nearly three decades.
A Sampling Surprise That Revived Nostalgia
Montell Jordan’s This Is How We Do It is a cultural time capsule. Released in 1995 under Def Jam Recordings, it became an instant anthem, dominating charts and defining a generation’s party soundtrack. Yet, despite its massive success, Jordan’s financial returns from the track were disappointingly limited. Complicated publishing arrangements and shifting music rights often left original artists at the bottom of the payout ladder, and Jordan’s case was no exception.
Fast-forward to Certified Lover Boy, where Drake opened Papi’s Home with a bold, familiar groove. The sample was unmistakable—it carried the swagger and rhythm of This Is How We Do It, instantly sending listeners into a nostalgic frenzy. But beyond sparking memories, Drake’s choice of sample had legal and financial implications. The usage meant licensing fees, royalty redistribution, and renewed interest in Jordan’s catalog.
This moment was more than homage—it was strategic. Drake, who has long revered the golden age of R&B and hip-hop, made a deliberate effort to feature Montell Jordan’s legacy prominently. In doing so, he not only gave Papi’s Home a vintage vibe, but he opened a revenue stream that began to trickle into Jordan’s long-dry coffers.
The 28-Year Royalty Desert
Despite being a multiplatinum hit, Montell Jordan’s This Is How We Do It didn’t yield the windfall one might expect. For years, Jordan spoke candidly about how the song’s ownership didn’t fully rest with him due to the original publishing deal he signed as a new artist. As was typical of many ’90s artists, Jordan lacked full control over his masters and publishing—a reality that cost him millions in potential earnings.
In interviews, Jordan described the frustration of watching his song used in commercials, movies, and parties while receiving only a fraction of the financial benefits. The emotional toll of creating a global anthem yet struggling to make ends meet weighed heavily. His eventual pivot into ministry and stepping away from the music industry was in part a consequence of these struggles.
But in a twist of fate, Papi’s Home reignited the conversation around Montell Jordan. Streaming platforms saw a spike in plays of This Is How We Do It. Younger audiences, unaware of the track’s origins, were discovering it anew. Licensing interest surged. And crucially, thanks to updated royalty collection systems and improved rights management, Jordan began receiving the compensation he had long been denied.
For an artist who once said he had made peace with never fully recouping, this was nothing short of a triumph.
Drake’s Legacy of Lifting Legends
Drake’s career has often been marked by a willingness to reach back and pull from the greats. Whether it’s his collaborations with Lauryn Hill’s vocals on Nice for What, or his sampling of Donell Jones and SWV, Drake has consistently highlighted the contributions of R&B and hip-hop pioneers. With Papi’s Home, he not only sampled Montell Jordan, but symbolically placed him back in the spotlight.
In many ways, Drake serves as a bridge between generations. His influence is such that a well-placed sample or feature can revive entire catalogs. This power, when used respectfully, can have a transformative effect—not just musically, but financially—for veteran artists.
For Montell Jordan, the unexpected boost from Papi’s Home was more than just a paycheck. It was vindication. It was a sign that even after decades of being overlooked by industry gatekeepers, the music still had power—and people still cared. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Jordan thanked Drake and the fans who had rediscovered his music, writing: “God’s timing is perfect. 28 years later and He’s still showing me how we do it.”
Jordan’s story is a cautionary tale of how artists can lose control of their art, but it’s also a hopeful reminder that restitution can come, even if it takes decades. Thanks to Drake’s reverence for the past and his strategic musical choices, one R&B legend finally got the recognition—and royalties—he so richly deserved.
As for Papi’s Home, it now stands as more than just a Drake track. It’s a cultural connector. A bridge from 1995 to 2021. And a testament to the power of legacy in the hands of an artist who knows exactly how to honor it.
