Fenway Park Magic to a Studio Masterpiece: Lana Del Rey and Quavo’s “Tough”
On June 20 at 11:30 p.m. on the dot, Lana Del Rey gazed into the crowd at her first sold-out stadium show at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass. with a twinkle in her eye.
“Let me bring out my guy before they kick me off the stage,” she announced, stirring up a wave of anticipation.
Who was “that guy,” you may ask? None other than the one and only Quavo. Their unexpected collaboration sent shockwaves through the audience, marking the official debut of their highly-anticipated new single, “Tough.”
The pair’s live debut of the track was nothing short of magical. I had the privilege of being in attendance, and the energy was electric as the two icons took the stage. The vibey song captivated the audience, blending twangy guitars with country-trap elements, touching guitar licks, and occasional trap beats. It was a surprising collaboration, but one that proved to be a match made in musical heaven.
Now, after weeks of only listening to the low-quality videos I took on my phone and the short teasers on social media, “Tough” is officially out — and the unlikely duo has entered their country era.
This single marries Del Rey’s dreamy vocal delivery with Quavo’s smooth melodic raps, resulting in a mesmerizing fusion that explores the very best of both artists’ musical realms. It also brings us back to the hip-hop-influenced sound of Del Rey’s debut Born to Die while simultaneously pushing boundaries with its innovative blend of pop, hip-hop, and country.
The lyrics are a heartfelt reflection on life’s tribulations, sung from the perspective of a couple who have come out stronger on the other side. The chorus captures this sentiment perfectly:
“Tough like the scuff on a pair of worn leather boots / Like a blue-collar, red dirt attitude / Like a .38 made out of brass / Tough like the stuff on your grandpa’s glass.”
As a former fan of Migos, a hip-hop trio featuring Quavo, Takeoff, and Offset, one of the most memorable moments in the song is when Quavo references Takeoff, his late nephew, by crossing his arms to form a letter T, while rapping:
“Standin’ through the storm, still shinin’ like a diamond in the rough / And that’s hard if you ever lost someone that you love.”
This tribute adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the track, reminding listeners of the real-life experiences and losses that shape the artists’ music.
After hearing this song live and now having the studio version, this track proves that Quavo and Lana Del Rey are an unstoppable duo. Their chemistry, both in the song and in the since-released music video, is genuinely impressive and a testament to their versatility and artistry. Their ability to blend their unique styles into a cohesive and captivating song is nothing short of remarkable.
And who knows, “Tough” may be our first preview of Del Rey’s upcoming country album, Lasso, expected to arrive in September. If this single is any indication, we’re definitely in for a treat.
