What’s The Song That Goes “Last Name Ever First Name Greatest”?

The song that goes “last name ever, first name greatest” is “Forever” by Drake, featuring Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem. This song was released in 2009 and was originally part of the soundtrack for LeBron James's documentary “More than a Game”. It was later included in the re-release of Eminem's album “Relapse”.

The song was well-received and peaked at number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. The line “last name ever, first name greatest” is part of Drake's verse in the song.

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“Forever” sung by Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem in their 2009 official music video.

Answered from SMartin

One of the most iconic lines in hip hop history comes from Drake's verse on his 2009 hit “Forever.” When he raps “Last name ever, first name greatest,” it immediately captures your attention and perfectly encapsulates Drake's signature bravado and braggadocio. But what is the full story behind this memorable song and its role in cementing Drake as a titan of rap?

This comprehensive FAQ guide details everything you need to know about “Forever” and why it remains embedded in pop culture over a decade later.

What is the background of “Forever” and the rappers involved?

“Forever” was released in August 2009 as the lead single from the More Than a Game soundtrack, which accompanied a documentary about basketball phenom LeBron James. The song was produced by Kanye West and united Drake with three certified rap legends:

Kanye West – Already a critically acclaimed superstar with 4 multi-platinum albums and 21 Grammy wins under his belt by 2009. Known for his creative production style and candid lyrics.

Lil Wayne – The “Best Rapper Alive” and face of Cash Money Records, with hit albums like Tha Carter III (2008) that sold over 1 million copies. A mentor figure for Drake.

Eminem – Dubbed the “Rap God,” Eminem was the best-selling rapper of the 2000s. By 2009 he had released 5 straight #1 albums and won 13 Grammys.

With these three giants plus newcomer Drake, “Forever” was an event collaboration in the hip hop world. Below are some key details on the track itself:

• Peak Chart Position: #8 on the Billboard Hot 100
• Certifications: 3x Platinum in the US
• Music Video Release: August 2009 on YouTube
• Runtime: 5:57
• Record Label: Universal Motown, Cash Money, Universal Republic

Why did Drake say “last name ever, first name greatest”?

This line encapsulates Drake's persona as a rapper and his self-confidence. By boldly proclaiming himself the “greatest” first name with the “ever” last name, he's boasting about his skills being unmatched. The line grabbed attention for its clever wordplay and succinctly delivered the punch of establishing Drake as the next potential great.

Many music critics have highlighted this lyric when discussing Drake's ability for impactful, quotable lyrics that define his career. Pitchfork referred to it as “the most loaded six syllables of his career” while Genius called it “one of the most legendary couplets Drake’s ever committed to wax.”

How did “Forever” fit into Drake's career trajectory in 2009?

Drake was still a relative newcomer in 2009, having released his breakout mixtape So Far Gone earlier that year. “Forever” provided his first major look alongside rap juggernauts and helped legitimize him with both critics and hip hop fans.

• Gave him credibility and co-signs by collaborating with Kanye, Lil Wayne, and Eminem
• Propelled his first studio album Thank Me Later to go Platinum in 2010
• Garnered him the “Best New Artist” award at the 2010 Juno Awards
• Solidified his signature flow and hype that defined his breakthrough mixtapes
• First top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit, peaking at #8 and going 3x Platinum

By holding his own on “Forever,” Drake proved he deserved to be in the conversation with rap's greats and was worthy of the iconic “passing the torch” collab.

What was the bigger picture hip hop legacy of “Forever”?

“Forever” stands as one of the biggest posse cuts of the late 2000s era, symbolic of passing the torch from rap veterans to Drake.

Here are some of the key milestones that capture the cultural significance of “Forever”:

• Combined 4 rap titans together in their primes (over 250M albums sold between them)
• Important co-sign for newcomer Drake from hip hop veterans
• Drake's verse cemented him as a leader and star of the new school
• VEVO music video has over 250 million YouTube views
• Remains one of the iconic posse cuts of the digital mixtape era
• Encapsulated the hype surrounding Drake's rise and a “torch passing” moment

What was the reception and legacy of “Forever”?

“Forever” was met with widespread critical praise and commercial success upon its 2009 release:

• Debuted at #14 on Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at #8
• 3x Platinum certification by RIAA with over 3 million units sold
• Named #6 Song of 2009 by Pitchfork
• Won Best Collaboration at 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards
• 2010 MuchMusic Video Award for Best Hip Hop Video
• Ended 2009 as RapSong.net's Song of the Year

Over a decade later, “Forever” remains embedded in the cultural consciousness through Drake's popularity today and its iconic status:

• Rare feat of a posse cut with 4 hip hop legends
• Billboard named it Drake's 5th biggest hit, with over 500M Spotify streams
• Lines like “last name ever, first name greatest” are still quoted
• Many critics consider it Drake's breakthrough crossover moment
• Stands as a definitive collaboration of the digital mixtape era
• Drake interpolates it on his 2018 #1 single “Laugh Now, Cry Later”

So when you hear Drake proclaim “last name ever, first name greatest,” you're witnessing a landmark hip hop moment that still resonates over ten years later as one of the all-time great tracks.