"[1] Jordan Rose of Complex considered it the best song from For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition.
[2] In an album review, Shahzaib Hussain of Clash commented "Drake moves listlessly, with eyes closed, through the haze of his memories, and that sense of dissonance with his surroundings comes to a head on 'Evil Ways', the 'Scary Hours Edition' most transparent moment.
Here, Drake and J. Cole continue their fraternal repartee after last month's number one 'First Person Shooter', interplaying bravado, glazed portraits of youthful decline, and cautionary wisdom.
"[3] Nadine Smith of HipHopDX was critical of the song, stating its feature "indicates how we're supposed to approach this manifestation of Drake: as a serious lyricist whose words intend to inspire deep reflection and analysis.
But the strained wordplay and eye roll-inducing similes undercut any notion of Drake as a thoughtful writer, and overshadow the intricacies of his beat selections.