[3][4] The dance was described as a "modern day 'Cha Cha Slide' by DJ Casper" and went viral after it was introduced to the app TikTok by Toosie, Hiii Key and Michigan duo Ayo & Teo.

[9][10] American rapper Lil Baby revealed via Instagram that Drake wanted him on the song, calling himself a "dumbass" for not sending his verse back.

[12] A trap song,[1] "Toosie Slide" is a "seductive confection engineered to cause an Internet stir",[13] containing "stuttering cymbals, a couple bass drum kicks" and "elliptical set of beats", leaving room for Drake's lyrics to take the spotlight,[1] which he delivers with "melodic bars".

Alphonse Pierre of Pitchfork noted that despite Drake's ability of never needing "to chase a hit", for the first time it "feels like he's a step behind" and went on calling the track "strictly a business decision".

[19] Micah Peters of The Ringer was highly critical of the song as well as Drake's marketing ploys, comparing him to the DC Comics supervillain Darkseid.

Peters further called producer OZ's production "airy, barely there", the hook "awkward syllabic balance" and said "Toosie Slide" feels marginal in the same way "God's Plan" did, "and doubtlessly, it'll also walk to no.

[20] Ann Powers of NPR had a similar notion, labelling the song "a bit of trivial fun that will probably become an inescapable hit on the strength of its marketing and its catchy chorus".

[13] Conversely, Jason Lipshutz of Billboard named it among the most essential releases of the week, and said "Drake is smart to launch a self-fashioned dance craze in this era, but 'Toosie Slide' also showcases his skill of conjuring hooks and catchphrases out of thin air, which helped make him who he is today".

[15] Jessica McKinney of Complex also listed it as part of the "Best New Music of the Week", saying the song is not all gimmick and referenced the COVID-19 pandemic, stating "it is worth listening to when you're riding around in the car or heading out for a quick walk around the block.

The empty streets signify the quietness of the cities in the light of the lockdowns that have been enforced by governments globally to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus among citizens.

The video then shows Drake in an antechamber, showcasing his many awards sitting in trophy cases; through the door, a painting of China's Chairman Mao by Andy Warhol is seen hanging on the wall.

The scene then cuts to a foyer, as the rapper passes two blinking "Four Foot Dissected Companion" sculptures by American artist and designer Kaws.

Drake continues moving through darkened rooms where portraits of "lost and distanced" heroes, including Prince, Nas, Tupac and Snoop Dogg, hang on the wall.