The haunting vocal loop is a direct sample of Ellie Goulding's "Don’t Say a Word" . The producers pitched it down and layered it with reverb to create a dreamlike backdrop.
The track’s creation involved a notable "trade" between two hip-hop giants: Drake ft. Jay Z - Pound Cake Instrumental [OFFICIAL AUDIO]
The instrumental for "Pound Cake," the outro to Drake’s 2013 album Nothing Was the Same , is celebrated as one of the most iconic "luxury rap" beats in modern hip-hop history. Produced primarily by and Jordan Evans , with additional work by Matthew Burnett , the track serves as a masterclass in atmospheric, sample-heavy production. Production & Sound Design The haunting vocal loop is a direct sample
The instrumental includes a re-recorded vocal interpolation of Wu-Tang Clan’s "C.R.E.A.M." (Cash Rules Everything Around Me), which is reportedly voiced by Timbaland . Origins and History Produced primarily by and Jordan Evans , with
Jay-Z initially sent Drake two a cappella verses for a different beat produced by Noah "40" Shebib .
After hearing the final Boi-1da version, Jay-Z actually wanted the song for his own album, Magna Carta Holy Grail , but eventually gave it back to Drake to close out Nothing Was the Same .
It features a crisp, steady boom-bap rhythm that provides a grounded contrast to the airy vocal samples.