If you were outside in late 2017, you probably remember the chokehold Tory Lanez had on the R&B-rap crossover lane. He was coming off the massive success of I Told You and was pivoting toward his sophomore effort, Memories Don't Die. Right in the middle of that transition, he dropped Tory Lanez I Sip, a track that felt less like a radio play and more like a blurred, 3:00 AM internal monologue.
Honestly? It's one of those songs that didn't need a massive commercial peak to stay relevant in his fan base. It’s a "vibe" in the truest, most literal sense.
What Tory Lanez I Sip Was Really About
Most people hear the hook and think it’s just another "lean" anthem or a generic ode to partying. But if you actually listen to the lyrics, it’s significantly darker. Lanez is singing about being "supposed to stop," but finding himself unable to quit the cycle. He’s navigating a "complicated relationship" that is clearly toxic, fueled by substances, and clouded by bad decisions.
The core of Tory Lanez I Sip isn't the celebration of the drink; it’s the admission of using it as a shield. "I don't think I can think," he croons. That's a cry for help disguised as a club record.
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The Production Powerhouse Behind the Scenes
One thing that gets overlooked is the sheer level of talent involved in the production of this track. We aren't just talking about a bedroom beat. The song was a collaborative effort involving:
- Benny Blanco: The hitmaker who helped Tory find his mainstream "Swavey" sound.
- Cashmere Cat: Known for those pillowy, atmospheric textures that make the track feel like it’s floating.
- Brittany Talia Hazzard (Starrah): The secret weapon of the 2010s who has written for everyone from Rihanna to Travis Scott.
When you have that many heavy hitters on a "promo single," you know the label was betting on a specific mood. The beat is slow-burning. It’s got these smoothed-out drums and a hazy, reverb-heavy atmosphere that mirrors the feeling of being slightly too intoxicated.
Why the Song Stuck Around
The song premiered on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 show, which back then was the ultimate stamp of "cool" approval. It followed a string of harder-hitting tracks like "Shooters" and "Real Thing" (featuring Future). While those songs were meant to shake the car speakers, Tory Lanez I Sip was for the headphones.
It captures a specific era of Toronto-influenced R&B—that moody, dark, "nighttime" sound that Drake and The Weeknd pioneered, but with Tory’s unique vocal elasticity. He flips between a high-register croon and a more grounded delivery effortlessly.
A Disconnect from the Album
Interestingly, while many outlets initially labeled it as a single for Memories Don't Die, it ended up being a "loosie" or a non-album single on many streaming platforms. This actually helped its longevity. It didn't get buried in a 20-track tracklist. Instead, it lived on its own as a standalone moment in his discography.
The Cultural Context and Legacy
You can't talk about Tory Lanez today without acknowledging the legal controversies and his current incarceration. It’s complicated. For many, listening to Tory Lanez I Sip in 2026 brings up a mix of nostalgia for his musical peak and a sober look at the themes of substance use and "toxic" romance he frequently visited.
The song reflects a version of Tory that was at the height of his creative powers, blending "Swavey" (his self-titled genre) with the high-gloss production of the Interscope era.
Actionable Listening Guide
If you're revisiting this track or hearing it for the first time, try these steps to get the full experience:
- Check the Credits: Look for the live version or the "Beats 1" interview where he discusses the mental state he was in during the Memories Don't Die sessions.
- Compare the Vocal Layers: Listen to how he stacks his harmonies during the chorus. It’s a masterclass in modern R&B vocal arrangement.
- Listen to the Sample Work: While it feels like an original composition, the way Cashmere Cat manipulates the synths gives it a "sampled" feel that’s worth analyzing if you’re into music production.
Tory Lanez I Sip remains a staple for late-night playlists because it doesn't try too hard. It’s a raw, hazy snapshot of an artist who, at the time, was trying to balance sudden superstardom with the vices that often come with it. It’s not a celebration; it’s a confession.
To truly understand the "Swavey" era, you have to look past the hits and find the tracks where the production and the lyrics actually match the artist's reality. This is one of those tracks.