After recently debuting the song “Tough” live in Boston, Lana Del Rey and Quavo have now released a studio version of the country-infused tune. Co-produced by Andrew Watt and Cirkut, it features twangy guitars and the pair trading vocals.
The song’s chorus reflects its attitude: “Tough like the scuff on a pair of old leather boots / Like the blue-collar, red-dirt attitude / Like a .38 made out of brass / Tough like the stuff on your grandpa’s glass.” “Tough” also contains a hip-hop beat reminiscent of the sound of her 2012 major-label debut, Born to Die.
The accompanying video, directed by Wyatt Spain Winfrey, is set in an unnamed rural area and finds the pair slow dancing while singing and eventually sitting down in an open area.
This year, Del Rey has only played a handful of shows, most notably a headlining slot at Coachella, where she brought out guests such as Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Jon Batiste and Jack Antonoff.
On June 20, she gave her biggest U.S. headlining performance to date at Boston’s Fenway Park. In addition to debuting “Tough” with Quavo, Del Rey was joined by recent SPIN cover star Stephen Sanchez and Mason Ramsey.
Del Rey’s upcoming album, Lasso, is also said to feature a country sound but it’s unknown when it will be released and if “Tough” will be included on it.