Drake Surprises Fans with New Album

Drake+Surprises+Fans+with+New+Album

Marina Jacquez, Staff Writer

After its unexpected release last month, “If you’re reading this it’s too late,” by Drake, has already made more than $34 million. I was actually surprised that he would drop this mix tape without any notice because he always tells his fans what to expect. This is Drake’s first project since 2013, his critically acclaimed masterpiece “Nothing Was the Same.” After listening to the mix tape, I have to say that it is pretty good. Here’s a break down of each song.

Legend – The beat was awesome in this song, and it had Ginuwine’s “So Anxious” sample in the background, which made it even more amazing. In this song, Drake is claiming that if he died, then he would be a legend. I don’t think Drake has achieved legendary status yet, but if he did die suddenly, I can see it happening. The message he was trying to deliver with the amazing beat makes this song a great choice for the introduction to Drake’s mix tape.

Energy – Drake is talking about his enemies and how they are trying to drain his energy in this song. I didn’t know Drake had enemies. I mean except for Chris Brown. Drake continues talking about the usual rapper problems: his haters and how he’s going to live regardless. The production itself holds my interest far more than Drake’s rhymes. The hook of the song was catchy, and that is what makes the song.

10 Bands – The beat continues to be strong in this song. Drake does a nice job of including humorous bars such as, “My ex asked me, ‘Where you moving?’ I said, “On to better things.” Despite the humor, you can tell Drake didn’t really try in this song and that he isn’t rapping like he really can, but he’s still entertaining, nonetheless.

Know Yourself – Four tracks into the album and he finally delivers the first banger. There was a beat switch-up in this song. When the beat drops you can almost feel the hype. Once he starts rapping, the beat is fast, but it slows down when he starts singing. This song is very catchy. It won’t be surprising to see kids screaming “I was runnin’ through the 6 with my woes,” when listening.

No Tellin – Right from the beginning of the song, Drake is going off. This version of Drake here is extremely similar to the Drake who rapped “0 to 100.” Even though the song doesn’t contain anything special, Drake’s voice still sounds good, regardless of what he is actually saying.

Madonna – This song was hard to understand because it seemed like Drake was mumbling. The beat and the overall production were very relaxed. This is the type of song that only sounds good if you listen to it at night.

6 God – The track is different from the others because it starts off with gunshots, which gives a very aggressive vibe. In “6 god,” I love how Drake blends the word “worst” in at the beginning. This is his way of incorporating the song “Worst Behavior” with this track. While the beat is very catchy and exciting, he doesn’t stop there, though. Drake decides to pick up the beat and it makes the song sound even better.

Star67 – I like this song because it has some depth, which this mixed tape is overall lacking. Here, Drake is reflecting over his younger days of running phone scams with the help of *67. You can hear Lil Wayne’s voice in the interlude. Lyrical-wise, it’s not his best work, and it is repetitive. However, the beat is chill and slow, which makes it a pretty good song.

Preach – Drake collaborated with Partynextdoor in this song, but unlike the previous songs they have made together, this one was horrible. The beat was okay, but the hook could have been better. I was not feeling this song at all, but maybe I’ll get used to it as time goes on.

Wednesday Night Interlude – Drake also collaborated with Partynextdoor in this track. This, like “Preach,” is one of the worst songs on the album. Partynextdoor’s singing was irritating. If Drake was in this song, I didn’t hear him. I don’t know about you, but I want to listen to Drake’s new album for Drake, not for someone else. This is easily a throwaway track.

Used to – Fans of Drake will be glad to know that he and Lil Wayne collaborated and made a come back to hip-hop. I actually like this song. The beat is nice, and the song is about Drake and Lil Wayne still getting used to the music industry. Lil Wayne’s verse really completes the song; it made me want to start rapping along with him.

6 man – Drake was acting like he was tough. The lyrics were typical, which I don’t like. When you think the song is finally over, it slows down and then Drake starts singing in a monotone voice. This song just seemed unnecessary.

Now & forever – If you listen closely to the song, you’ll hear Drake’s first words about his separation from Birdman and Cash Money Records. This Drake reminds me of his “So Far Gone” days, and the song even includes a cool melody.

Company – Travis $cott is featured. It talks about Drake’s love life, in which he later confesses to being an eternal “dog.” The song even includes barks. $cott’s part of the beat made the song for me because he completely killed it. This song was probably a leftover from Travis $cott’s “Days before Rodeo” mix tape, but it doesn’t matter because this is one of the strongest tracks in this album.

You & the 6 – This song is dedicated to Drake’s mom. This is not on the same level as Tupac’s “Dear Mama” or even Kanye’s “Hey Mama,” but it’s still very sweet. Drake has the ability to spill his guts out on a song, and it doesn’t come across as too much or cheesy. He gives us a look into the broken relationship his family has with each other. It is such a beautiful, introspective track. The production and work put into this song was fantastic.

Jungle – This is an R&B type of song. It’s great to listen to on lonely nights. Since the songs at the beginning of the album are all bangers, it’s nice that this song helps you cool down. This is my favorite song on the tape. The flipped “68” – Gabriel Garzon-Montano sample is beautiful. I don’t even want to get into Drake’s almost angelic singing. Just listen to it, on repeat, for hours. It’s pure emotions on a beat stretched out for almost five and a half minutes.

6pm in New York – This is the controversial track that social media has been buzzing about ever since everyone first heard it. Basically, Drake came straight for Tyga and Kylie’s “relationship” with the bar, “It’s so childish calling my name on the world stage/You need to act your age and not your girl’s age.” He had everything in this song: the beat, a clean flow and passion. This song is one of the few instances where Drake actually shows just how good of a rapper he really is.

The beat in most of these tracks is what made this album. It was the best out of all of his albums. Drake then gives you a few meaningful bars and a melody to go with it. 85 percent of this album is rapping, so it’s not like his album “Take Care.” Even though it’s not that lyrical, Drake does change his flow frequently. He is more aggressive, but there are a few mellow tracks.

I don’t think he pulled a “Beyoncé.” According to rumors, he only dropped this to get out of his contract with Young Money Records. Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Drake are going to war with Cash Money Records.

It’s also rumored that this album is just to keep his listeners until “Views from the Six” comes out, but are fans even in a rush for that now? This album has left me pretty satisfied.