We’re a few months away from Drake’s official Debut ("Thank Me Later" is tentatively slated for May 2010) and I admit, I’ve been pretty harsh on the guy up to this point.
I’ve never thought twice about being the only person in a group of Drake-fans to actually ask the question:
Is Drake, REALLY as good as everyone has been making it seem?
Drake Fans: Before you get upset, for the record, I don’t consider myself to be a Drake "hater" by any means, but I really haven’t been thoroughly impressed by any of the material that he has released since his explosion in popularity.
I have my reasons.
I mean don’t get me wrong, Drake’s got witty punchlines, a strong ability to write catchy songs, and his rise to fame within the Music Industry is absolutely astounding–and most of his music material is original considering he is now fully woven into the fabric of the mainstream entertainment industry.
He’s also young –his skills are surely going to age much better than most of his contemporaries.
So I do accept and understand why Drake is such a big deal.
Despite this laundry list of impressive accomplishments, I’m tired of the whole "I went from nothing to something overnight and everyone who doubted me is now signing my checks" act that Drake has talked about for months now.
The Young Money rhetoric (a la his collab on "Successful," or his anthem "Forever").
I need to hear other sides from Drake before I submit to the assertion that Drake is the next king of hip-hop, the next Top 5 MC.
That would require a depart from his current…dare I say, gimmick?
Haha, I’ll take that one back, that was hater-ish.
In all seriousness, Drake clearly has real, certifiable talent.
I just think that with his astronomical buzz and subsequent signing to the Young Money brand, he really does need to put out an album that truly defines his lyrical abilities–Abilities that pretty much everyone in the music industry has validated on record.
Recently, Drake had the title of "Most Anticipated Album of 2010" bestowed upon him. His debut album, "Thank Me Later" (Appropriate title for skeptics like me) will most assuredly have one of the most grandiose debuts of all time.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown right?
After reading the following post on rapradar.com, I can’t decide if this commentary is a PR move to plug the upcoming album or legitimate praise of a hard-working young artist that has a whole lot to prove….however:
"Greatest Jay-Z verse of all time.."
"[regarding "Fireworks"]Greatest beat ever.."
I mean, come on.
I didn’t think it was remotely possible to add to the hyperbole everyone seems to equate with Drake…but I’ll certainly join everyone else in line to listen to his official debut.
Skepticism and cynicism are related, but color me skeptical here.
The following article definitely has me optimistic for the MC’s album.
Corny joke of the month?
Drake’s buzz is so potent, I failed a drug test after listening to his EP. (Thank you, thank you)
The following story was posted on http://rapradar.com/
Yesterday, Universal Music held a listening session in Toronto for Drake’s debut album, Thank Me Later. Ace Burpee was in attendance and shared his experience.
1) There’s a song on the disc called “Fireworks” that has the greatest beat ever. Drake has this sidekick producer called 40, and he’s talented. I met him as well this afternoon and he’s also a good kid. He’s about to be very, very busy. “Fireworks” has a hook on it courtesy of Kings of Leon. It’s catchy.
2) There is a Kanye West–produced track on the album that comes with a story. The track was made by Kanye for Beyonce, but Drake really wanted it so he wrote her a handwritten letter asking if he could use it. She read it and thought it was sweet and e–mailed him to give her permission. It’s a great track.
3) There’s a Jay–Z/Drake track that he played for us – minus Jay’s verse. Jay–Z doesn’t let anyone hear his stuff before it comes out. Drake claims it is the greatest verse Jay’s ever done.
4) I think the final track on the album is called “Thank Me Now” or something. He played us a recorded verse then did another one live and it was one of the best. Really cool.
5) He sings on a bunch of tracks on the album.
6) This Saturday Drake will be in L.A. doing a track with Dr. Dre and Eminem.
7) Yes, there is a Timbaland beat on the album.
It is highly possible that the biggest album of 2010 will be from a Canadian, and his name will be Drake.
Thank: ATF
Facebook comments:
Big Drake fan, i don’t like some tracks he do, when it comes to RNB i rather listen to drake over any male artist, same goes when it comes to Hip-Hop. Thank Me Later’s title speaks for it’s self, and I believe the album will live up to the hype.
Still waiting on that release date for Drake