With all the hype surrounding Drake right now, I'm surprised the man can leave his house. The 23 year old television star turned rapper/singer has become the biggest star of 2009-2010. After the release of his 3rd official mixtape So Far Gone in February of 2009, buzz around Drake began to finally grow to a national level. Magazines such as XXL and The Source began to deem Drake as the next big thing and the "Savior of Hip Hop". A pretty big task for a man who a few years ago was handicapped, bound to a wheelchair on the teenage drama Degrassi as Jimmy, a basketball player turned rapper (irony? I think so). So the next question surrounding Drake was this: Can he produce great songs with the pressure building for his debut album? So Drake began to write songs, and record with his "team" , also known as producers Boi-1da and 40. Then Drake released the first song, a song called "Over" produced by Boi-1da. The song was a promising sign of what was to come on the album, and explains the sound of the rest of the album perfectly. But is the pressure too much for Drake? Did he buckle under the pressure and rush an album, throw in too many guest artists, and write lazy hooks and weak lines?
Hell no he didn't. Not even close. Thank Me Later is close to brilliance. It features a perfect blend of singing, rapping, guest appearances, and catchy hooks and clever lines. Drake is fiery, angry at some places, yet also anxious, buckled under the pain of the pressure and the press. He's conflicted, and bares his soul the only way he knows by creating a few venting songs. The album begins with "Fireworks" which features Alicia Keys on the chorus. Drake goes off over a slow beat, as he goes from quiet in the hook to loud in the verses. Keys croons "All I see is Fireworks, taking off like Fireworks". It's a good mix between the two artists, as they both have similar styles. A great beginning song, and as usual Drake's introspective lyrics are the highlight of the song. The next song is "Karoake" and it's one of the best slow songs that Drake has put out. The beat is great, and Drake sings the majority of the song. His voice has improved definitely, it's cleaner, crisper and smoother. He stops the beat in the middle of a song to rap about heartbreak, saying "Isn't it ironic that the girl I wanna marry is a wedding planner? And tells me my life is too much and then moves to Atlanta?". It's definitely a different song, but one of the many standouts. "The Resistance" is the next song, and it's another slow song. This is where Drake seems to be the most comfortable, as he can be honest and vulernable while remaining confident. It's incredibly unique in hip-hop, and needs to be done more. A slow beat and forgettable chorus are gladly overshadowed by Drake's lyrics, which have even improved from So Far Gone. Again, this song is about heartbreak. Drake hasn't changed, which was a reason for worry for many of his fans. Would he conform to the typical rap persona? No he hasn't, but he does certainly branch out.
The first sign of branching out comes in "Over", the first single from the album. It's one of Drake's best songs, and Drake is able to sound vulnerable and boastful as hell at the same time. "It wouldn't be the first time I done and throwing hundreds when I should be throwing 1's, b***h I run it!" raps Drake with a sharp growl. The song leads into a potential summer anthem called "Show Me A Good Time". Predictably, this song is about the ladies. The beat isn't your typical vibe, with a repeating sample that sounds like a young Michael Jackson yelling. Funny, weird, yet it works. A good song, but would be better with a feature from someone with a fast flow, such as Twista, T.I., or even Kanye West.
The album takes a shift here, as the next 6 songs all feature guests. That means less Drake, but he's done great so far so it's alright to see how he can feed off others. "Up All Night" features the new queen of rap Nicki Minaj. One of my favorite songs on the album, easily. The beat is great and Drake changes style here. He talks about his Young Money family here, as the new artist already feels like he belongs up at the top with Lil' Wayne. And he's making a strong case for it right now. This is Drake at his most boastful, and he's currently the definition of Swagger. The following song is "Fancy" featuring Swizz Beatz and T.I. Swizz Beatz, recently engaged to other album guest Alicia Keys, adds little to the song other than the hook, which anyone could have done. Beatz isn't bad, and he's underused here, and the moments he does have are forgettable. T.I. is also slightly forgettable, which seems to be the case with him recently when he's not angry or rapping over a great beat. Drake is the only one who shines on the song, as the end of the song is slowed down for his liking, and he's more comfortable here. It's a good song, yet the guests are not used well. By far the longest song on the album is next, and it's called "Shut It Down" featuring the self-proclaimed Love King, The-Dream. The-Dream absolutely makes this song near the end. Clocking in just under 7 minutes, this song is soulful, sad, yet uplifting. Drake and The-Dream work well together, and I hope to see them work more together, hopefully on Dream's new album. Easily one of my favorite songs on the album, near the top. "Unforgettable" follows, and a great verse by Young Jeezy is wasted on a forgettable beat. Ironic, considering the title. Nothing about this track is great, and to me is one of the weakest on the album. First song I haven't gone back and played again after hearing it, which is a testament to the amazing quality of earlier songs.
Jay-Z has had a career revival as of late. What better to continue that trend than provide the best feature? Yes, Jay-Z provides one of the best verses on the song "Light Up". It made me say "Damn" three times the first time I heard it. He overshadows Drake, a trend that has become difficult in the last year. The beat is quiet, and the song is entirely carried by Drake and Hova. They're both at the top of their game here, and it's a great collaboration. The next song is "Miss Me" featuring Lil' Wayne. Drake sings and raps here, singing the hook. The title is rather ironic in two ways. The first is the pointlessness of the name. Drake doesn't sing about missing anyone in his verses, he's just bragging. Also, Wayne is here. Dwyane Carter is currently serving a year in prison, so it's only fair he wishes people would miss him. The song was the 3rd single, and works well on the radio. The hook is quiet, and very catchy. Drake's voice makes it, and it wouldn't work as well with anyone else. Wayne's verse isn't great, as some parts don't make sense, such as "Getting money every day, I'm a ground hog". I expected more from Lil' Wayne's only feature on Drake's album. "Cece's Interlude" is a quick number with just Drake, singing about the pain of fame and the many sacrifices one must make in life. It's quick, under 2 and a half minutes. It's rather forgettable for being so short, but the guitar solo near the end is different and good. The next song is "Find Your Love" which is another singing song by Drake, but this time over a faster beat. It's more 808 driven, which can definitely be attributed to the fact that Kanye West produced it. It's another song that is about heartbreak and the loss of love, as Drake sings "I better find your loving, I better find your heart". It's the 2nd single, and while it has minimal radio potential, it's a great song while slightly repetitive in places. The album closes on "Thank Me Now" produced by Timbaland. The oppostite of the title, this song is a perfect closer. It completely explains Drake's style. The introspective, honest rapping complimented by smooth singing and melodic vocals. An orchestral beat helps Drake, and it's definitely a stadium anthem, and he repeats "You can thank me now!" which I can definitely see being chanted in arenas as Drake becomes bigger. And he will become bigger.
As you listen to this album, remember this: This is his debut album. That still blows me away. Drake sounds like he's been in the game for 10 years, a seasoned veteran with a practiced style. It scares me how he can get better. Are the expectations too high for the next album that Drake can't possibly impress again? It's too soon to tell. All I know is that Thank Me Later is an outstanding debut, an album that features many styles, guests and sick lines. Drake has FIRMLY stamped his name in the concrete of rap, and it won't be washed away anytime soon. Get this album - you won't regret it. Near perfection from one of hip-hops promising stars.
Final Grade: A
