Drake
If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late
(Cash Money Records)

This post, I’ll admit, is going to be biased. I love Drake; I’ve always been a fan. Not the sleep-outside-all-night-in-a-tent-for-tickets fan, but a fan none the less. I will be honest, because of the constant flow of the album, it feels more like a mixtape (a body of work with a theme, made by more independent artists). It also feels like an album made by Drake to Drake.

Let’s start with all the songs currently in rotation on my iPad – “Jungle,” “Legend,” and “Know Yourself.” “Jungle” isn’t a rap record, it’s on the borderline between hip-hop, R&B, and therapy. He’s clearly talking to someone special, as it’s relatable and vulnerable all at once. Sampling (using excerpts of an older record to reuse in a newer record) is very popular on this project, but it works. “Legend” is such a motivator; it allows you to live vicariously through it. “Know Yourself” and “6 pm in New York” are eloquently subliminal, and it makes you feel sorry for whomever he’s addressing. “No Tellin'” is definitely HIT; it feels like a great combo of southern hits and New York rapper flow. It’s gonna be blasting from every hip-hop lover’s vehicle this summer. “Used To,” “10 Bands,” and “Energy” are all club-bound and deservingly so.

Drake is for sure a Libra; his balance of male- and female-targeted records is genius, while still lyrical and musical, but new and relevant to now. The rest of the album is a treat as well, and wakes me up on the lazy days. If you’re a fan of hip-hop and need the balance of the past and the future, Drake is it!