Young Money has a leaky faucet somewhere. I mean albums leak, but they seem to have the worst luck with it. Three of their biggest releases to date have been leaked, sometimes well in advance. When arguably the Summer’s biggest Hip-hop album leaked yesterday, the Internet exploded. “Drake Album” was one of the top three trending topics the entire day which even forced the Canadian rapper to respond via his own Twitter account.
“I gave away free music for years so we’re good over here…just allow it to be the soundtrack to your summer and ENJOY! JUNE 15th!” he tweeted. At least he’s not uptight about the album leaking. It was bound to happen sooner than later. He’s right. Drake’s fans are used to downloading his music. Drake, and Nicki Minaj’s and all of other Young Money have become famous off mixtapes, essentially free music. But will they be able to convert fans who are accustomed to just downloading their music to consumers? Everyone is wondering about the numbers, but the music is really what matters here.
Drake brought it with this album. After years of feeling like Hip-hop became out of touch, Drake is like braille to me. I’m more drawn to Drake’s singing songs so I forget sometimes Drake is a rapper. A really good one. Lyrically, Drake is at his best on Thank Me Later. He’s cocky, witty, personal and sharp throughout the album. Listening to him rap lines like “I can teach you how to speak my language–Rosetta Stone” with a clever mixture of Kanye’s snarl and Wayne’s delivery makes me know he’s up in the upper echelon of rappers.
Thank Me Later is collabo heavy though. The usual suspects for a standard big Hip-Hop album these days: Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys, Young Jeezy, T.I., The Dream and of course Lil’ Wayne make appearances. These tracks are thrown in the middle of the album, in between stronger solo tracks. A smart move on Drake’s part. The album follows a interesting theme: fame and Drake’s obvious anxiety with it that’s heard on tracks like “Fireworks” “Cece’s Interlude” and the first single “Over.”
Trust me, the only thing bad about this album is the awful cover. Drake, brought tricks up his sleeves to please pop fans and Hip-hop fans alike. This is the album of the Summer. Thank Me Later is Drake’s Blueprint, College Dropout and The Carter wrapped in one. If Drake isn’t Wayne’s replacement, he’s better.
Download: “Fireworks” “Up All Night” “Find Your Love” “The Resistance”
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GREATeclectic aka Kendrick Daye is a DJ, artist and the Editor of Art Nouveau Magazine. As a freelance journalist and photographer his work has been featured in the NY Times Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Creative Loafing, Honeymag.com & Yo-Raps.com.
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