Photo Source: Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Noir Blanc
After speaking about the L’s and W’s Drake has taken in love, the rapper is now getting candid about talking about it in his music. He recently sat down with Lil Yachty in an interview, he expresses that the power of his lyrics could affect their lives. “I think that and sometimes when I’ve said girls’ names in songs, maybe those are the two things that I look back on and I’m like, ‘Maybe I coulda done without, like, s***ting on people for age or disrupting somebody’s life.’ The lyrics are never with ill intent, but I had somebody tell me one time, ‘You know, it’s not necessarily what you’re saying about me, it’s the fact that you said it.’”
Drake Reflects On His Lyrics
He continued to elaborate that a particular ex-girlfriend of his had a conversation with him about his lyrics. “Just in the sense like, ‘You don’t know what it does to me. You don’t know who my boyfriend is at the time or you don’t know what my family knows or doesn’t know. And if you express any form of discontent for me and call me by name in a song, then all of a sudden I’m left to pick up the pieces of my own life that I’ve tried to build up for myself.’ So I’ve tried my best to stop doing that. But I like to be honest in music too, so that one’s a push and pull.”
In the same interview, Drake hinted at a “graceful exit” from music but that may not be the case. Yachty referenced Drizzy’s song “Western Road Flows” where he says that he plans to retire at 35. “I hate hearing that s**t,” he said. At the time of writing the song, he was 26 and believed 35 years old was old enough to retire.
Last August, Drake was a guest on Nicki Minaj’s Queen Radio where he further addressed his retirement.“I’m not at that point where I even consider that being an option.”
In February, Drake won his first Grammy in over four years for his collaboration with Future and Tems for their song “Wait For U.”
Without any warning, Drake finally drops his merchandise for the highly successful Honestly, Nevermind album released earlier this summer season. This “Huge Fan Of Your Old Stuff” collection from Drake features tons of apparel that can be purchased today here.
Tons of the items contain funny phrases/references meant to mock fans that compare his newer music with his classic releases. For example, there are designs with his older album covers being covered with the “Huge Fan Of Your Old Stuff” phrase written all over. It’s a genius way for the Canadian superstar to market his brand & troll his doubters. Take a look at the new merchandise below:
One of the key aspects of Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind is his exploration of the Dance/House genre of sounds. Beyoncé most notably took the same approach on her new album Renaissance which was released earlier today, June 29th. Both albums have drawn some comparisons from fans debating who did the style better than the other. With that said, who do you think released the best Dance songs this year? Read more of FM Hip-Hop’s featured articles today.
NOTTINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 16: Drake and The Weeknd performs on stage during a date of his "Nothing Was the Same" 2014 World Tour at Nottingham Capital FM Arena on March 16, 2014 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Ollie Millington/WireImage)
It’s safe to say Drake and The Weeknd are on good terms again. After years of their on and off friendship, Drake decided to take a minute to reminisce about the R&B singer. Known for making hits like “Crew Love”, “The Zone”, & “Live For It”, the Canadian duo has been running the music scene.
Related article: Experience the magic of Drake and The Weeknd on Drake’s Take Care album(2011).
Drake took to Instagram to detail the first time he heard of Abel, aka The Weeknd. He explains that Oliver El-Khatib played him some of The Weeknd’s early songs in Toronto. You can tell in the video that Drake is amazed at how far Abel has come. From listening to his songs and not knowing who he was in his apartment in Toronto and now that same guy is selling out the Sky Dome.
Even though the Champagne Papi said Sky Dome, the stadium is actually named Rodgers Centere and has been since 2005. Guess Drake is not letting that childhood memory go. Rodgers Centere is home to the Major League Baseball team, the Toronto Blue Jays. It holds about 55,000 people and all 55,000 seats will be full when The Weeknd performs there tonight. The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour starts tonight in his hometown. Fans would have gotten a special treat if Doja Cat was going to perform, but throat surgery in May kept her from being a part of the tour. Mike Dean, Snoh Aalegra, and Kaytranada will be filling in for Doja Cat.
After Hours Til Dawn Tour
This is the first leg of the tour which is for the United States and Canada. From tonight until September, The Weeknd will be making 18 stops which include Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Miami, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Los Angeles. They will announce dates for the second leg of the tour soon. As of right now, we know The Weeknd will be stopping in Mexico, Europe, Africa, and Asia on the second leg. Drake wants to let anyone know that if you’re trying to make it in the music business, you can. It’s not impossible for anyone, no matter where you come from or how long it takes.
Just Blaze asked Drake just one question about “Lord Knows” on Instagram. However, it made a ton of noise and ended up on the Hip-Hop news websites.
Understandably so, since Drake’s fans now get a chance to relive some memories. “Lord Knows,” a track from the 2011 Grammy-nominated “Take Care” album, might have a new part coming out.
The song’s producer, Just Blaze, posted on IG. “Wow, @champagnepapi went back!” the producer captioned in the story. “Sooo..Can we put out ‘Lord Knows Pt. 2’ now? Sponsored by the good folks at @lrgclothing.”
Neither Drake nor featuring Rick Ross have yet commented on the possibility of “Lord Knows Pt.2.” However, the song’s producer dropping IG stories like that still certainly means something.
The “Lord Knows” Album
“Take Care” is Drake’s album which made him famous worldwide, making people sing his lyrics in all clubs from LA to Eastern Europe. Some of the artist’s most famous songs, like “Headlines” or “The Motto,” also appeared on the record.
It makes total sense why Drake got a grammy for “Take Care.” The artist didn’t just bring the fresh half-Rap-half-R’n’B sound in Hip-Hop. He also showed how a Hip-Hop artist can be sensitive without, let’s say, Ye’s eccentricity. Songs about romantic love, as well as warm feelings towards your “broskis,” took a central place in Drake’s art.
War & Peace
Speaking of Drake and Ye, the two veterans of North American Hip-Hop came to piece not that long ago. The conflict, which launched in 2007, lasted for more than a decade. Multiple disses got released, even Pusha T participated.
However, the two industry giants are now friends. This is also Larry Hoover’s accomplishment; Drake only agreed to be friends with Ye again if they can both perform at the “Free Larry Hoover” event.
It’s unclear whether now the two are friends or not. We will keep you posted and report on any updates in the artists’ relationship.
Take Care is undoubtedly one of Drake’s most successful albums to date.
The album was released November 15, 2011, and was his second LP. The delivery of this album became the catalyst for the cementation of his name and brand. Although his 2013 album, Nothing Was The Same, took the world by storm, its predecessor is still arguably his greatest work. The attention to detail is apparent, down to the sincere emotion of his heartfelt lyrics.
In October, Billboard commemorated Drake’s Take Care for withstanding 450 cumulative weeks on the Billboard 200, making him the third rapper to do so. With Eminem’s Curtain Call: The Hits, spending 550 weeks on the charts, and Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, spending 468 total weeks, he proves he is amongst the greatest to do it.
Drake is notably one of the greatest rap artists of our time. He trailblazed a lane of his own with his smooth vocals and, in a world where rap is a breeding ground for misogynistic lyrics, the Toronto rapper capitalized on his lover boy charm.
With the album celebrating its 10th anniversary of success, its only fitting we take a trip down memory lane. Here we are giving you the 6 God’s top six songs from this classic album.
Drake celebrated Take Care’s 10th anniversary by sharing this handwritten track list of his second studio album. via Instagram(@champagnepapi)
The Top Six Tracks From Take Care
1. Marvin’s Room
Marvin’s Room is a fan favorite. The title is a reference to Marvin Gaye’s studio, popularly known as “Marvin’s Room”, where Drizzy recorded the track. Believe it or not, this song almost didn’t make the track list. Producer of the song, 40, convinced Drake to keep the track on the album following the track’s leak several months prior to the LP’s release.
Giving his signature polished and effortless vocals, this love turned sour track instantly became an anthem for the scorned lovers.
“I’m just saying you can do better,” sang Drake. The downtempo range created a congenial environment for drunk-calling our ex. With his unapologetic approach to overstepping boundaries, he really captured the essence of wanting that old thang back. Marvin’s Room opened doors to other R&B natives to jump in on the action. With covers by Chris Brown, JoJo, Teyana Taylor, and Jhené Aiko, this song proved its excellence.
2. Headlines
Drake debuted Headlines as the first single off the album. Drake’s hype train became a reality with this track. With the line, “The realest is on the rise, f*ck them other guys,” he gave fans a moment to realize the place he was gunning for in hip hop. This summer time jam provided the accelerated beat needed to really get a party going. Drake told Billboard:
“By no means is it the best song on my album, it’s really just the song for this moment, right now,” he said. “I always try to put forth a song with a message. A lot of people pick their single by what’s the strongest song. I don’t really do that. I like to make sure that the content is very relevant to right now.”
3. Take Care ft. Rihanna
With rumors of the two dating, this single came with a flirtatious vibe that sent the popular duo to the forefront of every convo. The Barbados fire-cracker is pop royalty and the Toronto rapper was on a steady climb, making for the perfect duet.
4. Crew Love ft. The Weeknd
A bromance was perfectly brought to life with this dynamic collaboration. Talks of groupie love are to be expected, especially from the charismatic charmer. The addition of The Weeknd gave a smooth essence to the arrogance this song brings.
“This ain’t no f*cking sing-along, so girl what you singing for,” is the perfect example of The Weeknd’s ability to deliver this rude but inviting line. They lovin’ the crew for sure with this one.
5. HYFR (Hell Yeah F*ckin Right) ft. Lil Wayne
The classic Drake and Lil Wayne team-up is one we are honored to receive. Anytime these two are on a track it is sure to be a banger. and “Hell Yeah F*ckin Right” was a banger indeed. This song is another alcohol-induced display of affection for his ex-lover.
“I learned Hennessey and enemies is one hell of a mixture,” Drizzy raps.
Conversely, this is a reoccurring theme in his work. Either way, this song gave us some upbeat rhymes contradictory to his usual melodic tunes.
6. The Motto ft Lil Wayne & Tyga
“The Motto” needs no intro. This track paraded the YOLO (You Only Live Once) train and awakened a time period for the rambunctious and unrestrained. Again, this Drake and Lil Wayne collaboration is why the two are amongst the greatest. With YMCMB labelmate Tyga, this song promoted the leisure seekers to emerge. The clubs kept this track in heavy rotation.
Whether you call him Drake, Drizzy, Champagne Papi, or Lover Boy, Drake is one of the greatest rappers of our time, maybe the greatest.
With classics like the title track featuring Rihanna, “HYFR” featuring Lil Wayne, “Marvin’s Room” and “Crew Love” featuring OVO labelmate, The Weeknd, it makes sense that critics have argued that Take Care isthe defining album of his entire career.
With multiple songs leaked online, it still debuted at #1 on Billboard Hot 200. Take Care sold 613,000 units in its first week.
