by Connie Kim
Drake referred to himself as a “singing n****” in his freestyle to Meek Mill in “Back to Back,” but I’ve always thought of my boy Aubrey Graham to be more of a rapper than anything else. Early last week Drake released three songs on OVO Radio in celebration of his birthday, and let me tell you – “I haven’t had a good time in a long time you know” – I was blown away with it. Even with his recent release of his latest album, “Views,” these birthday tracks reminded us that “Legend” artist Drake is “still here though.”
I feel that the artist always had a strong point in his background music; they were simple, repetitive in verse and naturally catchy. “Fake Love,” which already found itself on the top spot for Spotify’s United States Top 50, follows that catchy flow. The song features more of his vocals than his rap lyrics, so it’s an easier song to get used to. The song focuses on a topic that Drake has brought up in several times in the past: two-faced haters. He’s always hinted at it with lyrics like, “f*** a fake friend, where ya real friends at” and “You was never gang, gang, gang, gang, you was never one of us,” but this song couldn’t have been more straightforward. I almost find it ironic how he releases a song titled “Fake Love” after his split with “Needed Me” singer, Rihanna – maybe he “took her love for granted? I just don’t understand it.”
“Two Birds One Stone,” which is rumored to be a diss track on KidCudi, takes a different turn from “Fake Love,” as the rapper spits lines nonstop for nearly the entirety of the song. It strays away from the melody type theme and showcases his lyrical side with canny metaphors and drop-the-mic wordplay. This isn’t the first time that Drake has recorded and published a song to insult
another rapper. “Back to Back,” and “Summer Sixteen,” which was the headline name of his most recent concert tour, are well remembered by fans and the targets of his disses. I wouldn’t necessarily say that this song is for the everyday listener, but if you’re into celebrity drama like I am and appreciate a good jab, I would highly recommend it. Drake’s respect is something you don’t want to mess with, seeing that he goes “0 to 100 n****, real quick.”
My favorite of the three, “Sneakin’” featuring 21 Savage is what I would say is the typical Drake song. He still has his catchy background beats and he raps though singing, elongating words to fit the flow. Like most hip-hop songs that Drake has produced, this one fits the description and the overall theme that he’s established in his music – a little bit of diss, a little bit of his chick, but mostly about living his lifestyle and his reputation. I would say that this one is most ear- friendly for those familiar with his previous work and appreciate good, modern hip-hop.
Overall, I think that the three birthday tracks were lit. I would highly recommend listening to anyone, especially to those loyal Drake fans such as myself. “Fake Love” is mostly well received by the crowd within its one week of release, and it may line up with his previous one hit wonders, like “Controlla” and “One Dance.”
One thing I really appreciate about Drake is his commitment to his style and trademark to his music. There is a consistent theme in melody and syncopations that makes his song distinctly authentic. His personality and attitude really comes through in his songs, and these three new tracks did a great job in showcasing his different musical capabilities as well as his feelings. As a dedicated Drake fan who has appreciated his music since his “Best I Ever Had” hit in 2008, “all I can say is…I’m so I’m so I’m so I’m so I’m so proud of you.”
