It’s not actually too late

Drake and I have a complicated relationship.

I was impressed with his mixtape.

Annoyed by his singles.

Amused at some of his softer moments (and there are plenty)

Thrilled at the scenes from his Bar Mitzvah in his music video.

Disgusted with his first full length.

Awed by his guest verses.

And now, I’m coming around. Maybe his millions of fans have something right after all.

Drake’s newest effort, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, is a joy to listen to. The album stands out mostly because of its production; the beats and instrumentals are powerful, soothing, experimental and refreshing. And his voice, a voice I once criticized for sounding nasally and out of touch, feels correct and instinctive in these songs. The album deals mostly with his sense of place and belonging, which naturally involves not a small amount of talk regarding his home city, Toronto. This album is deeper than his previous works because he addresses a subject that has a lot of substance in it; his talk of fame and wealth and success (although present, here again) is overshadowed by his open contemplations about his life and his home. “It’s too late for my city” he claims on the opening track, “I’m the youngest n***a reppin.'”

Conscious lyrics, amazing sounds, and catchy hooks will have the Drake faithful and nay-sayers alike turning this album on repeat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfIsscatymk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAU5QbIX_I4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZIc8EMv_CA