There’s something about that guy who once played a disabled character (Jimmy) on a teen drama series Degrassi: Next Generation.
There’s something about that guy who once played a disabled character (Jimmy) on a teen drama series Degrassi: Next Generation.
There is something so peculiar about our favorite Canadian rapper that has everyone running to the booth to record his song with their vocals.
Drake describes himself as “The realest on the rise,” in his latest single “Headlines.” Perhaps this is true.
The likes of Teyana Taylor, Jo Jo, Sammie, Chris Brown and now Trey Songz have all re-created a song by the Young Money/Cash Money artist.
The answer is simple.
At 24-years-old, Drake isn’t afraid to be honest and expose his vulnerable side. Not just recording artists, but a lot of men in general battle this part of courage.
Drake released a record entitled “Marvin’s Room” earlier this summer. The song serves as an open window into Drake’s emotions. The whole world felt it.
Produced by Noah “40” Shebib, Drake is drunk dialing his ex-girlfriend in an effort to tell her “she can do better,” than the person whom she has moved on with. This is the harsh reality that any 20-something can relate to. Drunk texting is common in our generation, but who is daring enough to admit their shameless desires? The cold calling after a cruel break-up, or the random social network checks for your ex.
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Drake used his ability to harmonize and rap all these feelings onto one record. He also makes daring confessions on the track, as well which is admitting to his mistakes.
“I’ve got some women that’s living off me, paid for their flights and hotels, I’m ashamed.” This is not your average rapper, a shamed one?
No, everyone wants to sell a street persona with a hood story to tell. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but let’s not be afraid to be honest. “I don’t think I’m conscious of making monsters out of the women I sponsor until it all goes bad,” men dread admitting flaws, but Drake willingly spits them all out.
Throughout the summer, a diverse list of artists dropped covers left and right of Drake’s sensitive tune “Marvin’s Room.”
“I was drawn by the boldness and honesty of Drake’s lyrics,” says JoJo a 20-year-old R&B/Pop singer. “If something speaks to me, I get the itch to take a stab at it.” Her version of ‘Marvin’s Room’ reverses Drake’s original concept of confronting a girlfriend, this time JoJo is confronting her boyfriend.
Harlem native Teyana Taylor decided to do the same thing, instead of calling it “Marvin’s Room,” she calls it “Her Room.”
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Apart from Drake’s honesty and vulnerability, with his new single “Headlines,” he isn’t afraid to be confident either. Perhaps artists are vicariously living through Drake? Or maybe his honesty is just so relatable and the only way one can express their appreciation is by covering the record?
Either way, we now can all understand the reasoning behind the Drake covers.
Trey Songz was recently added to that long list of artists covering Drake. The 26-year-old put his personalized touches on Drake’s second single “Headlines” off his upcoming album Take Care. Trey Songz is rapping with the same confidence as Drake.
One thing is for sure, Drake is breaking down many barriers and raising the bar. No one would of thought a Jewish/Black boy from Toronto, Canada could work alongside Lil Wayne and go on to sell records beyond anyone’s imagination.
It’s certain that Drake is no follower; he is leading a diverse and talented pack.
If there’s any question about Drake’s longevity, judging from reviews, critics and covers, his vulnerability, confidence and harmony is here to stay … for a long time.
