Drake‘s acension from the Canadian underground to hip-hop royalty has been incredible to watch. In a little over a year he has managed to become a household name, scoring features on tracks with legends such as Jay-Z and Bun B, garnering two Grammy nominations, and landing a million-dollar Sprite endorsement. All of this off of the strength of a mixtape. So, as one would imagine, the hype for Drake’s debut album Thank Me Later, in stores June 15, is astronomical.
Last night, at MSR Studios in Manhattan, Drake hosted a listening session for the album, playing each track and giving us insight as to who and what inspired him. In terms of subject matter, the album covers similar topics to his mixtapes: women, money, fame and family. Addressing the media in attendance, Drake named Nas as one of his main influences in the making of this album. ‘I studied [Nas’] lyrics and stories and channeled them into his own work,’ he said. Sound-wise, the album is defintely cohesive, furthering the introspective ‘Drake sound’ that was on such So Far Gone songs as ‘Houstalantavegas’ and ‘Successful.’ Though tonally the album is somber, ultimately for Drake it is an expression of his lust for life. As he said, Drake wants to ‘live life like everyday is Woodstock… love, peace and happiness.’
NEXT PAGE: CHECK OUT OUR TRACK BY TRACK RUNDOWN OF THANK ME LATER.
[pagebreak]
‘Fireworks (feat. Alicia Keys)’ : This song starts off the album where ‘Fear’ from the So Far Gone EP left off, with Drake spitting ‘Money just changed everything.’ It acts as the thesis statement for the album; the perfect opener.
‘Karaoke (feat. Francis and the Lights)’ : Drake told the crowd he dedicated this song to a girl he’s been in love with since he was 14 years-old, but couldn’t be with because she couldn’t see herself with someone in the spotlight. This laid-back track features rock band Francis and the Lights, who’ve been opening for Drake on tour.
‘The Resistance’: Perhaps the standout of the entire album, this is Drake at his most lyrical. He calls this track ‘the most honest I’ve ever been with myself on a record.’ Over an atmospheric 40 beat, he goes in with lines ‘I avoided the Coke game and went with Spirte instead… What am I afraid of? This Is supposed to be what dreams are made of!’
‘Over’: At this point everyone has heard this song, the first single released from TML. It’s not the most lyrical song on the album, but it’s a great representation of what Drake is trying to do – melding lyricism with a strong melodic sense.
‘Show Me A Good Time’ : This Kanye West-produced track is the biggest departure on the album. It’s all about celebration and appreciating the finer thigs in life. According to Drake it was inspired by ‘All those nights we go out, get drunk and high, and can’t remember what we did. Just celebrating youth.’ It’s the most club-ready track on the album, for sure.
‘Up All Night (feat. Nicki Minaj)’ : Drake and Nicki rep Young Money to the fullest on this Boi-1da produced track. This one is definitely one of the stronger records on the album.
‘Fancy (feat. Swizz Beatz, <a href='/tag/Mary+J.+Blige
