The hip-hop scene has been on the rise as of late, with new tracks dropping left and right from some of the genre’s top artists. That being the case, it’d only make sense that Drake got in on the action as well, releasing his pseudo-mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late last Thursday. Complete with a price tag and over an hour of content, IYRTITL feels like a traditional release, but with Drake having already picked out the name for his next full feature album, Views From The 6, it’s safe to say this is just a prequel to something bigger.
Even if this isn’t the main event, IYRTITL shouldn’t be taken lightly, as Drake’s approach this time around is his most callous yet. Many listeners know what to expect from Drake at this point: a dichotomy of emotional and confident rap. However, the majority of IYRTITL feels lacking in any form of positivity. Drake has an abundance of malicious thoughts on his mind, throwing shade to the likes of Kanye, Kendrick Lamar and even label-mate Tyga. We’ve evolved past a Drake that sulks over his relationship turmoil, and are met with a battle-tested man who's adopted some thicker skin.
But as much as Drake has hardened up, his vulnerabilities still shine through, constantly questioning his worth and his place in the rap game. He apologizes to his mother in “You & The 6,” showing Drake is still human despite the overly glamorized life that success seemingly brings. Drake’s recurring safe haven on IYRTITL is his hometown of Toronto, referred to as “the 6” in several verses and track titles. His life in Toronto is about the only place left where Drake feels comfortable, where the people have real, meaningful relationships with him, which explains why most of the mixtape feels like an icy Toronto night.
Drake’s influence on rap is undeniable at this point, and his ability to adapt to current trends without it feeling like a cop-out is commendable. Several tracks have very stripped-down production, relying on heavy bass lines and hi-hats, resonant of the popular trap style of beat production. Surprisingly, it naturally fits with Drake’s delivery, allowing him to experiment with vocal pitches, adding new sounds to his arsenal.
Drake has moved from flashy to something a little more cold and empty. If Nothing Was The Same was Drake’s realization of his predisposition to be in the spotlight, then If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late is him trying to wrap his head around what is really important to him at this point in his career. It’s a dreary walk through the mind of someone who has come a long way but still feels there are plenty of stories to tell, and Drake is confident he won’t be going away anytime soon.
Rating: B
