Hip-Hop's Forum

Drake delivers on debut release.

By: Matias Manriquez (Editor & Writer: Hip-Hop’s Forum)

Seldom has an artist risen so quickly in Hip-Hop in such a short span of time. In a matter of months Aubrey “Drake” Graham has become the biggest star in Hip-Hop, and his album Thank Me Later one of the most anticipated releases in 2010. Amidst the mounting pressure to deliver a blockbuster classic; Drake has endured criticism concerning the direction of the project. Claims that the tone-setting track & first single, “Over”, was too artsy and lacking pop marketability.

While “Over” didn’t serve as the strongest single it lacks context when heard outside the album as a whole. It’s almost as if he expects his work to be misunderstood or compared to unrealistic expectations. Luckily for Drake and the millions of his fans, Thank Me Later is one of the classic albums of all time.

Drake’s ability to switch styles from gritty rhymes to smooth R&B hooks and verses makes him one of the unique talents of this or any generation. The album starts at R&B pace but transitions into the emcee’s smooth delivery;  building up for the Lil’ Wayne, Jay-Z, Young Jeezy, The Dream, and T.I. collaborations. Drake handles a bulk of the album’s hooks and verses himself. “karaoke”, a clever love ballad about the sacrifices the Toronto emcee has had to make because of superstardom; accompanies his heartfelt lines with singing unheard before in his career.

Thank Me Later‘s middle is where makes his mark. Stated simply; he outshines everyone. Whether it’s “Unforgettable”, the best song on the album, with Young Jeezy delivering a classic hook or “Light Up” where he puts Jay-Z to shame lyrically, Drake backs up the hype. “Show Me A Good Time”, “Up All Night”, and “Miss Me” are all up-tempo with hooks and verses overflowing with cleverness and swag. “Miss Me” pairs him with his mentor, Lil’ Wayne. His rhyming is so close to Wayne’s in the sense that you catch something new every time it’s amazing the influence Wayne has had.”Find Your Love”, which sounds like a track 808′s & Heartbreak, pairs heavy drums & Caribbean feel with Drake’s singing.   Each track is a testament to the rapper’s character or self-amazement at the changes occurring in his life at such rapid pace.  It’s my gut feeling that many people won’t get this album immediately, but will see its value over title — hence the title.

Many critics said this album was marketed to a specific audience of younger fans who still buy CDs. Regardless, Thank Me Later has something for any fan of Hip-Hop. Maybe it’s because he is stuck in his pre-Kanye West ego era, but Drake seems humble. He has crafted a career from beneficial use of the internet and has “come up” without beefs for the sake of publicity. In fact he has chosen to go the opposite route and collaborated with most rappers and shown praise to his elders. His humility is something he promises will not change, but only time and added exposure to the ego-driven Hip-Hop game will tell. What’s important beyond sales numbers and gained fans is Thank Me Later‘s songs are that of lasting substance.

Thanks are in order.

Props, Drizzy.

Watch the video for “Find Your Love”.

Watch the video for “Over”.