Canadian rapper and singer, Aubrey Graham, well known as Drake, will forever be a highly-contested figure in the Hip-Hop world.
His personality, antics, and what he represents may not always be respected, but when it comes down to it, music speaks for itself. With his first 3 albums (Thank me later, Take Care, and Nothing was the same) topping the US Billboard 200 and being met with huge critical success, it's hard to refute his achievements.
Even with later albums and projects, Drake showed that he could make good music in any way he wished. While the quality of his more recent projects can be discussed, he can still make good quality music.
One project, however, that cemented his place as a true legend in the game, was 'If you're reading this is too late', released back in 2015. Let me break down its tracklist and explain why I have it in such high regard.
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This project was actually a surprise release, as there was no mention of it from OVO sound, Young Money, and Republic records. For how suddenly it dropped, selling 37k the first week wasn't a bad thing really. However, it still blew up. It debuted at no. 1 on the US Billboard Top 200, it was streamed 17.3 million times on Spotify, etc.
Now, what made the tracklist so special?
The opener, "Legend", hears Drake swear that even if he was gone today, he would still be a legend. Not that others would hail him as one, he ALREADY was one. With what he had accomplished so early, he was certain his impact couldn't be erased. And truthfully, he was probably right. With how boastful and confident Drake sounds, the production just amplifies the track's effectiveness. The minimalistic approach is great as the autotune, along with the crashing snares, complement what Drake is saying perfectly.
This strong energy flows into the next track, Energy (hah), which sees Drake throw shade at his haters and accept his place within Hip Hop. Produced by Boi-1da, this track builds on Drake's aggressive flow with a hard-hitting and bouncy bass. Drake's confidence is infectious and this whole song just slaps.
Next, we have is 10 Bands. The production style is similar to the 2 opening tracks, but the bass has this thickness to it that complements Drake's choppy but rhythmic flow. With this flow, Drake delivers some nice lines like:
[All my watches always timeless you can keep the diamonds
Treatin' Diamonds of Atlanta like it's King of Diamonds]
The next track, Know Yourself, has Drake getting introspective and look back on things that were important to him. In this first verse the beat pattern is stripped-back but really makes you intrigued by what Drake is saying. What follows is an incredible beat-switch that takes you into a phase of Drake using this infectious flow and boasting more than ever. Then comes No Tellin' which sustains the tradition of minimalistic production with a bouncy bass where Drake raps with a more menacing tone. This features a beat switch yet again, but this one is more stark. The atmosphere becomes truly moody and almost immerses you into Drake's world. Drake lays out his inner thoughts and demons, things that worry him, and what he envisions for himself. After this we get more of an interlude in Madonna, which has some quotables.
Following this we get 6-God. The beat on this song has ridiculous energy where Drake gets adventurous with his flows. Star-67 comes next with its moody and entrancing layers that make each and every line from Drake hit harder. The beat switch on this song is truly fantastic. It builds more on the setting and Drake talks about blowing up and how his people have been a part of his journey throughout. Then we get Preach and Wednesday Night Interlude, both featuring Partynextdoor, which both nail this nocturnal and night-time atmosphere. Proceeding this, we get Used To and 6-Man. Both songs have this upbeat tempo that is impossible to ignore, giving way to some really solid verses from Drake.
Nearing the end of the tracklist there are true sleepers in songs like Now & Forever, Company, and You & the 6. Now & Forever has Drake going on some kind of rant on why he has to leave the 6, likely referencing to how his city has safeguarded him for many years. This follows up nicely with Company where Travis Scott has a guest appearance and does well under a dark, atmospheric undertone. You & the 6 is a song where Drake talks about his mother and her impact on his life, and how his relationships aren't all that consistent. He ends with 2 genuine classics, being Jungle and 6PM in New York.
Jungle has such a moody and city-like atmosphere to it that hits so hard for many, including me. While Drake reflecting on his mistakes and miscues with women might not be everyone's cup of tea, it feels genuine on here. Drake's singing is great on this thing and its laid-back production is ear-candy.
Finally, the mixtape ends on 6PM in New York. In a near 4-minute song with no hook, Drake goes in on the industry and many other rappers he can't see eye-to-eye with. Drake addresses many things regarding how he's perceived, how he feels about other rappers, and most importantly, he assures that he's not done crafting his legacy.
Some great stuff from this track:
[The game is all mine and I'm mighty possessive
Lil Wayne could not have found him a better successor
Every shot you see them take at me? They all contested
Allen Iverson shoe deal, these n***** all in question]
[And I heard someone say something that stuck with me a lot
Bout how we need protection from those protectin' the block
Nobody lookin' out for nobody
Maybe we should try and help somebody or be somebody
Instead of bein' somebody that makes the news
So everybody can tweet about it]
[Yea, boy you rappin' like you seen it all
You rappin' like the throne should be the three of ya'll
Best I Ever Had seems like a decade ago
Decadent flow and I still got a decade to go]
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As great of a tracklist as it is, what makes this project so special to Drake's discography and career, is how it served as a transition period. After this project dropped, it feels like Drake took a newer approach with his music and overall attitude towards curating albums. Drake is still one of the most successful artists of this generation, and a lot of his words haven't aged that badly from that 2015 time. What makes this so special is that Drake proved he could go out there and rap his ass off, and go in any lane he so wished. To me, If You're Reading This, It's Too Late is a classic mixtape that should be regarded as one of Drake's crowning achievements.
Thank you for reading.