Side A

It was 2006 when I first said that Drake was my favorite rapper. It was actually Lil Wayne before him and that makes sense. It would make sense that my older brother would put me on to Drake, like Lil Wayne put the world on to the same young rapper. I’m talking about put me on like, “Yo have you heard of Drake. Jimmy from Degrassi.” I didn’t know it back when my friend told me to “cut that shit off” for playing “I’m Still Fly,” that I would be listening to an artist for more than half of my life.

While growing up I knew 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, Biggie, Tupac, Kanye, T.I., Diddy, Dr. Dre, Fabolous, Fat Joe, and Lil Wayne. But Drake was my artist.

In a musically stacked month of June 2018, Drake dropped his 8th studio album entitled “Scorpion.” The bar was set high with high profile rap feuds burning in the background and igniting questions on the legitimacy of Drake’s career along with speculation of his character.

“Survival” sets the tone for the two-sided album and with it he tackles the issues at hand. He keeps it real about his monopoly over the rap game with most of the pieces of the crown, in case J. Cole was wondering. He expresses that he will cement his GOAT status to the point where you can only questions whether “Is Drake better than Drake?” His beefs with Meek, Jay, and Diddy? Forget about them. His label? He runs the show.

He addresses Pusha T in a very 8 Mile-esc manner. No threats, just facts. He’s assisted careers with no credit, just to have it bite back. The diss about 40 dying just to sell, “that could get someone killed.” It’s the flex of living where most artists would envy, the potential to fire back shots but knowing better from being taught better, and finally, accepting the drama but not tackling it all in an intro.

In his own Memphis way, he proclaims that he’s back on savage mode. He represents for who he is; the man that (if need be) will drop bodies, take respect, and show love to his people. He does all this with an unforgiving “Nonstop” grind. No gimmicks, just consistent work ethic to be at the top of his game. LeBron or no LeBron, the work is put in.

Drake’s work is put in to “Elevate” himself and the people around him. He’s taken full advantage of his relationship with business. But like any relationship, it takes patience. This is the part that is at a loss to Drake because his wavy times bring him premonitions of what could be. His mindset is for everyone to eat and that takes protection, even the paranoid kind. Still, he remembers to take time to thank God for the blessings and then gets back to the grind.

No memes, when broken down in its entirety “Emotionless” is more than just two bars. It’s a painful acknowledgment of the music industry. Idols become rivals. It’s built upon jealousy with a smile. Not trusting new people and bringing the people we know, just to feel safe. When speaking on the duality people and the age of social media: not everything you see is real. Sometimes there’s a need to take it back to basics. Sometimes there’s a need to disconnect. Sometimes it’s wise to stay silent in a room full of voices. And sometimes there’s a need to protect what you love the most. All the while questioning, is there someone who is going to do things the way I would? You can only find out when it’s all said and done.

“God’s Plan” is exactly what it is, recognition that none of Drake’s work could have been achieved without a little bit of help. Whether it’s a higher power or the people around him, they helped get him to where he is. With fame, glory, and success comes those who would try to belittle and hate. There’s no breaking through the armor. Drake understands he has been blessed.

The blessing comes with demanding respect like he does in “I’m Upset.” He’s earned at least an effort of half a million dollars for an adversary to take him on. Even then it’s a waste of time, money, and energy. We’re speaking in terms of child support and the rap game. Either way, the world got a Degrassi reunion video.

No matter what anyone thinks of Drake, he’s getting spins and everyone’s playing him. The world is just lucky he’s a good guy. He’ll flex because he can. He’ll talk shit because he can. Be mad. He’s exceeding expectation, giving his best, and only putting out 10s.

If flexing wasn’t enough he decides to put it all out on the table. He’s done. He’s “sick of this shit.” He may be at the top of the game but Drake’s record shows consistency in putting people on or at least the first major artist to give acclaim to lesser-known artists. But that shit comes at a price. Real love turns to fake love and envy. Drake will keep it pushing. But he’ll put the nail in the coffin if necessary. That’s what it means to have “Mob Ties.”

A way he celebrates his victories over other rap artists? Dinner at TAO after realizing his peers “Can’t Take a Joke.” But maybe they were never even his peers. The flow he uses is a new one and one that can be compared to A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. His words are precise and menacing. Drake knows what works and flexes his skillset in being able to switch it up. It makes sense why the younger generation of artists admires him.

With fame comes money and responsibility. Drake comes to understand his level of fame, money, and influence. He speaks to having what everyone wants. He also speaks to the price his fame costs. His mental and physical health is at risk because of his nature to be the best. He gets advice from his loved ones but doesn’t take it. His mission is greater than being the greatest. He has his people to think of. Yet, he remains humble. He thanks the powers that be and reiterates that he, himself, is just his mother’s son.

In his collaboration with Jay-Z, both artists discuss past occurrences that have lead them to be where they are. The beat choice is interesting for both of their respective styles but they pull it off. Drake throws the alley off the backboard by discussing his reign at the top, what that entails, and putting his city on the limelight of the world. He runs off open-armed, Dwyane Wade style, by throwing a quick jab about how remaining in the upper echelon of the industry isn’t something that is common. Then Jay-Z pulls up to finish at the rim by owning where he has come from. He only raps about his reality, even when it seems like a movie. He’s worked to attain the level where he trumps the president of the United States. He’s at the top of the industry. Jay-Z told no lies when he said that he’s a God to the dope boys.

Drake then concludes Side A of Scorpion asking the question “Is There More?” He spent the last 11 songs flexing his rapping prowess, his fame, his glory, his money, and his legacy. Even in the conclusion itself, he still reminiscent of the topics he’s discussed. He knows that his life is filled with glamour and star power and yet, he searches for purpose beyond the previously discussed. He hints at a need for healing of the soul and missed time with family. Even if the prelude to Side B doesn’t dive into great detail, listeners are left wondering, like Drake, “Is There More?”

Side B

When rumors and speculation dropped about the entirety of Scorpion, it was made clear by Drake and his team that the album was in fact two sided. Side A being dedicated to the flexing of Drake’s rap skills. Side B is dedicated to Drake’s presence in the world of R&B. 

Diving head first into Side B, Drake expresses himself vocally and emotionally on the track. He mentions his desire and love for European women. Speculations could be made over who exactly it is that he’s talking about but it is clear that Drake is focused on the communication aspect of interacting with this woman or women. Specifically, he sings about the difference of energy between phone conversations and in person conversations. He makes it clear that either way he’s going to say what he has to say.

The second introduction abruptly ends and gives way to “Summer Games.” The songs rhythm is as alive as its namesake. The subject matter takes a life of its own in discussing a love that is unrequited because of longevity. Drake says it clear as a summer’s day: “you said ‘I love you’ too fast.” Ultimately, Drake wasn’t ready and by the time he was, the window had closed. The thing with opportunities coming to an end is that someone has to end it. It’s a topic discussed in multiple songs. Sometimes it takes stepping away to realize what has occurred. Even with the money and fame, people have chosen to step away from Drake. He dreams, he wants, he feels, he finesses.

B side wouldn’t be complete without both “Nice for What” and “In My Feelings.” Both songs are heavily influenced by New Orleans Bounce music. As great as the tracks are, they are looked down upon. They are looked at with the notion that Drake is a culture vulture. It’s been said that he deliberately takes the sounds of different places and reproduces them as his own. Culture vulture or not, them shits bang. More than anything else, the songs are empowering. Both songs are ultimately about value. And how can you not want to dance to either? And the videos? Damn. So much beauty, so much homage, so much respect, so much fun. Shout out to Drake. Shout out to Shiggy. Shout out to New Orleans.

For most of his work, women have always been a topic of discussion in Drake’s music. This Side B is representative of that. As with most R&B, love is very present. Drake is in a constant battle with himself over the women he chooses. Is he feeling too much? Too little? Too involved? Too late? Too early? The rapper/ singer gets plenty of assists in the album to express himself. Whether from actual vocals recorded for the album or sampled vocals, Drake uses the talents of the other artists to further elevate his thinking that plagues his mind; love. Mix love and fantasies with the likes of Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla $ign, and the GOAT Michael Jackson, all there is a win.

Drake ends his album with an ode to his son. He takes a break from R&B to rap his heart out. His discussions of being a present father are for more than just his son. He reminisces on his own life, while promising a better one for his son. He understands. That is why he has taken actions to change the narrative. He’ll fly out the mother of his child and son.

He’ll celebrate life. He’s thinking for two.

Safe to say, there is more.