The Mycenaean

“Started a label, the album is comin’ September, just wait on it.”

That’s right, Drake’s third album is coming out this month.

The album will feature a number of artists: Jay-Z, Sampho, Big Sean, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Meek Mill, and more.

The album, like the cover, will show 2 “Drakes”. In some of his songs, fans will hear a more laid back, reckless character; in some other songs, he will somberly reflect on his childhood experiences and broken relationships.

In an Interview with MTV he explained:

“It’s a child version of myself staring at myself now. When I try to think back through this journey, it’s so hard to pinpoint all these moments and it gets foggy. Even on past albums when I been trying to tell this story, I’ve got there, but maybe not got there all the way. What that album art is to me is that this is my most clear, concise thoughts from now and my best recollection of then.”

“Started from the Bottom” and “Hold on We’re going Home” are the two featured singles on the album.  Versace [remix with Migos], “5 am in Toronto”, “All Me”, Jodeci, and “Girls Love Beyonce” are confirmed tracks on the album.

Listeners will notice the combination of the R&B and Hip Hop throughout the course of the album.

The album begins with  “Tuscan Leather”, a two-minute instrumental, packed with samples [taken from an older Whitney Houston and Curtis Mayfield concert.] The intro runs its course without a single line from the artist, however it introduces the smooth flow of the album.

His recent summer hit with Migos [rap artist], “Versace”, shows a typical Drake boasting of his wealth and celebrity status. He says, “Rap must be changing cause I’m at the top and ain’t no one on top of me… I think I’m sellin’ a million first week, man I guess I’m an optimist.”

In the song “No New friends,” he lets his fans know that he is satisfied with the friends he currently has.

“All Me,” he continues to boast of his wealth and fame.  He starts his hook with “Got everything, I got everything, I cannot complain I cannot, I don’t even know how much I really made it’s a lot…”

“Girls Love Beyonce” is the track where he appeals to his female fanbase, sharing his love for Beyonce. He humbles himself for his female audience when he brings in James Faunterloy to take on one of Destiny Child’s most memorable lines “Say my name, say my name, if no one is around you.”

In Jodeci, he collaborates with J-Cole [NC native] to bring back a old-school R&B vibe, Drake and Cole talk of themselves being the new Jodeci [90’s R&B group]. A recording of Drake’s father talking is included in the interlude, as well. He speaks of proud he is of his son [Drake], his interlude shows the healed relationship between father and son. His father was often absent during Drake’s childhood.

“Hold on We’re going Home” soulfully reflects upon the artist’s past chaotic relationships.

“The Motion” talks of artists using his credibility to reach new heights of fame; When he says “I guess it’s just the motion,” he accepts everything that fame offers: fans, artists wanting him in their songs, etc. Drake says “Seem like everybody calling cause they want me on their song. It’s like everytime I touch it I could do no wrong, When they need a favor from your man, they don’t leave you alone.”

“Started from the Bottom” exemplifies the entire album. Drake tells his journey from no fame to celebrity status. He may seem boastful in the song; his recent success justifies it however. His most catchy line “Started from the bottom now we’re here” may be the most memorable hook [repetitive line] of the year.

The complexion of Drake and his work lets us know that anyone can make it in the hip-hop industry. He, of mixed background, was born into a well-to-do family, attended a private school in the upscale parts of Toronto, and starred in a popular Canadian teen flick. However, he was fatherless for most of his childhood and raised by a single mother and often his grandmother. Still, he elevated himself to the fame of other “established” hip hop artists, without going the hardcore route. Now, he is a role-model for up and coming artists.  .

Fans and the entertainment industry have high expectations for the young and evolving hip-hop artist. Nevertheless, he still remains down to earth with older and newer fans alike. Will Drake’s album live up to expectations? We will wait and see if he triumphs above his previous albums.