Drake "Take Care"

Drake is praised for being one of the best rappers of the current decade; some might even say EVER! His songs are so relatable to the current generation when it comes to relationships, many artists write songs about relationships, but there is some other factor in Drake’s approach. If the haters think he is going to fold, he proclaims “Over My Dead Body!”
The opener is Drake at his hookiest and the verses explain everything better than I could. Some proclaim he hasn’t earned the respect and he has a decade to go yet, “But jealousy is just love and hate at the same time.” Whether it is a one-two punch, or just punch drunk love “Shot For Me” showcases drizzy’s vocal talent, and knack for finding another soulful hook. What can I say about “Headlines?” I haven’t seen drake in them yet, that I could remember, but we all know “I might be too strung out on compliments/Overdose on confidence” stayed the same while changing the game, or maybe it’s just an illusion. I have heard all of this praise for the Weekend; of course, everybody loves the weekend! That’s not a typo, but apparently people love this Weeknd too.                                                                                                                                                         There is more than just “Crew Love” here. The production work is fabulous, and a first impression is a good one. The title track blew me away when I heard it over a year ago, before listening to the full album, and it doesn’t hurt that Rihanna is present. Some people may say “Marvin’s Room” is over-rated, but this song captures the scenario perfectly; dialing due to being drunk on more than alcohol, but regret and loneliness. Kendrick Lamar has his time to shine as we are “Buried Alive (Interlude)” by his verses; nearly suffocating, and I am sure there was a reason to seque into “Under Ground Kings.” The song features a riff that sounds like it could have come from a modern post-hardcore band as he preaches: “Live a little, cause n***** die a lot, and lie a lot/But I'm the truth that's right I f******said it/The living proof that you ain't gotta die to get to heaven.”                                                                                                                                                                Almost half way through the record, and I still believe “We’ll Be Fine.” I’m down for that hook, but not for that. Birdman makes an appearance in honor of his stepson’s protégé “ Toronto, stand up for one of the realest n*****, Drizzy, with the realest flow.” Drake may be proud of this girl he describes, I am too, but for his more aggressive flow...you “Make Me Proud” Drizzy, and Nicki Minaj too. “Lord Knows” both Rick Ross and Drizzy are hustlers, and that this hook may take a moment of silence for a prayer, but it will never leave; only to return at the most inopportune time. “They take the greats from the past and compare us/I wonder if they’d ever survive in this era/In a time where it’s recreation/To pull all your skeletons out the closet like Halloween decorations” is his retort to the haters for saying he doesn’t deserve the same level of respect for those doing it ten times as long. I really don’t agree with the line where he equates those that don’t “get it in” are the same that diss or overlook him. It’s offensive, but I won’t do either because he does deserve respect; even if he disrespected me, but who am I anyway? “Cameras/Good One’s Go” paints a pretty accurate picture of a chasm coming between a relationship caused by fame. There is no bad blood, and there are always the false beliefs that plague any relationship, but while Drake is preparing to better himself, so is she on her level; he hopes that she will wait while preparing for the worst. Maybe I’m just “Doing It Wrong.” I like Drake in this song, but he is overshadowed by the presence of Stevie Wonder. “Look What You’ve Done” Drake!  Prove that you can weave verses about more than one type of relationship. Get “HYFR,” you think Drake is gonna take it easy? (H*ll Yeah F****** Right), because “…Hennessy and enemies is one hell of a mixture.” The optimist sees a silver lining in every cloud, and “I learned working with the negatives can make for better pictures.”  Drake seems to have enough “Practice,” he just is taking a breather, and a show, in this one. The sentiment of the intro is what revs up the engine in “The Ride.” It’s funny, but is truthful at the same time; calling out the fakes who smile while secretly carrying a loaded chamber behind their back (literal or metaphorical); waiting for the time to strike. We’ve all heard “The Motto,” and it has been overused to the point where there is sure to be a groan or eyeroll nearby, but Y.O.L.O! Lil Wayne makes another appearance after getting HYFR…enough said. Take Care, ya hear?