Grade: B-
Drake’s third album, “Nothing Was the Same,” featuring Jay Z, Big Sean and 2 Chainz, was officially released Sept. 24. Although the album was leaked 10 days prior to its official release, the hype is still strong for the Canada-born actor-turned-rapper. While surprisingly self-aware in lines like “they should put a few more mirrors in here/so I can stare at myself” and “I’m on a roll/like Cottonelle,” every track is either lazy brag-rap or the same old conversation between the rapper and an old flame, including the song “Wu-Tang Forever.” The oddly crooning track is under fire from Wu-Tang member Inspectah Deck, who tweeted that it is not a tribute and should not have the group’s name in the title. While not a total disappointment, “Nothing Was the Same” doesn’t surprise or engage the audience half as much as 2011’s “Take Care.”