Drake’s surprising and sudden release of his 22-track project titled “More Life” has fans buzzing.
STARS: 3/5
Described as a “playlist of original music” rather than a traditional album or mixtape, the playlist is similar to Drake’s recent works. However, “More Life” is a step up from his previous album, “Views.”
The opening track, “Free Smoke,” reminds fans why Drake is considered one of the most important rappers in the game. This track even includes a soundbite from one of his American Music Awards acceptance speeches.
Nai Palm, lead singer of Hiatus Kaiyote, lends her tantalizing vocals to this track. Accompanied by Drake’s own verses, the combination creates the perfect opener to “More Life.”
Drake has an impressive list of features on this project, including the likes of Kanye West, Young Thug and Travis Scott.
“No Long Talk” is the first of a few island-influenced songs on this playlist. It features a relatively unknown London rapper named Giggs, who, after this, is sure to blow up.
Many listeners are familiar with Drake’s style by now, his impressive rapping skills mixed with his emotional, smooth vocals. However, Jamaican dancehall culture and other Caribbean sounds are heavy influences in many tracks Drake drops. Personally, I enjoy his newfound passion toward more danceable music and prominent island influences.
“Blem” and “Gyalchester” are both very island heavy tunes, with dancehall beats and Jamaican slang incorporated into the lyrics. Drake even adopts a more Caribbean accent, which is interesting to hear him pull off.
“Passionfruit,” the project’s projected next single, incites more dancing than any other song on the list. Paired with classic Drake vocals, you’ll definitely want to hear at your next event.
One of the few problems I have with this playlist is that at times it’s repetitive and similar to many of Drake’s recent works. While these tracks are good, I hope to see a new era of Drake soon, with a more unexpected style. “Can’t Have Everything” and “Madiba” are some of the few misses on this playlist.
There are a lot of impeccable vocal bits on this project, from Drake’s own noteworthy set of pipes to beautiful female vocals as well. such as on “Get It Together” and “Teenage Fever.” =
Instant classics from this playlist are “Lose You” and “Nothings Into Somethings.” They are enjoyable to listen to, with the quality beats and “sing-songy” emotions one would expect from Drake. One of my personal favorites, and one of the most popular off of the album, is “Fake Love.”
As anticipated, Drake brings many artists onto this project with him. “Portland” features Migos member Quavo and rapper Travis Scott. Paired with an interesting riff and Drake’s masterful bars, “Portland” is one of the highlights of his featured tracks.
“Sacrifices” has a solid lineup with 2 Chainz and Young Thug on board, but is more lowkey and semi-repetitive.
“Glow,” featuring Kanye West, is a letdown, missing the mark for a song surrounded by so much hype. Another letdown, “Since Way Back,” is PARTYNEXTDOOR’s vocals throughout the whole song..
One solid feature is “Ice Melts,” with Young Thug. While he steals the spotlight from Drake on this track, it still makes for a good song.
The playlist ends on a solid note with “Do Not Disturb,” once again solidifying Drake as a vital player in rap right now and for the foreseeable future.