Nothing Was The Same

Drake dropped Nothing Was The Same today and although the album is reflective of his current stature in the industry, his love life, his family, etc... he's continuing to expand hip hop on its possibilities and its boundaries. Just when the tweets were reaching an all time high of essentially comparing Drake with weakness, he drops this incredible album filled with straight up bars.

The intro track "Tuscan Leather" is one of the best intro tracks I've heard since "Too Deep for the Intro" on J. Cole's Friday Night Lights. At over six minutes long and named after Tom Ford's cologne, it expresses such a new confidence for Drake as having a real spot in the game. But it's presented in such a relatable way, that it makes you care about Drake. He does that so incredibly on this album, he presents rich rapper situations into real situations that we as an audience can understand. He expresses authentic human emotions, that us as listeners can grasp and relate to. Loneliness, insecurity, yearning for love, creativity, are things we all feel and its intriguing to realize those struggles still exist even after the fame and fortune. He has this great line on "Tuscan Leather": "on a mission trying to shift the culture" and that's exactly what's he's doing with this new album and his artistry.

The third track "Wu Tang Forever" brought in some complaint from hip hop fans, as the sound and content doesn't deliver any Wu Tang resemblance. Although the hook repeating "it's yours," is one of the Wu's classics off their Wu Tang Forever cd1. And besides the obvious connection, the sound is dope and melodic and entrancing.

"From Time" is a beautiful duet between Drake and Jhene Aiko and her vocals are breathtaking. Breaking down the nature of love as well as reminiscing about women he knew from Hooters and Macy's, it's so honest. His honesty is unparalleled in the industry right now.

"Too Much" is my favorite track and explores his troubles with his family and how his wealth has actually isolated him from his loved ones. Sampha accompanies Drake on the hook urging him not "think about it too much". "Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2" is another outstanding track set to an additional Wu sample: C.R.E.A.M., where Jay Z is featured and delivers an amazing verse. Although this is a very self-indulged and even self-obsessed album, Drake is clearly being inspired by an era in hip hop. With the Jay Z verse, Ma$e quote and multiple Wu inspirations, he is providing some real hip hop history on such a contemporary rap album.

The singles "Started From the Bottom," "All Me," and "Hold On, We're Going Home," typical to albums, are the weakest of the track list, but nonetheless, the album is superb. Most of the production is done by Noah "40" Shebib and each track unique in its sound, really plays off each other forming a true body of work. Drake certainly did his thing and if you haven't heard it yet, go out and cop this gem immediately!