Drake’s latest album, while certainly not as groundbreaking as he might have hoped, is an interesting yet somewhat underwhelming effort from the man who’s been at the top of the hip-hop game for the past decade. While it doesn’t fall into the category of his worst work, it also doesn’t reach the heights of his best, leaving fans with a project that feels more "mid" than anything else. There’s a lot of filler here—songs that drag the album down with repetitive structures and uninspired moments.
One of the main issues seems to be that Drake is overstuffing his releases. With the sheer volume of material he’s putting out, it feels like there’s little room to breathe, and in many cases, less really would be more. If he trimmed about six tracks, or even just stopped the trend of switching up beats midway through songs, this album could have been far more cohesive and impactful. As it stands, the second half is bogged down by a series of unremarkable tracks, with lackluster production, uninspired lyrics, and beats that don’t do much to elevate the overall experience.
However, not all is lost. The standout moment of the album is the wild and absurd "Rich Baby Daddy," which is so over-the-top it’s hard not to be entertained. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to play it just for the sheer fun of it, a reminder that Drake still knows how to take risks and push boundaries when he’s feeling it. The early songs on the album do show some promise, particularly with interesting production choices and solid guest features, which add a bit of energy to the record.
That said, it’s hard to ignore the bigger problem here: Drake’s own vocal performances. On some tracks, his attempts at whispery, hyperbolic, or even Latin-influenced vocal stylings feel more awkward than innovative. These moments can pull listeners out of the song, making it hard to fully invest in the track. It’s a shame, because his vocal versatility has been one of his strengths in the past, but here, it often detracts from the listening experience.
Ultimately, it feels like Drake is in a place where failure isn't really an option for him anymore—he’s built such a massive career that he can afford to experiment with oversaturation in the hopes that a few tracks will stick. The issue is that when you flood the market with too much material, it becomes harder to stand out. While there are still glimmers of the Drake we’ve come to know and love, this album ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to refine his craft and deliver something truly memorable.
RATING: 6/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Virginia Beach
Slime You Out
Members Only
Rich Baby Daddy