Drake releases 6th studio album “Certified Lover Boy”
Drake's highly anticipated sixth studio album, "Certified Lover Boy," opens with a captivating tribute to music's rich history. The album commences with a delicate excerpt from the timeless 1965 Beatles song "Michelle," originally performed by the Singers Unlimited and later sampled by Virginia's R&B star Masego in his 2017 track "Navajo." For those acquainted with the story, it harkens back to a tattoo Drake obtained on his forearm, portraying himself waving back to the Fab Four. This ink serves as a triumphant symbol of his chart-topping achievements, surpassing records once held by the iconic Liverpool legends.
The album's introductory track, titled "Champagne Poetry," subtly yet profoundly reaffirms Drake's indomitable status in the hip-hop realm. This sentiment resurfaces powerfully in "You Only Live Twice," where he audaciously declares, "Not sure if you know, but I’m actually Michael Jackson / The man I see in the mirror is actually going platinum." Drake effortlessly maintains his position as a defining figure, consistently leading discussions about the era's best-selling artists and seldom playing second fiddle.
His official releases seldom fall short of the top ten mark; his albums consistently dominate international charts; his guest appearances wield the authority to propel emerging artists to the forefront. He functions as a cultural compass, always in sync with prevailing trends, seamlessly aligning with the right rap luminaries, athletes, and models. He maintains a finger on the pulse of the finest footwear, ensembles, jerseys, streetwear, athleisure attire, and designer collections, along with a keen sense of which teams to support and what shows to indulge in. Drake effortlessly navigates the essence of each locale, truly becoming the quintessential local luminary in every setting.
His albums serve as comprehensive explorations, tracing the evolution of street rap across various locales, the evolution of R&B through different eras, and the expansive canvas of Black art spanning continents. His artistic essence lies at the median, encapsulating a sound that resonates widely. This dual role extends beyond mere trend adjacency, reflecting the reality that this very approach can, at times, infuse his art with a sense of cautious familiarity.
Drake's dominion harmoniously intersects with a broader epoch in contemporary pop culture, marked by an incessant surge of sequels and reboots of cherished intellectual creations, a deluge of documentaries chronicling history, and a concentration on the intricate ingenuity of creative auteurs. This era thrives on a distinct fusion of current innovation and a sprinkle of yesteryears' charm, a recipe for widespread resonance.
While Drake's adeptness in rap and crafting infectious hooks is undeniable, he possesses an astute comprehension of his audience's fervor for masterful branding endeavors. He seamlessly weaves meticulously curated waves of nostalgia, grandiose gestures, and displays of influence into his artistry. The inclusion of guest verses from luminaries like Jay-Z, a sample from Michael Jackson, or a deft manipulation of Beatles' melodies exemplifies this prowess.
Within this album, Drake's releases subtly refresh established conventions, keeping a watchful eye on the evolving auditory landscape without ever forsaking the intrinsic allure that defines a quintessential Drake composition. This allure resides in the potency of his emotive lyrics within his amorous melodies and the universal connection we share with the introspective self-absorption, akin to protagonists in the stories we each script. These tales often navigate the challenges posed by skeptics and detractors, whether they are genuine or figments of imagination. The album presents itself as a theatrical production populated by familiar countenances and resolvable predicaments.
Much has undergone transformation since the release of "Scorpion" in 2018, and even more so since the emergence of last spring's intermediary offering, "Dark Lane Demo Tapes." The backdrop has been marked by political unrest, climatic calamities, and a multitude of tragic losses spanning the globe. Yet, within the confines of Drake's songs, these tumultuous tribulations seem to recede. Our focus shifts from the fragile present and the enigmatic future to the not-so-distant past, to those we held in disdain and those who slipped through our fingers.
Drake masterfully delves into the realm of memory, elegantly expressing the sentiment of nostalgia – the longing for bygone places and connections that once held significance, and an ache for a simplicity that may have become elusive. In his lyrical narratives, the disquieting echoes of the present dissolve, offering a respite from the current chaos, as he explores the intricacies of emotions tied to remembrance and the echoes of what was.
Since the release of "If You're Reading This It's Too Late" in 2015 – a compilation of songs delving into navigating a growing sense of distrust in both business and casual relationships – a frosty arrogance has gradually established itself as one of Drake's prevailing dispositions. While this demeanor can effectively set the stage for compelling tracks such as "Madiba Riddim" from "More Life," "Emotionless" off "Scorpion," or "When to Say When" featured on "Dark Lane Demo Tapes," these cantankerous tunes exist in an intriguing juxtaposition with the more tender offerings.
In the case of "Scorpion," this dichotomy was strategically wielded, employing confrontational compositions like "Mob Ties" and "I'm Upset" at the album's outset, gradually easing into mellower pieces like "Finesse" and "After Dark" over the course of its 90-minute duration. While the more aggressive tracks were imperative, acting as ammunition during the year's feud with Pusha-T, they unintentionally crowded and displaced the songs that resonated most with listeners. Notably, although "Mob Ties," "I'm Upset," and "Nonstop" found chart success, they were overshadowed in terms of streaming by a considerable margin when compared to hits like "In My Feelings," "God's Plan," and "Nice for What."
"Certified Lover Boy" trims a handful of tracks and a few minutes from the extensive 90-minute, 25-track bulk of "Scorpion," condensing 21 songs into a span of 86 minutes, aligning with the customary slight adjustment. What remains consistent with most of Drake's releases that exceed the 20-song mark, barring exceptions like "More Life," is also true here. The compilation teems with an abundance of tracks, transitions between beats, and competing creative concepts. Despite the expansive nature, the progression from the previous release is rather limited.
Even if expectations inclined towards a greater emphasis on singing, prompted by the captivating single "Laugh Now, Cry Later" from the preceding year, and the distinctive baby-pink, heart-adorned Nike bomber jacket unveiled as part of the album's extensive merchandise line, those notions are likely quelled. "Certified Lover Boy" can be likened to Drake's version of "The Expendables” movie.
Each sound reverberates with clarity, exuding an air of opulence. Each guest contribution is adorned with mastery and meticulous preparation. Yet, within this grandeur, an air of predictability lingers. Drake's rap delivery maintains its impactful precision. Take, for instance, "7am on Bridle Path," a torrent of subliminal jabs that possess a laser-focused target on Kanye West, yet clever enough to maintain a veneer of ambiguity: "Don't move like a puto / Could at least keep it a buck like Antetokounmpo / I'm made north of the border like Vito Rizzuto / Throwing parties in Miami, they loving us mucho."
In "Fair Trade," the obligatory Travis Scott collaboration characterized by a dramatic shift in momentum, Drake introduces a gentle, melodic cadence, allowing the verses to flow gracefully. Meanwhile, La Flame ascends from a drowsy murmur to an effortless triplet, masterfully demonstrating his stylistic versatility. "You Only Live Twice," a spiritual successor to the East Coast rap magnificence achieved in the 2011 gem "Lord Knows" from "Take Care," features a triumphant exchange of elite verses between Drake, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross. Wayne particularly steals the spotlight, upholding a remarkable run of standout features throughout the year.
The guest list is a roster of exactly who you'd anticipate. A fleeting Nicki Minaj appearance ensures the YMCMB "Big Three" legacy; Partynextdoor carries the OVO Sound banner on the appropriately risqué "Fucking Fans"; Future and Young Thug lend their talents to the slow but amusing "Way 2 Sexy"; Lil Durk steps in to compensate for the absence of "Laugh Now" on "In the Bible," a track that stretches five minutes exploring the allure of an intriguing vocal twist by Drake. "Girls Want Girls" recruits Lil Baby for a follow-up to "Yes Indeed" and "Wants and Needs," delivering humor through reheated lesbian-themed jokes. For long-time fans yearning for late-album R&B interludes akin to "Bria's Interlude" and "Cece's Interlude," "Certified Lover Boy" offers the soothing solace of "Yebba's Heartbreak."
As Drake ventures back into scenes from his musical history, he effortlessly slips into the contours of familiar patterns. "You Only Live Twice" exudes the extravagance of a Bond film and playfully nods to the motto from "The Motto." The creator of the iconic catchphrase "No New Friends," which dominated 2013, remains steadfast in his sentiment with "No Friends in the Industry." This sensibility permeates "Fair Trade," where the poignant line "I’ve been losing friends and finding peace" encapsulates the theme. The blend of soulful vocals and unvarnished truths reminiscent of "The Ride" from "Take Care" resurfaces in "The Remorse." It echoes with verses like: "From the lemon-faced radio host that love to be bitter / To my dogs in the game who wasn’t pick of the litter / For the young G’s out here starting from the beginning / Nobody praying for you when you winning, don’t forget it."
Similarly, the essence of More Life's standout "Lose You" is echoed: "Winning is problematic / People like you more when you working towards something, not when you have it." "Certified Lover Boy" meticulously weaves a patient stream of Drake's legacy and fan-pleasing gestures. Remarkably, this collection could seamlessly have been released at nearly any juncture over the past decade of his career, showcasing the enduring threads that characterize his musical journey.
The auditory landscape offers a comforting fusion of aqueous synthesizers, trap-infused percussion, and meticulously inserted samples that harken back to the perfected blend curated by the OVO team and the array of international producers in their realm, a craftsmanship reminiscent of the heights achieved with "Take Care." Similar to the musical tapestry of 2009's "So Far Gone," "Certified Lover Boy" thrives on its distinctive selection of samples, serving as an indicator of Drake's musical preferences. It proudly showcases his affinity for '90s hip-hop and R&B, the Southern rap of the 2000s, Canadian soul, and American pop.
In addition to the Masego-Beatles fusion, the album is adorned with snippets from 'N Sync's "Sailing," Bun B's "Get Throwed," Charlotte Day Wilson's "Mountains," and the intro of Biggie's "Life After Death." Notably, R. Kelly is credited on "TSU," where Houston's Chopstars veteran OG Ron C delivers a segment over a small portion of "Half on a Baby." This choice, while puzzling, shines a light on the occasional murky corners within the album. It becomes evident that this record, with its overt appeal to women in both its title and the Damien Hirst artwork gracing the cover, spends just as much time reproaching past relationships with women as it does celebrating them.
The latter half of the album assumes a more subdued and refined tone, surpassing the front in terms of quality. "Certified Lover Boy" truly hits its stride when it eschews the pursuit of high-profile rap collaborations, allowing Drake's versatile abilities to take center stage. The track "Race My Mind" serves as a requisite throwback to the breezy ambiance of the '80s, reminiscent of hits like "Hold On, We're Going Home" and "Feel No Ways." Following this, the album swiftly navigates through a diverse array of genres, encompassing afrobeats with "Fountains," contemporary R&B in "Fucking Fans," gospel-infused soul within "Get Along Better," and more. This trajectory bears semblance to the captivatingly unpredictable final segments of both "More Life" and "Take Care."
Interestingly, a meticulous examination of the sultriest tracks on "Certified Lover Boy" reveals a scarcity of outright affection or ardor. Instead, the album finds its depth in the multifaceted exploration of musical styles, illustrating Drake's artistry as he confidently delves into various sonic realms, leaving a lasting impression that transcends conventional love-themed offerings.
"Race My Mind" initially seems to center around tenderly admiring an infatuation, until the final verse reveals a twist – she may not come across as wife material, yet in her inebriated state, he provides her with an opportunity to alter his perception, a sentiment that offers a uniquely romantic twist. In contrast, "Fucking Fans" unfolds as an extended apology for infidelity, but takes an unexpected turn, directing harsh words towards his former partner and her current beau, akin to the spiteful pettiness evident in "Marvin's Room."
"TSU" narrates the tale of financially supporting a previous casual partner who has encountered hardships after transitioning away from exotic dancing. The lyrics reveal a blend of familiarity and candidness, with lines like: "You know you important and shit / You know I’m supporting this shit / We used to do pornos when you would come over, but now you got morals and shit."
The tumultuous nature of a relationship takes center stage in "Pipe Down," where he candidly asks, "How much I gotta spend for you to pipe down?" In the enchanting duet "Fountains," featuring Nigerian singer Tems, Drake briefly embodies the role of a charismatic heartbreaker, a persona that seemed hinted at when he introduced the heart-shaped part in his hair. Yet, upon reflection, this may have been more of a misdirection or branding strategy.
Throughout "Certified Lover Boy," the core pillars of his deepest affections emerge – family, prosperity, and self. The album delves into an array of romantic dynamics, capturing both genuine emotions and complex intricacies within relationships, while also emphasizing his resolute bonds with personal achievements, wealth, and self-identity.
I would give this album 3 out of 4 stars.