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| Cover art for Drake's "Scary Hours" (obviously edited by me, Joseph Sanker II) |
On January 19th, 2018, legendary Chicago drill rapper, Fredo Santana passed away due to his heavy use of codeine. In addition to this devastating loss in the hip hop world, the United States government had also shutdown due to...well...lot's of things, but let's just say January 19th, 2018 wasn't a good news day (When is it ever a good news day?).
However, on January 19th, 2018, Drake also reappeared in the public eye with the conveniently titled "Scary Hours" his first official project since 2017's "More Life" (which I did, in fact, review) and it seemed like Drake's timing with new music, along with the title of "Scary Hours" was almost more than coincidental, but then again, I'm never the one for conspiracy theories, but if I were, I'm 100% artists in the industry have done crazier things in the past, this is just a drop in the bucket I'm sure.
Enough of that though. With his new EP "Scary Hours", Drake has returned to re-establish his reign as "that guy" in hip hop. You know, the chart topper, hook singer, "guy you hear constantly on the radio", billboard mainstay, apple music stream record breaker...you know, the guy who turns out hits like pimps turn out hoes on the strip.
And to think, he re-establishes his dominance with only two songs and today, it's going to be talked about...
1. God's Plan
The first of only two tracks on "Scary Hours". Drake returns with an instant chart-topping hit to basically let everyone know that he does in fact "do this". The Cardo got wings, Yung Exclusive, Boi-1da, 40 produced single is a hopeful, airy instrumental that allows Canada's number one rapper to sing rap about his bed, his momma and people's ill intentions toward him. Is the song catchy? Of course. It's Drake. But with all Drake songs that get popular, it will be overplayed to the point where I start actively disliking the song, because it feels like I'm being coerced into liking this song because of my constant exposure to it. I'd rather hear a song once and than go out of my way to listen to it repeatedly, rather than having it shoved down my throat (or in this case, ears? Since it's music?). It'll happen to any song that I hear a million times on radio (which is why I avoid the radio at all costs, the AUX cord saves lives people).
It's obvious Drake's only gotten more and more jaded since the years have gone by, but this time, Drake is meeting the negativity with positivity, as the music video for "God's Plan" is a feel good extravaganza as Drake gives out what was supposed to be the music video's budget (according to the video it was $996,631.90) to the poverty stricken residents of Miami. Although I have mixed feelings about public displays of generosity, it ultimately was a better choice to go the altruistic route rather than just making another "Started from the bottom" type video, so props to Drake for at least inspiring some type of positivity, whether or not he had ulterior motives when it came to actually being filmed giving out the money is irrelevant in my view. I just hope it actually made a positive difference in those people's lives.
The meme that stemmed from "God's Plan" is great in a hilarious way however, check out some of the examples of the "God's Plan" meme below...
2. Diplomatic Immunity
Drake then shows us another side of him. The rapping "5 AM in Toronto" Drake that spits bars, with no hook, bridge, or any type of melodic singing. Now ever since those ghost writing allegations in 2015, Drake's credibility when it comes to his pen is always in question. However, I do think he actually wrote this. That being said, I like this side of Drake more. Paranoia is an ever present theme in post "If you're reading this it's too late" Drake and it appears that Drake is starting to get used to people doubting, betraying and even lying to him. Lyrics like "I got watch who I talk to" and "My security government tier" make it obvious that Drake has turned into a mob boss who will take down anyone who he feels is in the way of his goals or is a threat to him. Quite a contrast from the "Best I Ever Had" guy in 2010, but it's obvious at this point that Drake has changed. Anyway, how's the song? I do enjoy it, and the fact that it hit somewhere in the top ten on the billboard chart proves the Drake brand is just as strong as ever (This song is straight bars, so for it to reach somewhere in the top ten on the billboard chart is really unusual, especially since lyrics have taken a backseat in today's popular rap music). To think that people were talking to Drake as if he was "slowing down" is wild! Never bet against the guy who doesn't care what he has to do to be perceived as the best. A guy who's calculated, and has mastered the science in the art to ensure that he'll stay in the center of the public eye for as long as he wants.
Overall
My reaction to Drake's "Scary Hours"
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| It's just another day at the office for Drake, to expect anything wildly new is somewhat foolish at this point. |
This mini EP is just another Drake project. You have the singing, catchy side that will inevitably get played on the radio, and then you have the rapping side that addresses the rap world directly. Pick your Drake poison and stick with it. That's what I'm doing, to expect anything else from Drake is pointless at this stage in Drake's career. He has carved out his lane, and branded it as his. And that brand is just as powerful as ever now.
Score: 5/10
Favorite Track: Diplomatic Immunity
Least Favorite Track: God's Plan
In case you're one of the two people who only heard "God's Plan" and not "Diplomatic Immunity" here's a link to Drake's "Scary Hours" EP here.
Written by Joseph Sanker II on 3/5/18.
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Until next time! Peace out! One.
Written by Joseph Sanker II
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