In commemoration of his upcoming album, "Views From the 6," that's scheduled for release in April, let's take a look back at Drake's catalog to see how this man turned into the 6-God. Here are Drizzy's three most important works up to this point, mixed with quotes that are undeniably Drake.
3. "Nothing Was the Same"
His response to Kendrick Lamar's "Control" verse. The demand for an album to beat the momentum his sophomore LP had. A lot was riding on "NWTS," and Drake killed haters while exceeding expectations. He reinvented himself to make melodic rap-sing combos and bangers! "Started From the Bottom" and "Worst Behavior" were radio/urban anthems while "Hold On" dominated pop and R&B. "NWTS" reminded people that Drake was "that dude" and cemented him as a pop icon. "Nothing Was The Same" landed him on "SNL," the ESPYs, ESPN's "First Take," showing rappers he's got the star power they don't. You know you're a force when "even Ellen loves your sh*t."
Top Tracks:
"Worst Behavior"
"All Me" (Drake Verse)
"Wu-Tang Forever"
"Furthest Thing"
Drizzy-isms:
"Still at it, scrub J's with a toothbrush."
"Girl, you'd better have my money, 'fore I come for the sh*t like ODB."
2. "Take Care"
The sophomore curse destroys careers. Many artists can't go platinum once, let alone make a sequel to a dope debut LP. After owning the radio with slews of hits, Drake didn't just break the curse, he changed the whole concept. "Take Care" is the reason that no rapper in his generation has slacked on their second album.
The sonics are crazy, as "40" and Drake evolve OVO's signature ambient sound to the sound that defines Toronto and today's rap. Drizzy does his thing on harmonies, but when he raps he's edgy and goes hard. He's merciless when rapping but softens his tone on the next track. "Take Care" is a culmination of every musical skill Drake has, and the result is a timeless, 2x platinum masterpiece.
Top Tracks:
"Underground Kings"
"Lord Knows"
"Over My Dead Body"
"The Real Her"
Drizzy-isms:
"I met your baby moms last night. We took a picture together, I hope she frames it."
"Drinkin' every night, because we drink to my accomplishments."
"F*ck all the jiggy rappin, I'm goin' trigger happy just to make my brothers happy."
1. "Comeback Season"
"Room for Improvement" made him a hometown star, but "Comeback Season" made room for OVO's movement. Drake's second mixtape has new flows, a completely unexpected level of wordplay and a rap-first Drake. "Comeback" is his most raw "rap record" by far with impromptu shout-outs, bravado-filled outros, and jaw-dropping double entendres. Drake also builds his future plans of singing by delving into R&B ballads. He raps over classic tracks from OGs like Alicia Keys and Robin Thicke to show off his versatility. Finally, the all-star production that "Comeback" has cemented Drake's rise into the stratosphere.
"Boi-1da" and "40" give us that smooth, soulful OVO sound that makes every Drake punch line energetic while making his singing standout. And voila, the light-skinned Keith Sweat was born!
Top tracks:
"Closer" (ft. Andreena Mill)
"Comeback Season"
"Teach U A Lesson" (ft. Robin Thicke)
"Man of the Year" (ft. Lil Wayne)
Drizzy-isms:
"Gun shot for the young yacht owner, see there's everybody else then there's one top loner."
"Bet I get a co-sign in somethin' like no time. They'll be tryna sub a brother in like Quiznos."
