Drake’s New Album is a Disappointment
Drake is one of the most popular artists arguably ever. However, in my opinion, his new album, Certified Lover Boy, falls short of the expectations that Drake has so cleverly crafted over years of producing mega hits. Unfortunately, Certified Lover Boy was narcissistic and misogynistic, although that is not too off beat for Drake (no pun intended).
In the second track of the album titled “Papi’s Home,” Drake refers to himself as “Daddy” and describes how he is the best rapper in the industry. Saying, “know they need to stop, I’m standing here at the top, that’s how I know you never seen the top.” There are multiple tracks on the album where Drake talks about being “the best in the biz” without fully earning that title. While there are people out there who definitely think that Drake is the best rapper of all time, I am here to argue that he is not. Don’t get me wrong, I have a soft spot for old Drake, but rappers like J. Cole and Kid Cudi have been around just as long and have not let the music industry change their style or the messages they want to get across in their music.
The song “7am on Bridle Path,” takes shots at Drake’s rival, Kanye West, saying, “Trust me, that’s some sh*t you really gotta come see to believe, that’s why your people not believers, they all leavin’ ya.” While I’m all here for a rivalry, (most of the time rivalries push the people in them to become better and work harder), this was a low-blow, even for Drake. Another song with a similar message is track number 12, “No Friends in the Industry,” where Drake talks about all the people in the industry he has left behind or has never wanted anything to do with. In this song, Drake basically says that the reason he keeps his circle tight is because he’s the best and no one else is even competition. (Well, watch your back Drake, because there are plenty of rappers with far more talent coming for your spot at the “top”).
Now onto the misogyny. Drake’s third track of the album, “Girls Want Girls,” basically just fetishizes lesbian women, with the chorus going, “say that you a lesbian, girl, me too. Ayy, girls want girls where I’m from.” Featuring Lil Baby, his verse talks about paying for plastic surgery and wanting threesomes. While songs like this are no stranger in the rap industry, this song received copious amounts of online criticism for fetishizing lesbian relationships. In the track immediately following “Girls Want Girls,” “In the Bible,” Drake talks about not wanting to be judged by his sexual past while simultaneously judging a woman for her sexual behavior. If no one will say it, I will, DOUBLE STANDARD!
The end of the album gets a little better, with songs like “Knife Talk,” featuring 21 Savage, and “IMY2,” featuring Kid Cudi. The star of the album was “Yebba’s Heartbreak,” featuring award-winning artist YEBBA. (It also happens to be the only song on the album where Drake sings not a single word).
I understand that music is subjective, and that we will all have different opinions on Certified Lover Boy. My opinion is no more important that yours, and if you happen to like Drake’s newest album, that’s great! Drake is clearly popular for a reason, or else he would not have gotten where he is today. I had high hopes for Certified Lover Boy, and unfortunately for me, those hopes were squashed when I sat down and listened to the album. Certified Lover Boy was not my cup of tea, and neither is Drake anymore.