When explaining the inspiration behind his sophomore set of sonics, Take Care, rapper Drake stated “I really just needed to tell this story”. If using that logic, one could categorize this album as a scene setting coming-of-age tale where, the flawed main character begins to comfortably and confidently settle into a uncontrollably fast paced lifestyle.
The 19 track manuscript has a seamless and sticky storyline. From the first piano chord of Over My Dead Body an easy-going, and reflective Drake can be heard laughing and throwing in thought-provoking proverbs and witty paronomasia as he repeatedly proclaims “Everything is Alright”. His monotone-ish controlled flow and Comeback Season reference is refreshing to his fans, and allows the listener to almost instantaneously let what premeditated guard they may have up, down.
Fellow Torontonian and R&B enigma, The Weeknd, continues to shine bright throughout the album adding melodic texture to songs Crew Love and The Ride.
Speaking of crooning, Drake shamelessly sings like a canary throughout the album, which may be annoying to some as his Bill Cosby sweaters. Drake has all the tools to be a great singer beside… Well.. Being a great singer. However, his ear for melody and arrangement gives him a pass that few other non-singers get.
The infectious Cameras boasts a genius Jon. B sample and a head-knocking shoulder-rolling beat from producing prodigy Lex Luger.
Every rapper that loves his momma has a “Dear Momma” type of song on their album and Take Care is no different. These types of songs usually place you right in the middle of the days of “government cheese” and “heating up the house with the oven” but we all know that’s not Drake’s story. Instead, Look What You’ve Done showcases a stubborn, privileged young man detailing his love,and respect for a mother that always supported him despite his heedless ways. The refreshing and unconventionality of the track is as powerful as any “momma memoir” in recent rap history.
The album also brags what is sure to be chart topping features from: Andre 3000 (The Real Her), Rick Ross (Lord Knows) , labelmates Lil Wayne (HYFR, The Real Her, The Motto) & Nicki Minaj (Make Me Proud) , and Rihanna (Take Care).
My friend and I often have music conversation; and in those long-winded dissertations we talk about the “what if’s”. Recently, we what if’ed a rapper having the coolness, skill, and unapologetic content that accompanies most hood rappers, minus the hood part—Well, I think we got one.
Take Care will be a lot of things to a lot of people; but wack certainly shouldn’t be one of them. People like to identify, and even vicariously live through music, but with Drake, you don’t have to. His story is many of our stories, and whether you like it or not, he’s definitely “taking care” of his business.
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