LITTLE ROCK — It has been nearly a decade since a debut album has been as highly anticipated as 23-year-old Canadian actor-turned-singerand-rapper Drake’s opening salvo, Thank Me Later (Young Money/ Cash Money/Universal Motown, rated B+).
Not since 50 Cent’s dominating debut Get Rich or Die Tryin’ seven years ago has a young rapper been this ballyhooed. And with good reason. Anytime a newcomer can garner Grammy nominations and sell more than 400,000 copies of a mixtape before even dropping an official album, there’s potential for something special.
And, anticipation reached new heights with Drake “Drizzy” Rogers’ standout performance alongside hip-hop A-listers Kanye West,Lil Wayne and Eminem on 2009’s monster hit “Forever.”
A few doubts did surface when the album’s release was delayed several times. But Thank Me Later is finally out and the doubts are gone.
The album’s production is immaculate as heavy hitters like Boi-1da, No I.D. and Kanye provide a magnificent tapestry for Drake to share a vulnerability that draws the listener in as he touches on adult-themed subjects such as love, abortion and infidelity.
Drake’s monotoned, slightly high-pitched delivery takes away from the subject matter and comes across as impersonal. But his skill as a lyricist comes through strong and tracks like the intriguing “Find Your Love” (now a Top 10 hit), the pounding “Up All Night,” and the engrossing “Over” suggest he’s here to stay.
“Miss Me” is one of those hip-hop songs that just doesn’t stop with its snare drum kick and infectious horns. On the head-nodder “Fancy,” Swizz Beatz provides a simmering track for Drake and special guest T.I.
Other guests include theunderground king Bun B, Young Jeezy and hip-hop king Jay-Z. Also making outstanding cameos are Nicki Manaj and mother-to-be Alicia Keys. Drake’s boss and mentor Lil Wayne also contributes on the newbie’s behalf.
Speaking of the glowing Keys, Drake also happens to be the man behind her current smash single, “Unthinkable.” The hauntingly beautiful ballad was penned by Drake, and he also provides background vocals on the beautiful love song.
Detractors might say Thank Me Later is a bit too polished. It’s as if those involved went into a room with the sole purpose of recording a crossover pop album. And that’s fine. Still, it seems that Drake will spend a career navigating the dangerous waters of chasing big numbers while remaining true to hiphop’s essence.
Drake is a masterful lyricist who writes catchy hooks. He’s a pretty boy MC with gritty skill. He’s a backpacker with mass appeal. The dichotomy that is Drake has created a monster of hype, anticipation and expectations. Now he has to feed that monster, and while Thank Me Later is a satisfying morsel, the main course will be what he does next.
Yes folks, little Jimmy Brooks has graduated from TV’s Degrassi: The Next Generation to shining alongside music’s biggest stars.
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Style, Pages 53 on 06/27/2010