By Beau W. Peterlin ’10
THE ROUNDUP
During lunch or after school, any Brophy student can hop online and download the newest music album or single and listen immediately.
However, this can mislead many avid fans of music. The large amounts of new artists emerging at any given time is a blessing and a curse for discerning ears. Fear not, there is hope because amongst the rough there is a diamond, and he goes by Drake.
In his debut album titled “Drake So Far Gone,” which was released in early September, The Young Money signed rapper Drake broke through the music scene with his first single “Best I Ever Had.”
This first single only presents a glimpse into the talented world that is Drake. The multitalented rapper and singer makes a more in depth effort than his single to help explicate himself as an artist in this album.
Drake’s debut album is appetizer—sized and only includes seven tracks. However, these few songs are merely enough for any hip hop fan who is tired of hearing the same songs repeated over and over on various radio stations.
The refreshing album is a must buy. This album incorporates the rawness of Drake’s voice and gives a more comprehensive look into his life.
The album starts with an ominous sounding “Houstatlantavegas” about a relationship with a girl and progresses towards a more private tone. This can be seen by his last track on the album titled “Fear,” which draws reference to a personal situation with his mother.
“Drake So Far Gone” includes other various artists such as Lil Wayne, Bun B, Trey Songz and Young Jeezy. The incorporation of other artists help break up the rawness of his voice and simple lyrical expression that is his own.
The integration of Lil Wayne is the highlight of the album where Drakes simple raw sound mixes with the cutting crafty lines of Wayne. The best example on the album of this is the fourth track titled “Uptown.”
On a deeper level the album creates a certain mood as the first few tracks are of a slower pace and the rest of the album rises cohesively with complicated beats. In the final tracks Drake results back to a slower, almost hip hop ballad style song that is once again unique to his style.
Check out Drake online at www.myspace.com/thisisdrake.
