OPINION: Drake has continuously proven he is one of the biggest hitmakers on the planet, so why not also prove just how much of an artist he is, too?
Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more
And, well, I think you could argue that is the case for Drake, which is why it stung enough for Drake to post nonincendiary responses. Sure, Drake is annoyed, but I’m also sure he’s heard all of the conversations we’ve all been having for what feels like a decade now, wondering when Drake is going to grow as a human in his music and/or make music that could be considered challenging. Drake’s music is so formulaic at this point that AI can be used to create a serviceable and believable Drake song.
Maybe Drake should use this moment to make music that challenges himself and requires more of him than just pulling up beats and rap without effort. What would Drake sound like if he attempted to make a real concept album? His contemporaries have lapped him several times over doing just that. Kendrick’s last three albums (“To Pimp a Butterfly,” “DAMN.” and “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers”) are all albums that require thought and genuine consideration. Like him or love him, Kendrick won a Pulitzer for “DAMN.” because the music was worthy of dissection. J. Cole’s albums attempt to address parts of his life, and his features are so impressive that nobody would dare question his space in hip-hop. Wale makes music that speaks to things. Drake just … raps. It’s the reason why music writers and journalists continue to be disappointed in him with each release; the lack of growth and purpose almost seems intentional.
While Yasiin Bey’s later catalog may be harder for some to digest, nobody could ever question his artistry and dedication to using hip-hop as a voice. Plus, he created “Black on Both Sides,” one of the best and Blackest hip-hop albums ever. Part of me wants to say “Drake could never” but I also kind of wish that Drake would try. That’s why Drake gets tagged with the pop label so easily to a chorus of amens. Drake doesn’t challenge us or himself with his music.
Imagine if Drake decided to holler at Madlib and make an album. 40 and Madlib together would be insane. Or even Drake and Alchemist. Where is the famed 9th Wonder-produced album? All of these producers are in the labs with artists creating works that are interesting and creative. If Drake did it, it would be the kind of thing all types of audiences would listen to. André 3000 made a whole album playing the flute and had people listening to ambient music and arguing that it’s one of the best flute albums of all time. It isn’t, but that’s the power of André 3000 or artists that we love and care about. Drake is that artist — he could try his hand at “real hip-hop,” and because he can rap, he could probably make a unique and interesting product. But he has to want it as bad as he wants that respect fom rappers who will probably never give it to him.
Truth is, Drake will be fine no matter what. But he does seem annoyed when rappers question his love and respect for hip-hop, despite having cosigns from a literal who’s who of hip-hop legends. For him, it’s an easy thing to address. I’m not saying he needs a whole album from DJ Premier, who produced “Sandra’s Rose” on Drake’s 2018 album, “Scorpion.”
Maybe this is all moot; perhaps we’ll all have moved on in a few days until the next time somebody we older folks respect says something, and it’s wash-rinse-repeat. But I would love to see a project from Drake where he is genuinely trying to make a statement, and I know I’m not alone.
I guess we’ll have to wait and see if it’s God’s plan.
Panama Jackson is a columnist at theGrio. He writes very Black things, drinks very brown liquors, and is pretty fly for a light guy. His biggest accomplishment to date coincides with his Blackest accomplishment to date in that he received a phone call from Oprah Winfrey after she read one of his pieces (biggest), but he didn’t answer the phone because the caller ID said: “Unknown” (Blackest).
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