In Review Drakes Nothing Was The Same
Drake's an interesting guy. His obvious, trade accurate bragging attitude that he renditions through many of his lyrics, carry the brash characteristics of the rest of the performers that he shares his genre with. However, any resemblance to the kings of hip hop- the Kanye West's and Jay-Z's of this world, end precisely there.
Despite the brilliance of Kanye West's Yeezus, and Jay-Z's MCHG, something does get lost in translation. There's no realism, no sense that the life being portrayed in the songs is actually being lived. The likes of Kanye West and Jay-Z create an opacity, a class ceiling that you can't push through. Drake, however, stands on top of the ceiling with Nothing Was The Same, and uses it to brake through it, whilst dousing everyone underneath with champagne.
Nothing Was The Same is Drake's third studio album, and follows his huge breakthrough records Thank Me Later, and Take Care. His first two albums were incredibly well received; riveting, masterful, yet often desperate claims to lay hands on the title that we all knew Drake already had- as one of the best rappers in the world.
If his first two albums were just that- claims to the throne of hip hop stardom, then Nothing Was The Same is a celebration, an affirmation of self belief from the Toronto born rapper, that he has well and truly arrived in the hall of modern hip hop greats.
An album that bristles with euphoria, reflection, self adulation and desperate pity, Nothing Was The Same is patient, timid, and understated, whilst staying true to Drake's traditional nature of superb lyrics, and even better delivery.
Musically, Nothing Was The Same, is a typically Drake sounding record, thanks to its mix of smooth melodies, punching base lines and silky bars.
Opening with Tuscan Leather; a 6 minute ensemble which comprises of no chorus and announces Drake's personal belief that he has made it: "This is nothin' for the radio, but they'll still play it though cause it's that new Drizzy Drake, that's just the way it go."
Skimming through the track list, you'll see a few familiar tracks that have already been released. Started From The Bottom and Hold On We're Going Homeare the typical radio smashes that you'd expect Drake to throw into the mix, but after them, the tracks become too brooding to constitute gaining much air time.
From Time features the vocals of Jhene Aiko, and works as a brilliant back and forth between the two artists. Drake references time spent and conversations he's had with his father, as well as the struggles he's had with life and love. One of the slower, most reflective tracks on the record, it's laid over a light fingered twinkling piano solo.
When you're in the mood for something with a bit more attitude, Wu-Tang Forever brings back Drake's typical take on life. Women, partying, and life in the fast lane.
One of our favourite tracks on the album, Poundcake/Paris Morton Music is the only track on the album with a notable artist featuring- Mr Carter himself, Jay-Z. With a trippy backing track, sublime lyrics from both artists and a soft lull of a bass thud, this track has to go down as one of Drake's best. It's meaning is minimal- but it's split sound gives the typical Drake feel- one minute you're in a trance, the next, you're snapped out with a piano led backing track and some up beat bars:
Bristling with class, a bold sense of becoming and a fantastic feeling of pride, Nothing Was The Same, is a typically Drake album, but without the yearning of acceptance, or the pressure of performance. This is a work of pure creation, from an artist who is sitting at the top of the world, doing what he wants to do with his own talent.
8/10
Ryan J Gray
