The Ransom Report: Human Being Review: Nipsey Hussle (words by Charles Ransom Polk)

“A Los angles area gang member was shot and killed March 31st, 2019."

When I heard the news I was speechless. He’s my favorite artist in the game. I was floored. I was angry. I was deeply saddened. I was confused. If you read that headline above, without knowing who it was, what would you immediately think? The public at large probably thought “Of course, he was just another gangster rapper;" however this wasn’t the case with the man born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, better known by another name: Nipsey Hussle. This is a very special Ransom Review. Here, I'd like to review a man’s deeds.

"Never let a hard time humble us."  

Double Up - Nipsey Hussle

Nipsey Hussle for PUMA

First things first: YES, he was a gang member, and NO, that’s not all he was. As a matter of fact, that’s the LEAST important thing he was. He was so much more than that. He was a proud Black man. A father. A loyal brother. A loving companion. A self-made millionaire (by legal means). A philanthropist. A social justice warrior. An astute business owner. A burgeoning real-estate entrepreneur. An up-lifter of his community. An investor, and yes, a Grammy-nominated rapper. All of these things did Nipsey represent, including being a gang member. But he did NOT let himself be defined by that alone, and we would be doing a grave disservice to him to label him as a “Gangster rapper." He was a pillar of his community, a shining, living monument of black-owned pride, and a model for respect and admiration to those around him in his community and the industry he blessed with his Music. He was a King, a young African-American King that wasn’t killed in a drive-by but rather assassinated by a vile coward in front of the store and strip mall he owned on a Sunday afternoon. He was only there at that moment because he was trying to help a friend who had just completed a lengthy prison sentence get some new clothes before he went to see his friends and family. THAT is the man we lost. THAT is who was taken from us. 

A word on his gang affiliation: Nipsey once rapped “Never let a hard time humble us,” and he spoke from experience. He has witnessed numerous friends and family killed or imprisoned. Growing up in the Crenshaw neighborhood of South LA was rough. Several of his friends were dead or in jail before he turned 21. He joined the Rolling 60’s set of the Crips in his teens, partially, according to him, “For survival." There are many who would read that and be supremely confused, but to understand Nipsey’s youth and the situation of so many young ethnic kids is unrealistic unless you’ve actually lived it yourself. This is the existence for millions of inner city children with no direction, and seemingly no hope. Sometimes in a sad, twisted way, joining a gang was the only way for these young Kings like Nipsey to have any solidarity and comfort at all.

I personally started listing to Nipsey in 2009-'10. He had already been signed to a major label (Epic), but he wanted out. He wanted to own his own destiny, to control his own fate. He wanted to make music his way, on his terms, and become famous and wealthy from it. He accomplished all of that, and so much more. I’ll never forget the first interview of him I saw. It was on the Breakfast club in 2013. He was on his newest mixtape, Crenshaw, and was debuting his “Proud 2 Pay” movement. He had just sold 1,000 copies for $100 a piece. They sold out within a day, with Jay-Z wiring money for 100 copies, impressed by the young man’s ambition and savy (they would remain friends and business partners until Nipsey’s untimely demise). There he was, blue Crenshaw beanie on with his hoodie up tight around his face, talking about black owned business and investing. When asked where he got the idea to charge $100 for his mixtape, he said he got the idea from reading a marketing strategy/investment book a mentor of his had given him. Let that sink in; here’s a man dressed in gang colors, rocking an iced-out Malcom X piece, talking about that.

As I said before, SO much more than meets the eye with Nipsey. Look up the Breakfast club interview from 2018, and go to the 38:00 mark, when he’s asked about the subject of “reparations.” I strongly encourage anyone who has never listened to the man outside of rap songs to immediately go to that mark in that interview and simply listen. Don’t judge what he LOOKS like or what he WEARING. Listen to the man’s WORDS (ALSO: type in “Nipsey Hussle Vector 90 LA Times”-matter fact millennials are lazy, I’ll make it easy on you: CLICK HERE the article is self-explanatory. Go read and respect. Seriously).

You’ll notice I haven’t spoken much about his music. That’s by design, not accidental. You know his music. You probably didn’t know that music provided him with the means to give back to his community. He’s funded countless after school study programs for area schools, bought shoes for students, repaved basketball courts, renovated playgrounds, and provided jobs for homeless and convicted felons from his neighborhood (the majority of workers in his Clothing store, The Marathon clothing company, are ex-cons). At the time of his death, along with Roc Nation, he was slated to attend a meeting with the LA police commissioner to go over plans and ideas to help find ways to quell gang violence in the City of Angels. There is a video circulating that shows the Commissioner reading the email Nipsey sent him outlining the meeting, sent days before his death.

Be clear: I’m NOT out to deify Nipsey; he was an imperfect person who famously rapped he was “Just another flawed human tryna get this s**t right." He wasn’t perfect. He used vulgar, violent and at times abrasive lyrics in his music. At one point in his life he's probably committed numerous crimes. He never hid affiliations. Ever. He was no stranger to controversy. He made mistakes, but he also tried to better himself and those around him. Furthermore, a man cannot be judged solely by his early life and past. What if we judged the late, great Malcom X when he was known as “Detroit Red” on the streets of Harlem, and not who he grew into? Take it easy, I’m NOT comparing the two people, but the situational analogy is valid. I went back on forth on whether to touch on the circumstances and details of his death, who allegedly killed him and why. I decided not to. That’s not what this piece is about. You’ve definitely heard it and seen it all over the news. I don’t need to spin the theories and/or motives. Nor do I need to elaborate on the fact that beneath it all, this is yet another example of the ongoing epidemic that is “Black-on-Black crime.” That deserves a whole write-up on its own.

Nipsey & Lauren for GQ

I’ll conclude with this: the man is gone, but his music is eternal. His life should be celebrated. I pray for his companion Lauren, his Brother Blac Sam, his two children, his family and friends. I pray for his parents. I pray for peace. Finally, to the man himself: You started your marathon here, but you finished your victory lap in heaven. See you at the winners circle one day sir. #RipKingNip

1Love,

Mr. Ransom

The Ransom Report VI: #AOTY18 (words by Charles Ransom Polk)

Good evening my friends and (mostly) haters! 2019 is here already! Time really does fly. We’re all one year older, and we move one year closer to the end of Mr. Spray-tan-man’s Presidency (Fingers crossed). This is the time for those good old New Years resolutions. What are yours? Mine are to have my Bank account balance, relationship with God and my knowledge all increase in 2019.

2018 was quite the year in music. With that being said, I’ve listed my top five albums. We'll start with some honorable mentions mixed in there for you all to hate and disagree with me on. Here we go, the Dr. Is IN:

Honorable mentions (these albums were iight but not john blaze s**t) J. Cole KOD, Lil Wayne Carter V, Lil Baby & Gunna - Drip Harder (There you go Ron), Conway Blakk Tape

Ok now to the top five albums of 2018.

5) Jay Rock - Redemption

A lot of y’all may have slept on this album. Well I’m the alarm clock. I’ve been a fan ever since I first heard him on Money Trees from GKMC (you know, Kendrick’s BEST ALBUM BY FAR?). I’m a big comeback/redemption (no pun intended) story guy so when I heard he was in a really bad accident and almost died I was even more interested to hear his new joint. He’s always sounded battle-hardened, but on this album he gives the term a whole new meaning. Whether it’s alongside Future on King's Dead or Absolutely holding his own with K Dot on Wow Freestyle. The man can rock with the best. Also, GO LISTEN to the title track, Redemption with SZA. If it doesn’t hit you square in the chest, you the tin man. PERIOD. If you need a amp- up song for the gym/whatever, look NO further than Win. Round of applause, Jay.

4) Cardi B - Invasion of Privacy

Not gonna lie, for some mysterious reason or another I LOVE CARDI, and it’s not because I find her attractive (quite the opposite). Personally she’s WAYYYYY too ratchet for my taste. Still I LOVE her, she’s the type of chick I’d love to hit the bar/booty club with after. She seems like a ton of fun to act up with, and she’s REAL. She’s been the exact same way since she first popped up on Love and Hip Hop. Gotta respect that. To be honest I didn’t mind the album. I was loving that old school 3-6 sample on Bickenhead (and y’all know I LOVE me some old 3-6 mafia/Project Pat). I was getting my bachata on all summer to I Like It that song was FUEGO to me. Be Careful sounded like a super ratchet Mary J. Bilge ladies anthem in 2018. This wasn’t an all time great album but to be honest it was very well produced and sequenced, and it was a great mix of her strengths. Keep up the good work Bardi.

3) Pusha T - Daytona

There’s an old saying “less is more." In the era of bloated album tracklists on streaming services to inflate sales, the quality/quantity ratio is at an all time low. With that being said, King Push delivered a lean, mean killing-machine of an album. It’s brevity is matched only by its viscerally. He attacked with sharp lyrics and the best Kanye West aka the modern day Uncle Tom’s production in YEARS. That’s the ONLY props you’ll see me give him, and you all know why. From If You Know You Know to What Would Meek Do, Pusha Ton puts on a clinic. Then there’s Infared the track that proves that beef is chess NOT checkers to Push. To Aubrey, it was obviously the other way around. I’ll always want Push on Pharrell/Neptunes beats, but this s**t was extremely hot. In a different year it might have been my favorite album.

2) Nipsey Hussle - Victory Lap

Another album that you may have slept on since it dropped very early in 2018. I’ve been a Nipsey fan for almost a decade (since the Bullets Ain’t Got No Name series). He’s the rare case of an artist consistently making forward progress on his albums. This was his debut album, and that’s because he TOOK HIS TIME AND DID IT HIS WAY. He waited until he got the right deal with a major label (people don’t know but he’s a very sharp business man). He carefully selected the producers, engineers and artists for his album.That process results in a ultra hi-def cinematic representation of his life and times. From his West coast version of Hate Me Now on Rap N****s to the soulful Million While You Young to the Hard Knock life sampling Hussle and Motivate, Neighborhood Nip achieved a rare feat: an album that was worth the long wait and then some.

1) Meek Mill - Championships

I don’t think there’s been an artist worthy of back-to-back album of the year distinction since Joe Camel made The Dynasty then the Blueprint in ‘00-‘01. It’s SUPER tough to do. But cot dammit Meek did it. He had the album of the year in ‘18 with Wins and Losses. Coming off a prison stint with his future in the balance and the spotlight squarely on him, he absolutely nails it again. My last Ransom Review was about this album so I won’t say the same stuff again, but the bottom line is this project was great on all 3 levels of album grading: Sound, Content and Lyrics. Just go listen to the album if you haven't already. Sure there were one or two misfires on there, but no artist is perfect. Hey @Carretta24, to think I once called meek “Basura!" You were right. Very rarely am I wrong about an artist, and even more rarely am I happy I was wrong about an artist. No album was better overall in 2018. Dassit

There you have it, my musical class of 2018. I can feel the hate and disagreements from all the way up here at the top. Like the Emperor in Return of the Jedi said “Good! let the hate flow through you!” until next time, I wish (most of you) all a happy and blessed 2019!

Mr. Ransom

Ransom Report V: Championships - @MeekMill The Good, the Bad, & the Peanut Butter & Jelly Bulls**t

Warning: This article includes vulgarity or graphic content.

Ransom Report Volume V: Meek Mill’s Championships 

The Good, the Bad, & the Peanut Butter & Jelly Bulls**t

Hello again haters and congratulators. I’m right back like I left the stove on. This is a BIG one, Meek Mill’s Championships. I’m unveiling a new format for this one. I’ll be telling you what I like, didn’t like and thought was BS about every album I review. I’ll do track by track reviews occasionally. This was mostly for all you remedial English class motherf*****s out there. All those that looked shook like you were gonna get picked for the hunger games when the teacher was picking people to read aloud in class. Yeah all you out there, I shortened the format for y’all. No need to thank me, I know you’re all thankful. That being said here we go, the Dr. is IN.

Full disclosure: I didn’t start out a Meek fan:quite the opposite. I thought his first album was basura. I had to be persuaded over the years by my man @carretta24 among others, until finally after hearing Dream Chasers 4 and then Wins & Losses. I actually gave the latter, Album of the Year on the A-side B-side Podcast Pilot episode and music wrap up for last year. Now, onto Championships.

The Good: 

 

Coming off the 2017 album of the year (Wins and Losses), the bar was higher than it ever has been for Meek. Especially since he spent some hard time in the bing, I was really looking forward to seeing how that would change him. The answer: it made him appreciate and celebrate. It taught him to be more thoughtful and introspective. These are all new facets of his song-making ability. Any-motherf*****g-way, there’s a lot good on Championships; his songwriting improved from his time in the can (that’s what they call jail on the sopranos, I’ve been binge watching the whole thing again so pardon me paisans). He didn’t come out super vengeful like 'Pac did after he did his time.

Here, we find Meek taking stock of his life and state of his career. He's very clever with a flip of Biggie's timeless What’s Beef on What’s Free featuring an OUTSTANDING verse by Joe Camel himself Jay Hova, and an equally garbage juice verse by Ro$$ aka Officer Ricky (how the mighty have fallen. He used to be my favorite artist at one point). The title track or the soul-baring Cold Hearted 2 (make sure you stay for the end of that song)” and the standout “Oodles O Noodles Babies (prolly one of his deepest songs ever period). Meek really grew on this album, in every category. From the beats standpoint, you could make the case Meek has the best ear for beats in the game today. The samples are FLAWLESSLY done. I respect him flipping Lonnie Smith's Garden of Peace made famous by Dead Presidents (C'mon son, s**t was brilliant). I could go on, but you get the picture. Ross used to have the golden ear for beats, now Meek has it. Feature wise I wasn’t mad: Ross and Jay on what’s free and Ella Mai on 24/7 which flipped my favorite Beyoncé song, Me myself and I were both fire. Bardi showed up flexing fluently on “On Me” and even Aubrey the lovable Houston/Jamaican/Memphis/Dominican/Oakland Thug showed up on the not-trash-but-not-great “going bad”. All in all the tracklist was star studded and each guy/girl showed up and showed out.

The Bad:

To be honest there’s not much bad here. Some of the features weren’t great (Future, Young Thug with Meek on a track should’ve been a sure thing, but instead Splash Warning is probably one of the two pure duds on the album. That's sad because I really f**ks with both Future and Thug, but the track was extra regular to me. Also, the song Almost Slipped was kinda wack too. If it’s one thing Meek isn’t great at, its making girl songs. What’s worse is he usually puts more than a couple of em on each album. Unfortunately he had that 24/7 song with Ella Mae on there, or maybe it was just me loving the sample (who the f**k knows). Dangerous, which he as the lead single, is on here too. I didn’t hate it but the broads were quoting it on their IG’s all summer so I guess it was a hit. Also a couple of songs toward the end were filler to me, but I didn’t all the way hate them.

The Peanut Butter and Jelly Bulls**t: 

 
Again, not much here other than Ross giving 0 effort on the What’s Free. Like seriously big homie? You knew Jay was gonna be on the track, and you didn’t make a better verse than that?! What in the actual f**k Ross. Your verse on there didn’t even fit the song and it was trash on top of that. You should’ve hired the same n***a that writes for Aubrey next time man. Get you some better material. Also like I said that Future song was wack too. It makes me nervous because it’s been awhile since we’ve gotten some fire from him. You better be making DS3, and it better be hot because you’ve been dropping the ball all over the place recently my man. Also, let’s be honest this album was great but that cover??! Cmon Meek, it looks like someone in your team made that back in like 06 and you found it and use it. That album cover was ALL BAD. Plus the only n***as that can ice out their album covers are the Cash Money n***as. All of those covers were FUEGO back in the day, and if don’t think so you’re a lame.

There you have it, Meek comes off of the worse stretch of his life, when the chips were all the way down, and the pressure couldn’t be greater and turns in his best work yet. Congrats Meek, you walked thought the fire with gasoline timbs on and came out the other side. Philly stand up, Eagles fans sit all the way the F**K DOWN. Modern day classic rap album in my opinion. I never thought I’d see the day I’d say that about a Meek album.

Album grade: 8.5/10 Philly Cheesesteaks from Geno’s

Ransom Report IV: Diplomatic Ties (words by Charles Ransom Polk)

Put your 3D glasses on player haters, because another Ransom Review is coming straight at you. This is a VERY special one for me. For the select few who truly know me know that I have roots going back to Harlem over 20 years. I remember copping the first dipset mixtapes from the African gentleman out front of Mony (All my real fashionable people and real New Yorkers/Harlemites will know about this) on 125th street in the early 00's. I've always been a Harlem half n*gga at heart. It's just something about the music, fashion, swagger, and food of that area that I always identified with. With that being said, you can't love Harlem and not love Dipset. Matter fact, you can't be a respectable music fan and not like Dipset. Matter fact, if you don't like dipsett stop reading this, this aint for yall. And while you’re at it do seven shots of bleach and take a long walk off a short bridge. You won’t be missed, believe that. The last time we got a Dips album was '05 (Sheesh). Since then they’ve gone through more drama than the Kardashians and all the Love & Hip-Hop b*tches combined. We’ve had a few reunion false starts, so when they said new music was coming on Thanksgiving, I didn’t hold my breath. But sho nuff it arrived like a miracle. A Diplomats EP after 14 years?? Much has changed since their incredible run (they’re the second greatest group in rap all time after the Wu, and that’s a scientific fact) but no one stays on top forever. Father Time is undefeated. Do the Dips still got it? Lets begin, the Doctor is in. Time to take your medicine haters.

(PS I love the Dipset but I gotta be real that album cover was questionable as all hell-and the broad that’s walking around with that on her chest is shot all the way the f**k out.)

Intro: Stay Down (feat Trav): Off the bat you knew the Heatmakerz was gonna be all over this s**t. They go together like Trump and bulls**t. Inseparable. As soon as the sample kicked on I was like 'ahhh s**t this is what we’ve been waiting on.' All three of them get busy on the track, Juelz killed it though. Makes me think of what could’ve been had he put out more albums. One of the biggest musical what-ifs of all time. I LOVED Cam's verse. He b*tch slapped Kanye (aka the white man in black skin aka the dumbest smart person you’ll ever hear aka he only sounds smart to dumb motherf*ckers). FACTS. I love how he tried to backslide recently saying he’s not trying to talk politics anymore. Na man, you crossed the line, now stay the f*ck over there p*ssy. If you still support Kanye and you’re black I'm ashamed of you and you should be ashamed of yourself. Anyf*ckin' way the intro was PURE fuego, beats and verses.

Dipset Forever: Gahdamn the Heatmakerz MURKED this beat too. First time I heard this beat I made the same face you make when you smell those collard greens from thanksgiving a week later. This beat MEAN. All three guys sounded real good, I really liked Cam' s verse, he shouted out Charly Rambo the wave God himself. Can’t wait till Max B comes home. This song was fire as well, so far there’s no cobwebs or rust. This song is on repeat, and I loved Freaky Zeeky on the outro he’s always comedy. How many people remember him in the Hey Ma video? Classic

On God (feat Belly): When I saw that Murda Beatz made this s**t I was anxious to hear it. It’s one thing for the Dips to murk Heatmakerz tracks, but it’s another thing entirely to rap over modern day production. Thankfully this song didn’t disappoint. I like Jimmy on this beat the most even though Juelz and Cam both had bars on here. I think it’s because Jim has been the most active member of the Diplomats in the last 10 years, and it shows. He’s the most at home on modern day production. My mans Belly was a real nice touch on the hook. This song bumps play this on good speakers.

Sauce Boyz: More Heatmakerz, never ever a bad thing. When I heard this song about a week before the album dropped, I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it. My man Juelz killed this song though, yo Juelz fix your teeth man! If you haven’t seen my man's grill do your googles, I don't know wtf is going on there. Cam was killing this verse as well. I think this was his best verse so far except for the first song; however so far this was the weakest of the heatmakerz' productions on the album. It's a solid song, but not great.

Dipset/Lox (feat The LOX): I know y’all hear Cam talking his s**t on the intro, Cam is the greatest trash talker of all time in rap after Diddy (matter fact it might be a tie). I loved this song, and I think the sequencing was key here. Cam/Jada (the main guys), Juelz/Styles P (the lyrical beasts), Jim/Sheik (the tough guys) it was perfect and the beat was fire (I did my homework, Cool and Dre did the beat). I played the hell out of this song.

Uptown: Now here comes the first chink in the armor. This song is ehhhh. I really wasn’t feeling it, and the hook was annoying as f**k. The beat was meh and the verses were kinda lazy. They were on a serious roll for the first 5 songs and then they hit a major speed bump here. Don’t get my wrong it’s not a terrible song, but it’s not nearly as good as the other songs. I’ll still replay this s**t though it’s starting to grow on me.

No Sleep (feat Tory Lanez): Bro, Tory Lanez used to be one of my fav artists but he’s gotten ESPECIALLY WHACK as time as gone on. Did any of y’all listen to his last album? Unless you’re a complete bozo you thought the album was mucho basura. His last album was ABSOLUTELY NOT worth a Ransom Review. He’s completely garbage now, which is sad because he had a lot of promise, and I bought into him once I heard that song Real Addresses. Anyway that being said besides him this song isn’t terrible it’s got a bop and for a party/strip club song it’s got potential. I could see broads twerking to this, and I’m not mad at it.

By Any Means: This song grew on me. I really liked this beat and all three of the dips did their thing. There’s really not much for me to say here. It was a decent song not a great song, but it was decent which I’ll take as a W for the Dips in 2018

Outro Un Casa: Ok now when I first read the tracklist I immediately saw this and I gave the people’s eyebrow like the Rock. Now y’all may or may not remember Un Casa. He was on the unforgettable intro to Diplomatic Immunity (Kanye produced the track-Little known fact) and he had a top 10 hottest dipset song of all time: Purple City Byrd Gang. Still to this day that beat is FUEGO and Jimmy dancing in the rain with a purple umbrella and casa rapping next to a purple piano in the midst of the projects is CLASSIC. But that was all over a decade ago. I didn’t want nor NEED Un Casa in 2018. Like my brother in law said to me, they threw him a MAJOR bone on this one. Because no one but his moms is looking for Un Casa in 2018. He probably took weeks to write his bars and they were still trash and super tired. I would’ve loved to hear JR Writer or even Hell Rell on there. I can understand they tired to recreate what they did on their first album but they failed miserably. And plus you guys only gave us 9 songs after all this time and one of the songs was wasted on UN KASA? Cmon son, that song left me with a bad taste in my mouth (no homo, word to Cam’ron). It was a major misstep to end the EP.

So after 14 years we got 9 (really 8) original songs with Cam Jim and Juelz, with freaky talking s**t here and there. I’ll keep it short and sweet, and I'M NOT talking like an “Old Head”, I already told you haters what you can do with those “old head” remarks. To be honest, I was feeling the album. It wasn’t great but it wasn’t bad at all. I was expecting a lot more rust than I heard and a lot less chemistry than I heard. I’m glad they made an EP and not a full album. The brevity definitely helped. I don't know what would’ve happened if they made a full length album. OF COURSE it’s not hotter than Diplmatic Immunity 1&2, but it wasn’t ever going to be. The real bottom line is this: After all these years I expected a little more, but after all these years what I did I REALLY expect? On Thanksgiving I was thankful for what I got from the Harlem Trio. Dipset now and forever.

Album grade: 6.8/10 Pink Range Rovers

The Ransom Report: Carter V - @LilTunechi (words by Charles Ransom Polk)

Just when you thought it was safe to have an opinion on music-#RansomReviewSeason has returned (puffy combs voice) I'm back like I left my keys on the table. There were some albums that dropped since the last time you read my words on this page (looking at you Onika, Travis and Marshall), but I wasn't inspired to come back. Beanie Siegel said "Sometimes you gotta go away to make a comeback" and I paid attention when he said that (that first state property movie is and always will be a bonafide hood classic for the record). However, when I saw the (former) Cash Money creature drop the bombshell announcing the long-awaited Carter (C5) finale, I knew it was time to pick the pen back up.

Sheeeeesh, it's been 7 years since C4 (which was hot and spicy whack sauce), and since then he was at war with Mr. Handrub himself for the right to come out with this project. I won't waste time with giving you the recap (if you don't know the story google it and come out from under the rock you been living under). I'll just cut right to it. The burning question on everyone's mind is: Does he still have it? They say that all the great fighters have that one last great fight in them. In Wayne's case, does he have one last great album in him? Let's review. This might not be what you want to hear, but it's what you NEED to hear, whether you admit it yourself. The Doctor is back IN.


I Love You Dwayne: man, I can't even talk my s**t after that intro. That was raw rough and uncut. His mom plays a big part in this album, she serves like the narrator of his life, popping in at certain moments to explain key moments in his life. If his mothers words on that intro didn't hit you right square in the chest, you and the Tin man have something in common.

Don't Cry (feat Xxxtentacion): This is a gloomy a** track to put right after the intro. The overall vibe of this album is more about triumph, soul-baring redemption and retrospection. None of the s**t on this song. I like how he says "don't cry, stay tuned" at the end of the song. Guess he's setting up the rest of the album. Not a big Xxx fan, God bless the dead, but he wasn't good on this song. Wayne's voice sounds extra syrup-withdrawled on this s**t. Some of his lyrics are just as tired, but it's not a terrible song. I don't hate it. That much.

Dedicate: Hmmm, my man ate his spinach on this one huh? I think this is one of the older tracks recorded for this album. One of the interesting things listening to this s**t is figuring out which tracks were recorded when. This must be one of the old ones. You can tell by his voice and delivery-they're both WAY stronger than that first track. I'm loving this beat, s**t got that bounce. He should've made THIS the first song after the intro (I need to stop f*****g around and become an A&R). He ripped this beat to shreds. I like the Titty Boi vocal samples sprinkled in, and that Young Barry vocal snippet at the end was official. That's also from 09 which gives you a time period reminder. Damn I miss him in office. Seriously, I wish we could revise the law, get Mr. Spray tan man out of there and get Barack and Michelle back in there. For real. Anyway song is hot.

Uproar (Feat Swizz Beatz): Ahhh man, here we go. Bro, WHO THE F**K KEEPS KEEPING SWIZZ BEATZ IN THE MIX ?!? Seriously they need to be dealt with. Bro, my man drops a hot beat/song one in every 100 songs he's on, the other 99 are GOD AWFUL. This s**t is SUPER whack. He even had the nerve to recycle one of the last NY anthems to come out, Special Delivery. EVERYONE was Harlem-shaking when that song came out, myself included. That's one of my go-to dance moves every time I'm at a black wedding, and 85% of the time, it works every time. #facts. Back to this f**k of a song, skipped quick fast and in a hurry.

Let It Fly (featuring Travis Scott): Ok, so here's the long and short of it: I'm not a Travis Scott fan IN THE LEAST. He's whack. You can put those "oh you're just talking like an old head" peanut butter and jelly bulls**t back in your pockets. I like MULTIPLE "new school" artists, and I catch flack for it from "old heads" all the time. Travis Scott is just real annoying and unnecessary and useless to me. He literally has no talent. I ask you Travis Scott fan: what's so "awesome" about him??? Go ahead I'll wait. Maybe a tiny bit as a producer, but I'd rather take shots of s**t and battery acid than listen to him. That being said, the beat is ehhhhh but not great, and Wayne is back spitting like an AK with a 100 round drum. I heard that this song is from 2014/15 so maybe that explains it. Song is skippable but not super skippable.

Can't Be Broken: This s**t sounds like he stole it from Eminem or Joe Budden. I half expected to hear Marshall or Jumpoff Joey on this. If Em had been on here it would've been spazzatura (that's garbage in Italian you smart dumb motherf*****s); Unless it was MAD old, because let's be honest, Mashall hasn't made a hot album in well over a decade. I hate to say it but ever since he got clean and sober, his music prowess evaporated. It was one of the reasons he was transcendent at his peak. Eh oh well, applause on your sobriety. Just stop making music now anyway on this song we get the first glimpse of a truly rare animal: soul-bearing Wayne. He's going deep (Pause) and that's something he's done only a few times. This is a theme on this album, which we see more of as time goes on. I liked the song. He even went the whole song without punchlines about money, b*****s or his d**k (MAJOR pause). I enjoyed the song, not mad at it.

Dark Side of the Moon (feat Nicki Minaj): Cot damn, this s**t is FIRE. If Birdman was holding the album back, it wasn't because of this s**t. This song is real good. The beat is beyond hotness (*checks album credits*) Bloque I don't know who the f**k you are but you did your thing on this song my G. Salute. This joins the list of memorable Wayne deep cuts (How to Love, Tie My Hands). This s**t is actually a touching song. This song is older for sure, because there's no way his voice is still this smooth. Ain't enough auto tune in the world to bring that back. But let's get to the REAL revelation: I never thought I'd see the day I'd see this, but here goes: I LOVED Nicki Minaj on this track. Welp, I guess the end of the world really is coming soon: Trump got elected, the Eagles won the super bowl and I loved a Human silicone Thirst trap feature. Guess I better get going on my bucket list. Great song, I'm playing this song multiple times.

Mona Lisa (feat Kendrick Lamar): Most of the time big name hype collabos disappoint. Also most times when the old lion gets on the track with the young lion they get embarrassed. Kinda like when Mike thought he still had the juice and tried to D up a young AI. He didn't have the juice. AT ALL. But this is not one of those moments. This song is tough as f**k, and it wasn't just mindless verses trying to outdo each other, it's a concept song. You gotta listen to it multiple times to get the whole story. Now I'm not the biggest Kendrick fan (for MANY reasons), but that's not to say he's untalented. He's definitely talented, especially on concept songs. The fact that Wayne holding his own very ably is outstanding, AND I'm told this isn't one of the older songs. This is relatively new. Guess he smoked some of that mythical space Kush the Russian cosmonauts grew on the space station back in the day and got busy in the booth. Hot a** song.

What About Me (feat Sosaman): This sounds like vintage mixtape run Wayne. He used to love those druggy ballads (i.e I'm Single (to this day a FIRE track)). This is right up there with that. I'm liking this track as well, and is clearly an older track, but it's real hot. This is one of the tracks that reminds you that when he was in his prime, he really was the best. He could body any type of track. Now that I'm done giving out daps, let's get to the other side: who in the actual f**k is Sosaman?? Dude almost singlehandedly RUINS the song. He sounds like he's from Florida. The area in Florida where Rick Ross's goons come from. That's an advantage if you're trying to bust your gun, get money and do home invasions with gigantic dreads and gold trick daddy-type grills, but not if you're trying to be on an r&b fusion song. I put out an APB for the tan titan himself, Drake (where the f**k were you at on this album man?). This song would be been PERFECT for his charmin' singing. I did some research, turns out Aubrey was supposed to be on this song, but he didn't end up putting a verse on it. Guess he was too busy hiding the world from his kid. I also heard Post Malone aka the human white muppet/culture vulture on here. Hell, I'd have tolerated HIM on here over Sosaman. He almost f****d this whole s***t. Almost.

Open Letter: I'll be dammed if I'm not I'm liking this s**t too (who woulda thought that I'd be liking all these Weezy baby songs back to back in 2018). This song is hot too. It's a newer sounding song, but this s**t still bumps. He starts killing the beat midway through the second verse. If you really listen, he's talking to the listener the whole time. I better stop and make sure it's not 2018 and not 2008, because this album is starting to make me feel like he's got his swagger back. If it's 2008 again, I won't be rocking those extra-extra baggy Evisu jeans again with the AF1's. That needs to be left dead. Everyone with pictures of me during that period knows if you post any of them on social media you will promptly be receiving a cease and desist letter from my lawyer.

Famous (feat Reginae Carter): First thing you hear is Wayne's momma. Then the second thing you hear is Wayne's daughter. Singing, and it's NOT bad at all. Auto tuned sure but still good. She was perfect for singing on a hook about her fathers journey through super-stardom. This song sounds super personal, and Wayne is rapping like a man looking BACK on his career, NOT looking forward. Like a man who's truly seen it all and been through it all. Very heartfelt song, this is the most he's let us into his life on wax EVER, and it's great. Not mad at it at all. I'm not gonna play it mad times but a real quality song. I love how after all that beautiful stuff he says "kiss my muaf*****g a**" at the very end of the song.

Problems: AH S**t now as I was listening to all these ballads and all this soul-bearing s**t, I was thinking in the back in my mind where's the hot s**t at, and right on schedule he snuck one in there. Like a good fighter he lulled y'all to sleep with that other s**t then rocked you with an uppercut. As soon as the beat came on I knew what it was. As soon as I heard the little "Zaytoven" snippet right before the beat dropped, I was like hell yea he hit up ATL for a track. If Future Hendrix had been on here it would've been a wrap. Oh well. Future is probably kinda pissed at Zaytoven for giving Wayne this beat and not him. I would be, anyway. When he said "I should have a tattoo that says 'I'm nothing like my dad' I was like damn, he really hasn't taken any shots at Birdman. Guess it's all good now that the check got cut. Anyway for anyone wondering what he would sound like on modern day trap beats you have your answer. S**t bumps play this on good a** speakers not those weak a** apple earbuds.

Dope Ni**a (feat Snoop Dogg): This sounds like some old s**t. You can tell from his voice he's mad young. I'm loving the sample, for all you little f**ks it's from a classic Dr Dre track. Go look it up. Or not. If there's one thing I'm glad about it's that they didn't let Snoop get a full verse-see. I love Snoop but let's be honest the last time we were actively checking for a snoop song. It was drop it like it's hot and half the reason why was because of the beat from Pharrell. That being said it was a good song.

Hittas: Ok, first before you listen to this song go back, and go YouTube Wayne's deposition. Type that in, and get some popcorn because that s**t is CLASSIC. Anyways, this song was ok but definitely a throw away from whenever he was first in album mode. The problem is I think 90% of these songs are old. Sometimes on this album the old songs work, but more and more as the album goes on it seems like there too many older filler songs, like if this song came out years ago I would've f**ked with it but now I'm like eh skip.

Took His Time: I like this s**t right here, I LOVE this beat right here. Whoever made this beat I'm too lazy too look it up at this point, but I salute you. Weezy is weaving in and out of this beat like he was weaving lane to lane down in Miami off that syrup. Which he definitely has done at multiple times at this point in his life. It also is ABSOLUTELY an older track probably old as all f****n hell, but idgaf. This reminds me of back when Wayne was capable of murking anything he put out. Real good a** song.

Open Safe: See here's another dude I can do without: Mustard on the beat h*e. He's like the west coast swizz beats. He makes one EXTREMELY hot a** beat every couple of years and spends the rest of his time making dumb s**t like this. The beat is SUPER basura. Wayne probably bought this beat back when he first started getting hot, and was just making BS left right front and center. The really sad thing is that he probably spent too much cash on the beat that he couldn't scrap the song because this s**t sounds mad old. Back at the time when Mustard was the hot thing in music. Oh well he's spitting on this s**t but I'm skipping this s**t.

Start this S**t off Right (featuring Ashanti): Now when I saw Mannie Fresh was on this track producing I was waiting for it. I wanted some old school geurilla warfare s**t some rebook and gibraud jean s**t some hot boy gutter s**t that you know I love. Instead I got this nonsense. Bruh stick to what you know. This s**t was wack but the part when he said "Tell em I been rich since the Hot Boyz" was great. Dude wtf is ASHANTI doing on this song??? Now this sounds like some posthumous Tupac release type s**t man, like they just get some b-level talent that's out date to hop on songs with pac it seems like this is the story with this song. This song sounds dated as hell and not in a good way at all. For the record Ashanti is still BAD AS ALL HELL. If you don't believe me check the IG.

Demon: This song is kinda hot. The sample reminds me of some s**t Three 6 Mafia would've made, but they didn't. I'm not gonna lie he could've cut this song too because it's pretty forgettable. I guess since we had to wait so long for the ghetto soap opera to close and the album to finally come out that, I guess that warrants him putting the album throwaways on here as well.

Mess: You know what? That r&b album Wayne promised back in the day (remember that kids?) doesn't seem to crazy anymore after listening to this album. He has multiple really good r&b-tinged songs on here. He should've made a r&b album instead of that Rock album abortion. My question is this Birdman multiple sources have said you didn't want him to come out with the carter v because you said it "wasn't that great" but you let him release that rock album? Riiiiiiiiiiiight.

Dope New Gospel (featuring Nivea): Hmmmmm, I didn't want to like this song but after listening to it a couple of times I really am not mad at it, nor am I mad at Nivea singing on it (I still forget that's a Wayne BM, and Lauren London. Sheesh that gremlin hit some bad a** b*****s off). Anyway, I like this song in a throwback way. I feel like I could've seen this video on 106 and Park back in 09. Before Bow Wow hosted that s**t and ruined it, that was the black TRL word to AJ and Free.

Perfect Strangers: Again, he should've made an r&b album. I actually really like this song, but if you want to know the honest truth there's WAY too many songs on this album. It's starting to drag under its own weight, but still this song was hot. I wish he would've dropped this whole album back in the day it probably would've saved his career.

Used 2: This song impressed me. I checked the production credits and I found out it was Metro Boomin. Ok Metro this was a nice change of pace for you. Hats off to you. If you listen to the lyrics he's talking about baby and his entourage. This song was probably recorded when things started to go south between them. It's interesting to listen to this album, its almost like listening to a time capsule, you can kind of try and figure out when and what time period these songs were recorded.

Let it All Work Out: And here we are: The Grand Finale. The most talked about song on the album. I really loved this song. This song kind of encapsulates everything we love about Wayne: clever punchlines, the singsong flow, the confidence, and the new wrinkle; soul-baring. He finally reveals here that the infamous gunshot wound he sustained as a young bull was a suicide attempt, not an accident like he's always said. He evidently was so upset that his mom wanted him to stop rapping that he took a gun and tried to end it all. That's real. He always said music was his life, so now we see just how important it is to him. But he didn't die from it, and music took him to the top of the mountain. Just like the sample says (whoever made the beat murked it) his last words on the album sum it up.

Sheesh man. This was another long a** haul. Between Aubrey's album and this one I'm tired. I'm getting too old for this s**t. The next one I do is gonna be a normal A** album. So what did I think: I liked, I loved, I hated, I skipped, I s**t on, I bumped, I overall enjoy this album. Period. I think it's a perfect way to end an absolutely illustrious career. Please, choose this opportunity to walk away Wayne. This wasn't a Black album type retirement album; when Joe Camel first stepped away it was different. There was still some left in the tank, and neither he nor the public thought it was his last. It obviously wasn't, this needs to be the end man. For all the years of BS you proved the doubters wrong, you turned in a solid (if not a little bloated) album after 7 YEARS. That's a huge accomplishment. Sure there were plenty of sub par moments on the album, but that's fine, no one is perfect. You of all people should know and appreciate that. So the question is answered: the great artists, like the great fighters always have that one last great fight/album in them, and like Wayne says at the very end of the last song: In the end, it all worked out.

Album grade: 7 Birdman hand rubs/10.

The Ransom Report: Scorpion - @Drake (words by: Charles Ransom Polk)

Good evening (Even if it’s not evening where you are, I still bid you good evening), I’m Mr. Ransom, and welcome to “The Ransom Report: Drake’s Scorpion.” Thank you for reading. You have my gratitude. Before we get into it, I just want to take a moment and thank my brother Ramsey for giving me a shot to review the biggest, most highly anticipated album of the year. We have some big things ahead for the world, and this is just the jumpoff. I also would be remiss if I didn’t give the absolute biggest shoutout to the man with the cocaine biceps himself, Tony Starks aka Ghostface Killa. He provided me with the inspiration behind the format, prose, and vernacular in this review. You haven’t done one of your famous album reviews in a couple of years Starks, we need you to come back. I hope you approve of this. Peace to the Gods, bong-bong. Ok, that’s that, now let’s get to the proceedings.

Drake’s album and point in his career have reminded me of the movie Rocky III. If you’ve never seen it, I’ll sum it up: After Rocky started from the bottom (no pun intended) and grinded all the way to the top, he became champ. He was confident, comfortable in his position as top dog and in turn he got watered down. Basically he let the success blind him to the fact he wasn’t hungry anymore, and he wasn’t the same man who once drank 17 raw eggs and crushed up glass milkshakes a day and did 372 one-armed pushups every workout session. He lost the Eye of the Tiger. So Mr. T. comes along with his gold chains and feather earrings, hungry as a motherf****r. He was so hungry he was eating broken dreams for breakfast, anger for lunch and hate for dinner (with hostility for dessert). HUNGRY. Focused. Lang challenges Rocky and he takes the fight. Rock gets his a** handed to him and has to get the eye of the tiger back. He needs to dig deep, get focused to get his manhood and championship back. He does all of this, he gets his swagger back, he fights Mr. T. again and beats him. The moral of the story is, everyone takes a loss in life, you get knocked on your a**, the point is how you come back.

So in case you haven’t been paying attention in class, Drake is Rocky and Pusha T is Mr. T. The Story of Addidon is basically the first half of Rocky III, a clean knockout. Time for Drizzy take the loss, pick himself up off the canvas, embrace the situation, refocus and come back tougher than ever. Did drake do that? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Why? Because the problem is, success can be more dangerous than any drug. He’s high off success (don’t get me wrong, he completely earned his spot at the top: From So far Gone to IYRTITL, he put together a run of excellence that no one else in the music game can claim), and that can make you feel invincible. Well, NO ONE is invincible, NO ONE is untouchable, not even Drake. He took the first Loss of his career (Sorry Meek. Your mistake was you started a battle and weren’t fully prepared. You still had the hardest album of 2017 to me). Aubrey’s album is here. In light of the recent revelation that he’s kept a secret child hidden since last year, this is probably the most anticipated album of his career. For the first time in his musical life, the questions can’t just be minimized, whisked away, or shrugged off. Pusha showed that even the 6 God can bleed. The charming, affable crossover star isn’t so squeaky clean anymore. With that being said and the chips on the table, Drake gives us Scorpion; a double album to boot! But will it live up to the Herculaean hype?

DISCLAIMER: The opinions and thoughts expressed in this interview are my own, and don’t necessarily reflect WTM and their contributors. And for the record: I’ve always been a big Drake FAN, not a Drake STAN. You will see the difference demonstrated here. All you stan fans get ready to take your medicine. Consider the doctor officially IN. First things first, you’re not slick Drake with that bulls**t you wrote for you album description “oh Drake is this Drake is that” that shit worked for Eminem in 8 Mile trying to say all the negative s**t about yourself to minimize it, nice try buddy, all that stuff you wrote is all true. Oh and BTW Nelly was the first rapper to make the double album with one being more rap one being more smooth so you’re not doing anything new. F**k outta here. Ok let’s get this going.

Side A

Survival: If it’s one thing the Toronto artist does well, it’s a Drake intro. Real epic. Off the top he’s talking that cash s**t, that good old king s**t. Drake you’re cookies and creme stop it man. Not that you’re going to stop but sheesh man. Shocker: he’s still real narcissistic.

“My Mount Rushmore is just me with 4 different expressions”

Welp, he’s setting the stupid delusional bulls**t bar nice and high right away. Kudos to Drake for that. That being said, I wouldn’t have minded if it was longer, but it was stil good. Sounds like a sample: he’s always gotta have 40 do the intro. This time with No I.D., I’m liking the collaboration. “I had scuffles with bad boys that wasn’t pretending.” So I guess Puff really snuffed him huh? At least he's fessing up to it. The thing is Drake spent your whole career trying to be vulnerable then you turn around and make songs like this like he's untouchable. Make up your got damn mind. I like the song though. Not his best intro but not his worse, if that makes any sense.

Nonstop: This is the n***a that makes Blocboy JB’s beats. Would’ve been better if he used it and gave Drake the Look Alive beat. Oh well. I kept waiting for the beat to kick up a notch, but it never does. Not my favorite song. Drake talking out of both sides of his mouth as usual, he’s calling himself “king slime Drizzy”? Oh boy. And you “Hardly ever take offense” to shit? Oh word? That’s a bunch of peanut butter and jelly bulls**t and we all know it. Stop it. You have some of the thinnest skin in the galaxy and you’re the Prime Minister of Petty. BRUH did my ears deceive me? Did I just hear him say “Yea I’m light skinned, but I’m still a dark n***a/I’m a wig splitter” Homie WHOS WIG HAVE YOU EVER SPLIT?? I NEED ANSWERS. I WANT DATES AND TIMES AND WITNESSES. Of course you’re “dark,” we all saw the “Story of Addidon” Photos.“ He’s being Memphis Drake on this unsuccessfully. Does he claim Memphis yet? If he doesn’t guess it’s about to be added to the list. I like this s**t even though the beat sounds like the producer was making it and forgot to finish it and forgot about it and they called him the day it was due and he was like “Oh s**t it’s not done, eff it I’ll just send it” It wasn’t terrible to me.

Elevate: I like this beat. That buttersoft singing next to humble-brag rap will never not be a little awkward to me. If it’s one thing I can’t knock Mr. Aubrey for it’s the fact he took his whole crew with him and put them all on. Kinda like Lebron, they’re alike: both narcissistic sensitive passive aggressive superstars that took their crew with them. The difference is Lebron has more swag, where Drake's got the better head of hair. And then this happened.

So both he and Lebron are liabilities from 3. But yeah, I was kinda feeling the beat but not the song too much. Not his best but a not half-bad song. “Thank God for working harder than Satan” Amen Drake. God is good, all the time. Word life. Emotionless: I’m not gonna say much about this confession, if you even wanna call it that. But the very fact that he decided to name a track about something EXTREMELY emotional, Emotionless should tell you how out of touch Drake is. Digging the beat, who made it (*checks album credits*)? Ah No ID and 40 again, I like the Mariah Carey flip. He’s got a great ear for beats for the most part. Gotta admit. Drake loves these airy vocal samples with the hard kick and snares, It’s always worked for him (Pound Cake, The Ride, etc) there’s WAY too many stand-out lines on here to single out, but that “hiding the world from my kid” line has already been taken up as the official credo for deadbeat dads and f***boy fathers everywhere. So give yourself yet another pat on the back Drizzy. Also this s**t sounds real rushed, real topical. Like he literally recorded it dead last for the album. Not a good look. You had plenty of time to flesh this song out. This more than any other one on the whole album. This is a big deal, he needed to take more time on it instead of barely scratching the surface. Oh well. Guess we should all count ourselves lucky Lord Aubrey graced us with a song about the track at all huh? Smfh.

God’s Plan: I liked this song for about the first 11 times hearing it, then I was over it. Radio ran this s**t into the ground. As usual. All I'm going to say is don’t make videos helping other people like you’re a saint when you’ve seen your seed once since he was born. Also, don't try that “his mom won’t let me see him we’re beefing” you’re DRAKE dog. All you talk about all the live long day is how powerful and rich you are. There’s not a reason under God’s beautiful blue Heaven that would make me belive that you can’t see him. Get the f**k outta here with that bulls**t. Tell that to the Stans and d**k riders who will just blindly belive whatever s**t you’re shoveling. Not a bad beat and song though. I’m not even gonna front. In the video when that one kid’s mom was crying and then the kid was crying and then Drake was crying, that was some real sh*t. All jokes aside, I like that you did that for those people dog. Mixed mafia stand up. Now get the f**k outta here and go see your kid.

I’m Upset: I hated this song at first, but now I don’t mind it for some reason. Drake is on his tough mon ting here, but I have a question: you’re talking all that tough guy Teflon s**t one minute, and on this song you’re talking ‘bout you “got a lot of blood and it’s cold” but the song is called “I’m upset”? The f**k you upset about? That the world isn’t feeling the fact you handled the whole secret kid by an ex-porn star terribly? That people don’t buy your tough guy mafia don shtick? Golly the contradictory song titles are running rampant on this album so far. This is one of the worst songs he’s ever made but it’s catch to me for some reason, and he’s coming with the bars full of f*****y. “I can’t go 50/50 with no ho” but didn’t you......you know what? I’ll leave it alone. On to the next song.

8 Out of 10: This ain’t bad at all. This reminds me of some Thank Me Later era s**t. The bars aren’t too cotton candy soft s**t either. The outro was mad unnecessary bro but whatever. Here we go ”As luck would have it I’ve settled into my role as the good guy/I guess luck is on your side” Ayo my man, since when did the public view you as the bad guy?? Seriously you’ve been trying to paint the picture of yourself as the reluctant paranoid super villain/king since the Take Care era (which was your best work by the way). The problem is, the vision never did fit accurately. All in all a good song and verses though I’d replay this.

Mob Ties: I can't put my finger on what this beat reminds me of. It's like some late 90’s early 00’s keyboard beats. I like it though. This s**t doesn’t bother me, he’s on his mob boss: “I’ll get people to take you out” nonsense. You say you “hired some help to get rid of these n****s” does that mean you hired some ghostwriters to write some bars? I’m asking for a friend. “I’m not with that ra-ra I am a da-da.” That was suuuuuuuper basura. Like c'mon man. I still kinda like this song though. But the bulls**t piles up so fast on a Drake album you need wings to stay above it.

Can’t Take a Joke: This s**t is kinda whack. So far the production hasn’t been bad at all for the most part. A lot of these songs are short, almost like they’re not fully fleshed out songs. Some of these have gaps on the hooks. I wonder, did he throw this all together in a week like Kanye? The only artist to make a classic in 7 days was the Don Killumintati himself Tupac Shakur. Facts. But this song was good, I was kinda feeling it. But it was too short and felt like a random song that shouldn’t have made the cut. If it was on anyone else’s album that would be the consensus, but since it’s Drake people will revere it. Oh well (*shrugs shoulders*). Matter of fact I really like this song or maybe I’m trying to really like this song maybe it’s just a glitch in the got damn Matrix who knows.

Sandra’s Rose: I LOVE THIS BEAT. This the s**t I can feel. Who made this? Preemo? Ah mannn I’m not surprised. Hats off to DJ Premier man, one of the greatest producers of all time. This Reminds me of Weston Road Flows. Totally different beat, but the same real soulful feel. Drake is putting his all into the song for a change. A lot of the songs on here he sounds real lazy. That’s what success will do to some people. Success can be just as dangerous as any drug, to the wrong person it can rob you of your hunger. Got it, “Sandra’s rose” aka his mothers son, aka the rose that grew from concrete. Gottttttt it. Clever song title, awesome beat, Preemo is a savage and gold bars from drizzy the Drake cake man, nothing really bad to say about the song, Drake was talking some silly dilly s**t a couple of times but ima let it slide on the strength of this song being so hot.

Talk Up (Featuring JAY Z): AHHHHHHHH S**T now this s**t right here (*Katt Willams voice*)???? is THAT S**T. About damn time. This motherf****r is a banger. Now who in tarnation made this beat? (*checks album notes*) DJ PAUL???? You ugly sonofab***h, you MURKED this s**t. This makes me want to go see that little Asian gentleman down in Houston that makes the grills, what’s his name? Johnny something I think? Whatever the f**k his name is, or Paul Wall baby! I'll get an iced out grill, buy an old school Chevy that cost 5 grand, get rims that cost 25 grand and a giant subwoofer that cost 15 stacks and takes up the entire backseat and trunk. Then I'll go down south and become a promethazine/codeine conisour. DJ Paul with one arm made a hotter beat than other tracks on here with multiple producers and like 8 different sets of arms, for real for real. Big Shouts to DJ Paul, you did the diggity damn thing on this s**t. Matter of fact, while I’m on the subject of Three 6 Mafia, shout out to Crunchy Black, top 5 dancer in the music game all time. You don’t know who I’m talking about? go on YouTube and check the 3 6 Mafia Videos and you’ll see the man’s footwork on display.

Sidebar: Top 5 dancers all time 1)MJ, 2)James brown, 3)Usher, 4)Chris Brown and 5)Crunchy Black. Word. If you disagree your opinion is worthless and irrelevant.

Anyway, this beat is hard as all hell. Drake is talking that talk on this, and you know what? I’m not even mad at it. And here’s Mr. Beyonce Knowles-Carter on the track. Even though they had their pseudo-beef for years but I guess it got squashed. (*Shrugs*) I’m not gonna lie Hov sounds kinda sleepy as f**k on this track. Was he getting into character and had DJ Paul pass him the sizzurp before he got into the booth? His verse is good though by his late career standards. The line about Xxxtentacion and George Zimmerman is the truth though, I don't care what you say. If you disagree you gotta rethink that. Hot a*s song man. Not mad at it in the least. Play this song on some good speakers for maximum enjoyment.

Is There More?: I like this song. I like Drake’s lyrics on this. Nice to see his lyrics and content match the song title. “They say take the good with the bad I’ll take it without” here’s out of touch Drake again. Like dog, you’re not Jesus, Lazarus or John the Baptist, you’re a NORMAL PERSON for f***s sake. Everyone takes good and bad, stop it. Again, too much success, not staying grounded and having too many yes men around you will blind you and make you unrealistic. “As soon as the album drops I’m out of the deal” ........ somewhere Birdman's hands stopped rubbing together. Good song and lyrics. Can’t really hate. That much.

Side B


Peak: AH MAN, I LIKE THIS S**T SON. This sounds like something that would’ve been on So Far Gone/Thank Me Later. This is like some Shut it Down part 2 type s**t. Which is a HIGH compliment. This s**t is SUPER HOT. B side is off to a REAL solid start. Even the washed out reverb guitar at the end is real vintage Drake. Whoever made this beat got jiggy on this s**t. Question is, Who made this s**t? Did 40 make this s**t? Tell me 40 made this s**t. (*checks album notes*) OF COURSE 40 made this s**t. 40 you did your thug thizzle on it. you’re the man. This song is a certified PD. If you’re a guy reading this and you don’t know what a PD is, you’re a disgrace. But yea, this kinda reminds me of Cece’s Interlude. It’s got that vibe, need I say more? Straight fire.

Summer Games: Aaaaand just like that here comes the garbage truck backing up. This s**t is bad. I literally only listened to this song all the way through because I’m on the job doing this review, but that’s it. This beat sounds like they used one of the basic arpeggio sounds off Fruity Loops demo version and put some drums on it. That’s not to say you can’t make bangers off FL studio. 9th Wonder made Threats off FL studio, and that’s one of of the hottest Jay beats of all time to this day. So it can be done, but this isn’t one of those cases. I agree that as an artist you gotta experiment and progress, but not all experiments are successful ones. This sounds like Drake is trying to have a song played at Electric Daisy Carnival this year. Fail for this. That “breaking my heart” chopped part is painful to listen to. This didn’t have to make this album. Drake Stans will obviously rock this song but not I. Skip button with the quickness.

Jaded: Hot a** song, should’ve cut the last song and cut right to this. The Ty Dolla $ign vocals in the back work really well. Can’t really find much wrong with it. I f***s with it. Drake stays trying to hit up his exes in songs man, you’re a messy a** beige bastard, you know that Aubrey? Well who am I kidding? of course you know you are, you knocked up a chick you met twice who just happens to be an ex porn star/gold digger and you had a baby with her. You’re the Messiest muaf***a of all time. Another thing, BIGGEST shouts to Max B, the original wave master. Drake used the word “wavy” on this album a couple of times. So he should be cutting Biggavel a check. Shouts to Charlie Rambo, hold your head (pause) you’re coming home soon I hear. When Max touches back down it’s literally going to be a national holiday. Anyhoo good song overall, definitely high replay value if it wasn’t for that abomination right before It I would’ve said from Talk Up to Jaded the Toronto tearjerker would’ve been on a little winning streak for this stretch of the album. Ohhh well.

Nice For What: The other big Drake single. I love the Lauryn Hill sample, but I never loved the beat. Once again never feels like it never really drops. I felt like more could’ve been done with it. My sister lived in New Orleans for a few years and loves the city soo much. She told me it’s a real New Orleans bounce sounding beat and that’s how it supposed to sound, so ima leave it alone. Believe me, it’s f*****g FULL of quotables that you’ll see ratchet or wannabe ratchet chicks quoting on social media till the cows come home. If you like the song I’m not mad at you, it’s just not for me that’s all. To each their own.

Finesse: Another song that sounds like it’s a throwback, which is a really good thing. This is a real vibe out song. this is what you listen to when you drink, smoke, Knit a sweater or whatever you do to relax unwind and zone out . “I want my baby to have your eyes” well sir, does Adonis have Sophie’s eyes? Release the pics and let the world know! Another song chocked full of female quotables. I’m not mad at the song. People are saying there’s lines about the Hadid sister on here, but we’ll never know because drake is the Mike of subliminals. Jordan Jackson Tyson pick one. I like the song a lot though, it’s kinda short but that seems to be a trend here.

Ratchet Happy Birthday: This song is corny as f**k. Ok, if it’s one thing I can’t be mad at Drake at all for, it’s that he knows his audience. What did Funkmaster Flex say? “70 percent of your audience wears high heels”? I don't know if it’s that high, but it’s up there. He makes songs for women to apply to their life. He’s a genius in that regard. This song title will be the caption on scores of chicks’ social media posts on their birthdays for eons to come. He’s a smart guy. No one ever got rich being dumb. I like the sample but not the song, I’d even go as far as to say this is the weakest song on the album. Skip.


That’s How You Feel: Eh, not that great. Another short a** song that sounds like it’s not fully finished. A couple of the songs on this B side could’ve been cut. I don’t hate the song but I wouldn’t have been mad if it didn’t make it. The Nicki vocal sample is ok, but she said one of her rules is she f**k her man’s friends if he’s acting up. Nicki, that means you’re a thot where I come from, but whatevs. Different strokes for different folks. Song is ehhhhhh not really anything to go crazy about though. Lukewarm a** Drake song.


Blue Tint: The beat is cool, and I like the Future vocals, but he definitely should’ve had a verse on here. That would’ve made this song way hotter. He even said “What a time to be alive” on the track. You all remember that project right? That Future album with some mediocre a** Drake features right? I figured you all did. Anyways, so why didn’t Future get a verse? The song has a nice bounce on it, but I was 50/50 on it. Is it just me or do a lot of these songs sound unnecessary? I don’t think it’s just me.

In My Feelings: Kind of an ok song. I’m ashamed to say kinda grew on me. I didn’t want to like it. Anyway, it's another song with the New Orleans bounce and flavor. I guess Drake is gonna add the crescent city to the list of places he reps. This song is super ehh. Weezy got some ad libs and vocals on it. Sounds like Mannie Fresh made the beat. Especially the part at the end, sounds like some vintage Guerrilla warfare Hot Boyz s**t, and you all know I’m all for that s**t. A bunch of these B side songs are not great and short, which is concerning because quality control on albums has always been one of Drake’s strong suits. Ever since Views it’s been slipping. My question is directed at 40. You’re the executive producer extraordinaire, you should’ve cut some of these joints man. I expect you to be the man to save Drake from himself. I blame you for this f*****g mess 40. I don't know what’s with the female ratchet dynamic duo on the song either, super random. That being said I’m kinda feeling this track.

It Don’t Matter to Me: So the night before the album dropped, the track list released and I immediately saw this. Now anyone who knows me knows I’m a HUGE MJ fan, and a historian of his career. That being said, I don’t hate the song. I’ve talked to come other MJ enthusiasts I respect, and the opinions have varied. No surprise 40 and Nineteen85 handle production on this. As usual, Drake is pulling all the resources from the OVO sweatshop on this (PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, DVSN). I wouldn’t have been mad to see Jordan Ulman handle production on this. Majid Jordan is the truth. Anyway I’m loving the 80’s vibe 40’s got going here. The percussion in the background kinda sounds like the percussion on Africa by Toto. If you don’t know that song, take a long walk off a short cliff. Your musical knowledge is a joke. Drake was careful not to curse or talk too greasy on this track. He respected the late, great GOAT. I really like how 40 made the beat around MJ’s vocals and didn’t speed up or slow down his vocals. How did they did they clear MJ vocals?? Paris Jackson is probably a fan. That’s another thing I can’t take away From Drake, his clout in the industry is longer than Trump’s ties. Mike’s vocals are so stunning and flawless, he doesn’t ride the beat, his voice glides over it. To be completely real his vocals turn this from an otherwise generic Drake ballad into a great song. I really liked it. Once again RIP to the greatest artist of all time. You already know this is getting replayed mad times.

After Dark (featuring Static Major & Ty Dolla $): This s**t sounds like It should’ve been on Tha Carter 3 or around then. That being said, I would’ve liked it more if Weezy F baby (please say the baby) had done this song back in the day. Doesn’t really work for Drake. I’m loving the Ty $ part, Matter of fact, if this was a Ty song I would’ve like it way more as well. Basically, I would’ve like this song more if it was ANYONE besides Drake. Also Static Major is on here, I’m not mad at that either. RIP Static Major but tbh this is another ehh song off the b side but I’m not too mad at it. Drake’s on his creep s**t here, you should’ve chilled with that creeping after dark s**t. Man, that’s how you got into this mess in the first place.

Final Fantasy: When I was first listening to this song I was about to skip this s**t then the bass kicked in and I was like HOLD up, this s**t is hard. I got all the way into it this. It's is hot as hell, but then it cuts short into a whole different song. More of a singing Drake song, which I’m not mad at, but the overall trend yet again is that these songs are short or sound half don.e This one in particular he just combines two songs to make them one. I’m sure disciples of the church of latter day Drake’s will say this is the bridge or reprise of breakdown but na man, can’t get that. This isn’t the 20/20 experience, you can’t fool me. Don’t get me wrong the second part is super hot too, but it needed to be a song on its own. Just like the first part both songs would’ve been wayyyy better as full songs in their own right. He should’ve cut that summer games trash or ratchet birthday s**t or a couple of others on here and put two full songs on there. But hey it’s Drake’s world and we’re just living it right? Riiiiiiight.

March 11: Drake Intros and outros have always been real strongpoints of his albums. The baby was born in October, so maybe this is the date he got the paternity results. Just guessing. Alright so here it is. For all the tough love I’ve given Drake on this, I’m honestly loving this song. The fact that he handled the whole situation horrendously doesn’t change the fact that he’s a human being. He’s imperfect. He makes mistakes. From all his lyrics he would have you believe otherwise, but it’s the facts of life. It’s his child, and it was his choice how to handle the whole situation. Regardless of if it was a good or bad choice, it was HIS choice. It’s so easy to judge for the outside looking in. It took him 25 tracks but he’s finally opening up. This is the essence of what made Drake so marketable in the first place. That's his ability to bare his soul and feelings. He’s become more and more out of touch with that as time has gone on, but that can happen. People change, and not always for the better. However it’s rough to judge him being in such a high position financially and otherwise. Under such scrutiny and being in the public eye every second. The sad thing is as a fellow mixed kid who grew up with an African American father and a Caucasian mother who divorced, I kinda feel for him at times. It’s tough to find your way in the world that’s black or white and you’re both. Regardless of the s**t I’ve talked about you Drake it’s always mixed mafia for life. I was really feeling this song, and the lyrics. And the concept. And the beat. My only gripe (and this is nit picking) is that it was only one verse. It should’ve been longer, but maybe that’s all he needed to get s**t off his chest to his satisfaction. That faux gospel 90s singing breakdown at the end I could’ve done without for sure. You’re singing about you’re all alone? That’s by your own design buddy, and you’re changing from a boy to a man? You’re 30+ you’re changing NOW? Jeez man you really know how to f**k up a good thing. I was singing your praises finally and you go and do this f*****g s**t. Oh well, but again short but great song. Another worthy addition to his stellar intro/outro catalog he started on So Far Gone. This song just overtook Look What You’ve Done as the most personal he’s ever made. He closed the show on a good track. Short, but good.

And there you have it. 25 tracks from wheelchair Jimmy, it was a long one. A marathon of a listen, not a sprint. So what did I think: It was very well produced, the production sounded expensive on this one. Very immersive, very lush, expansive. He’s always had a golden ear for beats, but that I attribute more to 40 than to Aubrey. So 40, Another well executive produced album. Please make more beats on the next one. Your lack of production on here was noticeable. The overall sound of the album was really good, so high marks there. As far as writing goes, Drake has always had a habit for delivering some head shaking bars and cringe-worthy punchlines, and there are certainly no shortage of both on this album. The few times when he drops that nonsense Teflon don persona and actually acts “human” (Sandra’s Rose, March 14th, Is There More-sorry but Emotionless sounds rushed and saccharine) is when he shows his true talents as a songwriter. The problem is this: this album could’ve been a magnum opus, a Take Care 2, a follow-up to the REAL magnum opus of his career to this point. He could’ve broken new ground, taken his music to yet another level. He could’ve used this moment post-Pusha T loss to really refocus and turn in his best work. This was the perfect opportunity to really, REALLY open up to the world, more then he ever has in his discography. But instead, for most of this album, he pretty much sticks to the script he’s been on most of his career. He fails to even go into any real detail about his son, save one single verse on March 14th, and a couple of random half-hearted lines on Emotionless and scattered elsewhere.

Presented with a golden to opportunity to truly bear his soul, he opts to wow us with expensive production and all-too familiar subject matter. It would seem the more successful he’s become, the more isolated and insulated from reality he gets. The one burning question now is, how many times can you say the same things differently? I believe Drake has finally reached a plateau. When there are no more genres to conquer, no more records to break, no more peaks left to climb, what do you do? This is the crossroads Drake finds himself at currently. Only time will tell how he handles this, and what road he decides to take. The sound and style that made Drake arguably the biggest name in the music world is finally beginning to wear thin. Nothing lasts forever, and Nothing Was the Same. Still, despite the lows there were still the highs that remind you when Drake is hitting on all cylinders, he’s without equal in the rap game. Now that he’s a father, I’m hoping the monumental change in his life this will cause his music to change and evolve as well. I suppose the next chapter in his career can be summed up with one of his song titles. Is there more? Time will reveal.

Album Grade: 6.7/10