Drake - Take Care

Drake has been dividing opinion since his mixtape So Far Gone took the hip hop world by storm in 2009. Some see him as a multi-talented messianic figure at the forefront of popular rap, while others regard him as a pretty boy making R&B that can barely be classed as hip hop. Whatever your opinion on the Canadian entertainer, this album is unlikely to change your mind either way. 


Album opener 'Over My Dead Body' takes over from where Thank Me Later left off, with mellow piano keys providing the backdrop for Drake to wax lyrical about his accomplishments while Chantal Kreviazuk provides a soulful hook. This sets the tone for the chilled out mood that pervades the album, up tempo tracks proving to be thin on the ground. 'Shot For Me' allows the rapper to test the limits of his actual singing voice, rather than the irritating half singing half rapping that contributed to the lukewarm reception for his last album.  The trend is followed through into 'Doing It Wrong' with great success, a welcome, more emotional side to the rapper shining through. There is a tendency in Drake's music towards moody bitterness, and this runs through both of the songs as he arrogantly dismisses the women of his past. Other examples include 'Look What You've Done' and 'Marvin's Room', Drake using the downbeat tracks to uncomfortably bare his soul. 


There are, however, more upbeat tracks on the album. 'Make Me Proud' features assistance from rumoured wife Nicki Minaj, the chemistry between the two artists becomes undeniable over a pulsing beat. Lead single 'Headlines' is a catchy, boastful toast to everything the rapper has achieved in his short career. 'HYFR', with mentor Lil Wayne, is an opportunity for Drake to showcase an improved, speedier flow, suggesting the MC has used the time since Thank Me Later wisely. Another highlight is the sensual 'Practice', Drake demonstrating why his female fan base is so widespread.

Guests on the album are largely expected, with two notable exceptions. Canadian newcomer The Weeknd shines on 'Crew Love', eclipsing his fellow countryman on his own track. More importantly, Drake is finally awarded his dream collaboration with Andre 3000. The ATLien drops by for 'The Real Her', the song also featuring Lil Wayne. Unfortunately, the track fails to match the sum of its parts, the ponderous beat hard to distinguish from the instrumentals that have proceeded it. As always, 3000 drops witty, playful rhymes, but the project does not stand up to repeat listening.


Track By Track


1. “Over My Dead Body” 7/10
2. “Shot for Me” 7/10
3. “Headlines” 8/10
4. “Crew Love” feat. The Weekend 7/10
5. “Take Care” feat. Rihanna 6/10
6. “Marvin’s Room” / “Buried Alive Interlude” 6/10
7. “Under Ground Kings” 6/10
8. “We’ll Be Fine” 6/10
9. “Make Me Proud” feat. Nicki Minaj 8/10
10. “Lord Knows” feat. Rick Ross 6/10
11. “Cameras” / “Good Ones Go Interlude” 7/10
12. “Doing It Wrong” 8/10
13. “The Real Her” feat. Lil Wayne & André 3000 6/10
14. “HYFR (Hell Ya Fu**in’ Right)” feat. Lil Wayne 7/10
15. “Look What You’ve Done” 6/10
16. “Practice” 8/10
17. “The Ride” 6/10


The Verdict:


Drake is unlikely to win any new fans with Take Care, his sophomore album following the pattern established by Thank Me Later. There is, however, evidence of artistic progression, making the album a definite improvement on his disappointing debut. Supporters of Drake will be delighted with this new collection, whereas his detractors will find plenty to support their opinions.


7/10 

Xzibit - The Garage, Glasgow. 19/10/11

For the second time in a fortnight I traveled to Glasgow to experience the unbridled joy that is provided by G2 (Not the main venue, just round the back!) Fortunately, there were no fights outside this time. The entrance, though, was surrounded by a litany of unsavoury characters, someone helpfully shouting "RUFF RYDERS!" at me as I entered. Though it is always nice to see appreciation of DMX, The LOX and the work of Swizz Beatz, we were all here to see Xzibit (perhaps he was a Drag-On fan?). There was a VIP package offering 3 CD's, a t-shirt and 15 minutes backstage with X, but I respectfully declined, preferring to take my chances in the crowd.
After keeping us waiting just a tiny bit too long (after Snoop Dogg arrived an hour late I'm prepared to forgive more minor tardiness), X took to the stage, sparking the set off with new single 'Xzibit v. The State of Hip Hop'. Aided by hype man Young De, the West Coast veteran bounced across the stage, regularly flashing his cheesy grin as the more familiar fare took over the set list. 'Front 2 Back' and 'Get Your Walk On' were highlights of a Restless heavy focus, with 'Alkaholic' predictably sending the crowd into a frenzy. The rapper outlined his credentials, asserting that he could drink more than "any motherfucker in this room!" Any hopes of witnessing him down a pint of Tennent's were swiftly dispelled, but the song was played twice during the performance to a typically rowdy response.
A medley of standout verses from his association with Aftermath Records followed, hits such as 'Bitch Please', 'Bitch Please II' and 'What's the Difference' were merged to give a strong West Coast flavour to the evening. In a similar vein, 'California Vacation' was played to a rousing reception.
The gig took a sombre turn with a tribute to Nate Dogg, followed by a return to first album material with 'Paparazzi'. Though the song matched the tone of the tribute, it seemed strange that he rapper chose not to perform one of the many songs he has recorded with the late soul singer. The set list continued with the theme of 90's hits, 'What You See is What You Get' from 40 Dayz and 40 Nightz being performed with typical enthusiasm. More recent fare was thin on the ground, 'Muthafucker' from Weapons of Mass Destruction and 'Multiply' proving popular, the gig finishing with 'Thank You', a heartfelt tribute to the fans who have supported the rapper through thick and thin. The performance ended abruptly just over the hour mark, with the rapper finishing mid song and walking off the stage. His DJ carried on playing, raising hopes for an encore ('Hey Now' and 'Heart of Man' were sorely missed), but after 5 minutes it became apparent he was not to return. The crowd left puzzled, but generally satisfied by an evening with one of the West Coast's most enduring voices.