Great Expectations, Pt. II: The Weight Is Almost Over

Posted on by

A long time ago, I wrote about Drake and the lofty expectations that had been placed upon him by nearly everybody who listened to hip-hop because of his “single”. He managed to become one of the few rappers that women loved (even if erroneously) because of “Best I Ever Had” and his mixtape jacking artists like Lykke Li and and men respected by putting those songs softer songs along side songs with Bun B and Lil Wayne – “Uptown” is as dope a joint as you’re gonna get these days – to insanely successful results. Drake leapfrogged everybody as the next big thing and didn’t really disappoint. He became a standout on every song he was featured on, so much so that Lil Wayned quipped on “Money To Blow” that Cash Money/Young Money would be “alright if we put Drake on every hook”.

And now the wait is almost over. His album is scheduled for a June 15 release.

Yay.

And I couldn’t care less at this point. Sure I love the joint “Over” but I swear it would be better as a Lil Wayne song. It even SOUNDS like a Lil Wayne song with Drake rapping on it. The beat is insane as evidenced by damn near every rapper du jour jacking the beat for their own projects. If anything, Boi-1da is going to get A LOT of work because of that joint and working with Drake. (He’s reportedly doing beats for Eminem, Drake, Big Boi, etc.) But since “Over” dropped, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve heard it on the radio. And he’s had other alleged songs from the album hit the net like “Miss Me” and it’s aptly titled because he can pretty much miss me with that one. I heard a song with The-Dream that sounded underwhelming as all hell too. Granted, it’s only three songs but I’m already disappointed.

Re-read that last sentence. I’ll wait.

*rock smoke break*

Three songs and I’m feeling like Drake won’t live up to his hype. Which is unfortunate because you know when folks are doing well, the haters come out in full force. People have been waiting for Drake to fail since he got going. I actually hope he doesn’t and that the first three songs aren’t fully indicative of the possible mess of an album he has on his hands. So Far Gone worked as a mixtape because it was just that. He didn’t have anything to lose so you do what you feel. Albums are a different ball game. That’s your official stamp. That’s what folks are going to pay for. Great expectations are sometimes, but rarely met.

Then we have this other guy, B.o.B. aka Bobby Ray.

Have you heard of him?

I’d bet a majority of you haven’t. Yet he’s getting all the same features as Drake – Eminem, Lupe Fiasco, Bun B, etc – and making the best out of those connects. His first single, “Nothing on You” featuring Bruno Mars went platinum on iTunes and is a HUGE hit on pop radio and urban formats. About four of his songs have leaked and they all sound dope and different from what I’d expect…

…because I didn’t have any expectations. So I’m happy. I wasn’t anticipating B.o.B.’s album and so I’m good with what he’s putting out, because it’s good. Yet Drake is putting out music that might be the best song on other artist’s albums and I’m not feeling them. Better than the rest isn’t necessarily good; it’s just better.

If anything, it says a lot about where Drake is in the game at this point. The only other people having these problems are 50 Cent, Eminem, and Dr. Dre. And possibly Andre 3000. Lil Wayne seems like he doesn’t give a flying f*ck one way or the other.

While Drake will always manage to be lightskint and will curry favor for that reason alone with some people, I truly wonder if he’ll live up to the hype. He is probably the only artist save Eminem and Lil Wayne with an album that EVERYBODY, haters and lovers alike, will be checking for. I’m now more excited for B.o.B.’s The Adventures of Bobby Ray (April 27th) than Drake’s Thank Me Later (June 15), and it probably isn’t even fair. But B.o.B. is delivering.

So my question is this: can Drake even live up to the hype or does he have to deliver the 2010 version of Thriller? Or Confessions? Or Get Rich or Die Trying?

-VSB P aka THE ARSONIST aka TANGLE JIG P aka GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRL, HE A 3

204 thoughts on “Great Expectations, Pt. II: The Weight Is Almost Over”

  1. Looks like I got first post. Cool. Will comment on this more when I get to the J tomorrow but not surprised about your opinion on Drake and I’ve been on B.O.B. for a minute now. Saw him in concert with Pac Div, Asher Roth and Kid Cudi at the House of Blues here in the H. That boy got talent.

    Reply ↓

  2. My roommate and I were talking about the Drake situation (no Bonnie). This album has been pushed back so many times yet he’s been on so many tracks/mixtapes, at this point who really cares to hear a whole album from Drake. I feel “meh” towards the prospect and while the beat was sick, I was hella underwhelmed by his rhymes on “Over”.

    I saw B.o.B./Bobby Ray @ Atlanta Indiefest last summer after hearing him thru my ppl and he’s very talented: singing/guitar/rapping and puts on a great live show with his band. I’m happy for his success and appreciate hearing something new on the radio that’s not a variation of Ay/Burr/Flocka/Barbie/Twerk.

    Reply ↓

    • I’m happy for his success and appreciate hearing something new on the radio that’s not a variation of Ay/Burr/Flocka/Barbie/Twerk.

      but is it something new? I mean aint Nothin on me the concious/backpacker/anti thug stereotype hit? mid tempo, loose ambigous/white guy on the hoook singing about how great women are?

      dont get me wrong, i like the song but B.O.B. while I aint necessarily checking for him personally this song makes me feel like its just this years Lupe “i dont get no airplay cause im to deep but im really just not all that bumpin” fiasco

      Reply ↓

      • ill tell you why he’s not this year’s Lupe. b/c Lupe is too abstract for his own good. Lupe, while insanely talented, has an entitlement party and makes songs about hamburgers under the guise of it being deep. then he makes shit like “dumb it down” to fly in the face of those folks who, god forbid, put up money for him to sell records – which he doesnt do. lol.

        at least bobby ray is completey doing him, it just so happens to be the sh*t that can sell. of course numerous folks have come out and said he’s totally flipped from his original styles which i think is ridiculous. this dude is just versatile as shit. he can make “haterz” “i’ll be in the sky” “nothin’ on u” and “i’m that ni**a” and put it all out without sounding contrived.

        Reply ↓

      • @shay-d-lady

        I couldn’t agree with you more. B.O.B. is refreshing to some because of the present climate of hip hop (as others were/are), and that’s the only reason why he’s noteworthy. I got his “May 25th” mixtape and was highly disappointed. People give him props cause he can sing and play a couple of instruments, but in actuality, his singing is not all that great AND as a rapper, he sucks. Dude is not nice. I like the “Nothin’ On You” joint (sidenote: Did this n*gga give props to a chick just ’cause she pay her taxes??), but not impressed with other songs I’ve heard. I’m a fan of Marshall, but even the “Airplane” joint don’t do anything for me. *kanye shrug*

        Reply ↓

      • @Monk – while i agree dude isn’t Lupe as a rapper, he’s good enough. he can hold his own when he get on real rap tracks with rappers.

        you just hating! <—standard response when somebody doesnt like something.

        Reply ↓

      • I’m just happy something new is coming out. He may not be original and different in the sense that he’s completely changing the game, but he’s at least infused some life into it so for that I am grateful.

        Honestly, he reminds me of Kanye in the hype he’s getting. One major difference though…Kanye was his own hype-man. Drake’s hype is not merely self promoted. Different side of the same coin though? Time will tell…

        Reply ↓

      • I mean aint Nothin on me the concious/backpacker/anti thug stereotype hit?

        And what exactly is wrong with that? If that’s what someone likes?

        Reply ↓

      • @Sula I mean aint Nothin on me the concious/backpacker/anti thug stereotype hit?

        And what exactly is wrong with that? If that’s what someone likes

        There is nothing wrong with that. I like the song. Its a song that both me and my daughter can sing loud and enjoy. But lets be real its not fresh and new. its not innovative. Its the same type of song that these type of dudes make all the time. Which again there is nothing wrong with that. However Its funny how the first thing people say about the “rap thats killing hip hop” is how it all sounds the same and its generic even if it happens to be catchy and funloving. Just pointing out its just a different side of the same coin.

        But I like BOB cause like Panama said he seems to be doing him and not TRYING so hard to be different or out there just doing the type of thing that he loves and I respect that in any artist.

        Reply ↓

  4. I remember the first Drake post…lol IDK~PJack I cut for Drake and B.O.B. For different reasons of course, they’re really 2 different animals. Both debut albums should be interesting. Ol boy did a fine job on the “Over” beat, I jam the instrumental daily, I can’t get enough of it.

    Reply ↓

    • that beat is so dope it makes you want to take a shot at rapping over it doesn’t it?

      btw, RIP Guru.

      in good news for ignorance everywhere and NY in general, apparently Jim Jones and Cam’ron are back on speaking terms.

      the ignorance cannot be too far behind.

      Reply ↓

      • @P – Moment of Truth is definitely one of Gangstarr’s shining moments as far as whole albums are concerned. the actual title track is one of my favorite primo beats ever. i’ve toyed with recreating the beat myself b/c its that dope.

        @Monk – Royce is such a nasty rapper. lol

        Reply ↓

      • Yeah that beat makes me think I can rap and my flow is like frozen water in a pipe…lmao

        I’m jamming my Gangstarr Daily Operation album as we speak. RIP Guru, fa sho!

        Reply ↓

  5. Mannnn every time I turn on the radio out here (Los Angeles) I hear “Nothing on You” by B.O.B. I’m bout to sick of that panderin azz ninja and his pandering azz song. HMMPH.

    They also play “Over” out here a lot, so I’m just thinking it’s a region thing, the fact that you say you haven’t heard “Over” much, but think that most people won’t know of B.O.B. As for Drake? I like his stuff. Will I buy it? No. Soooo I guess I’m not really allowed to expect much LMAO

    Reply ↓

    • Mannnn every time I turn on the radio out here (Los Angeles) I hear “Nothing on You” by B.O.B. I’m bout to sick of that panderin azz ninja and his pandering azz song. HMMPH.

      lol. it does have some panderousness to it. but it was definitely a surprise hit for them. he said himself he didnt know what was going to happen with it. lol. so i guess you hate all pandering songs? like “ain’t no fun (if the homiez can’t have none)”? i mean that’s the most pandering song in the history of pandering.

      Reply ↓

      • LMAO I would never have considered that a pandering song BUT since you mentioned it. #kanyeshrug. I seem to recall a post you did about pandering songs annnnd it made me realize how much I really did dislike them. Sooo until I hear some of BOB’s other songs, I’m ridin for wheelchair Jimmy.

        Reply ↓

  6. hmm. I dont think he meet the expectation. No one ever does. Even thriller had haters.
    that being said,
    I try to listen to the cd as is and not compare it.. as much as possible to anything else.

    Im old now though so I dont get as emotionally invested in artists as I did when I was younger if I like it I like it. if I dont, I dont.

    Reply ↓

  9. Been a fan of BoB for a long time but from what i”ve heard of the album (will have heard the whole thing in a day) it sounds disappointing and very pop oriented.

    Despite Nas, Eminem (horribly over-rated over the last year), T.I., Drake, Minaj, Cole etc. releasing albums this year i’m looking forward to a new Kanye West album the most. Dude is working with Preemo, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, RZA.What I like most in his music is that he just doesn’t give a damn about what his album is supposed to sound like and does whatever he thinks is hot. To vastly high levels of success.

    Reply ↓

    • @Thriller – welcome and sh*t (i think)

      yeah, i think everybody is (or will be when it starts making the press rounds) looking forward to Kanye’s album. re: disappointed in BoB. i’ve heared folks say this on other sites and i’m slightly confused as to why. even on his mixtapes, he’s had the hard stuff and this more “organic” pop sounding stuff. hell, “i’ll bein the sky” was as pop geared as it could get. i’d be surprsied if it all sounded like “airplanes” but at least it sounds authentic from him. plus, have you heard “fame”? that shit is a MONSTER. on some hip-hop stuff.

      Reply ↓

    • Why phuck does this site keep knocking my Name and address out?- y’all tryna tell me something cuz the name ain’t changin’…

      @ Thriller, I can’t wait for ‘Ye either aka breath of fresh air I hope. As far as B.o.B’s reviews 808 and Heartbreaks got bad reviews too and I thought that album was amazing.

      Reply ↓

    • “Dude is working with Preemo, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, RZA”

      That line up alone makes me anxious to hear Kanye’s album!

      Reply ↓

    • @Max – yeah that new “secret garden” was a bad idea when it was first hatched. splicing usher, robin thicke with barry white and tevin campbell was bad enough…

      …putting Jermaine Dupri in charge? even worse.

      and i like JD as a producer…but c’mon son. that’s just disrespectful.

      Reply ↓

  11. drake is cool. i personally think he’s overhyped. i liked him better when a lot of people didn’t know about him. his punchlines are cool. i like him better as a rapper than a singer.

    Reply ↓

    • i liked him better when a lot of people didn’t know about him.

      lol. that almost seems like a time that never existed. Drake went from being a relative unknown cat in Toronto to being on stage with the biggest names in music in a few months.

      Reply ↓

  12. I can’t call it. I like Drake and I wish him well, but I ain’t checkin’ for his album. I hope he has an album I can later say I slept on and rush to get, but well…Ya know, I remember other rappers having such anticipation. I remember some said (some being The Source) Snoop didn’t quite meet expectations, but his first album was solid.

    I like the instrumental to “Over”, but I hated the chorus when I first heard it and I’m pissed it’s growing on me. No surprise I would like the beat for “Over” because it reminds me of Jadakiss’s “We Gonna Make It” which I like better and was done better IMO. “Fugg.the.frail.shyt!” as the opening line kills it.

    I also agree that “Over” sounds like a Weezy song and maybe that’s why I was a lil’ annoyed and disliked the chorus initially. I think Wayne has skill, but he’s mad lazy*(see my argument below). That said, the chorus was rambled and lazy too, and I thought it was a Weezy joint and thus more of the same. It’s growing on me and I don’t want it too. It’s not like “Glaciers of Ice” growing on me where it seemed as if you had to train your ear when you first heard it to grasp all the nuances and you wanted to do it! It’s “this ninja was lazy” growing on me with a catchy hook on a hot track with a chorus that is not necessarily dope. I just thought the Drake chorus was some cat waking up and just saying any dayum thang to a hot beat.

    I also feel like the Yoda rap style is being over done. : “Skills, you must have.”
    ^I’m tired of Drake, Wayne, Nikki, and Luda doing it. Examples of the Yoda rap style:”Bout to set it off, set it off: Jada Pinkett” and “I can make you speak my language: Rosetta Stone”. and “Two thumbs up: Ebert and Roper”, “Coming down the street like a parade: Macy’s”, “I fill her up: Ballons!”, “It’s going down: Basement”. The fact that so many are doing that same style makes it stale.

    I like the B.O.B. single so far. I like his voice and how he rides the beat. I hope the momentum continues for both the brothers (Drake and B.O.B.). I think they both have talent.

    *Exhibit A of Lil Wayne laziness is “A Milli” in which he loses momentum as the track continues and starts to seemingly freestyle about nothing in particular or a tangent expounding on how ‘ill’ he is in which the metaphor is exhausted and how many times you gonna say “you ill” then wonder where Erykah Badu is at (which proved the random rambling because it came from word association with Big Boi and Andre 3000). He went from attacking the track to being shot with a tranquilizer dart. It gets more cliche’ and simplistic and the song moves on and the song ends up being anti-climactic.)

    Reply ↓

    • @legitimate_soul – I remember some said (some being The Source) Snoop didn’t quite meet expectations, but his first album was solid.

      i’d say calling it sold is an understatement. Doggystyle is a classic.

      as far as Wayne goes, he could do no wrong on that “milli” joint b/c he attacked it thru and thru..even where you say he got lazy, i think he was just still having fun. me likey.

      Reply ↓

    • @legitimate_soul

      “*Exhibit A of Lil Wayne laziness is “A Milli” in which he loses momentum as the track continues and starts to seemingly freestyle about nothing in particular or a tangent expounding on how ‘ill’ he is in which the metaphor is exhausted and how many times you gonna say “you ill” then wonder where Erykah Badu is at (which proved the random rambling because it came from word association with Big Boi and Andre 3000). He went from attacking the track to being shot with a tranquilizer dart. It gets more cliche’ and simplistic and the song moves on and the song ends up being anti-climactic.)”

      “A Milli” is a freestyle that is why it isnt coherent. A freestyle or a HARD @ss beat. Wayne did nothing wrong with that song. I loved it. I was surprised that it got radio play because songs like that don’t get on the radio. It was straight spittage. No hooks. I loved it. Songs like this and Kurupt and DJ Crazy Toones “2 turntables and a microphone” let me know hip-hop isn’t totally dead. Music like that needs to be on the radio.

      Reply ↓

      • @Humble_One

        A freestyle that isn’t coherent is hip hop blasphemy. If you freestyle on a song it has to be somewhat good, coherent, or have some merit or what is the point? I’d rather a person staying in their lane saying they don’t freestyle and doing like Saafir and saying he has a “pay style”.

        I can agree that the straignt spittin’ was cool and more of that needs to be on the radio. I just wanted him to stay hungry on the whole track. Ain’t NOTHING like a hungry MC!

        Reply ↓

    • I thought I was the only one who hated the “Yoda flow.” I will definitely be stealing that term. I also like to refer to Wayne’s lazy word association as his Holden Caulfield, or Catcher in the Rye flow.

      Reply ↓

    • “Lil Wayne laziness is “A Milli””

      I’m on the fence with you on this one. I agree that it became a lackluster freestyle towards the end, but the beat is so fierce on its own….who cares what he’s talking about? : ) Some other beats that need no lyrics:

      Clipse – Grindin
      GangStarr (RIP)- Mass Appeal
      A Tribe Called Quest – Bonita Apelbaum
      EPMD – So What You Sayin
      Pete Rock & CL Smooth – They Reminisce Over You
      Busta Rhymes – Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See

      Black Moon – I Gotcha Opin (Remix)

      Reply ↓

      • @CNotes

        “Clipse – Grindin
        GangStarr (RIP)- Mass Appeal
        Pete Rock & CL Smooth – They Reminisce Over You
        Black Moon – I Gotcha Opin (Remix)”

        I heart any woman that can appreciate these songs. When Mass Appeal came out I gone. That beat is heroin for your ears. That is one of the greatest hip-hop beats ever. This was when Preemo was in his prime. From 93-97 dude couldn’t be touched. “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”, “Unbelievable”, “NY State of Mind”, I could go on. Although I like “I Gotcha Opin (Remix) the Buck em Down (Remix) is one of my favorite songs.

        Reply ↓

      • @Humble_One

        Ohhhhh….I forgot about “Buck em Down” remix. Yes, definite classic. I’ll put it about equal with “I Gotcha Opin” remix. (can’t turn my back on such good use of a Barry White sample).

        Another underground classic beat is The Roots’ “Proceed II” (w/ Roy Ayers). Whewwwww…..beat is Cuurrraaaazzzyyyy!!!

        (My employer has officially lost my mind for the day)
        *opening new tab to listen to Black Moon*

        Reply ↓

      • I heart you. Every one of those songs stays on the Ipod. You might have to throw Come Clean by Jeru the Damaja in there, too. That is a raw beat.

        Reply ↓

      • @ComicBookGuy

        “I heart you. Every one of those songs stays on the Ipod. You might have to throw Come Clean by Jeru the Damaja in there, too. That is a raw beat.”

        Come Clean is my ish. I still want to know how Premier made that beat. I still don’t have “Can’t Stop the Prophet (Pete Rock Remix)”. Its been 16 years and I still don’t have it. I have it on mixes but not the actual song by itself.

        Reply ↓

      • @ComicBookGuy

        “You might have to throw Come Clean by Jeru the Damaja in there, too”

        Without a doubt in the top 10 of best hip hop beats EVER! (seriously, no lyrics necessary) His Wrath of the Math album is a classic (every track a banga…no skipping necessary).

        Reply ↓

      • @CNotes

        “Without a doubt in the top 10 of best hip hop beats EVER! (seriously, no lyrics necessary) His Wrath of the Math album is a classic (every track a banga…no skipping necessary).”

        You keep displaying your taste hip-hop and you are going to have the VSBs fighting for your email address. I have never heard of a woman that liked Jeru. You are different which is good.

        Reply ↓

      • @Humble_One,

        Lol. You are so right about that, man. It is refreshing to hear a black woman speak on some hip hop. The only woman I can really have a conversation like that with is my older sister, and she is one that got me into hip hop as a kid.

        Reply ↓

      • @Humble_One

        LOL! *blush*

        But really, yes….I’ve always been into hip hop to the Nth degree; that part of me is reserved for discussions with my male friends and forums such as these. Otherwise, I’m doing the girlie thing. : )

        Reply ↓

      • How could you not include Black Moon “Who got the Props”? I stand by my Lil’ Wayne laziness on the track. It could have been better and I seen him be hungry on other ‘ish.

        Reply ↓

  13. Yeah.. I’m commenting on the graveyard shift..

    I feel like Drake has been out for a while now… But has it been only a year?? “Best I’ve Ever Had” has an instrumental verson on the latest “Unwrapped.” Anyway, I bought “So Far Gone” thinking that this was Drake’s offficial album. I thought that “Over” was on there and some more..I was dead wrong, and had to get it from iTunes. My fault for not reading the back or front corner of the CD, the excitement in Best Buy took over me. I mean Drake has been promoted like he’s Hip Hop’s new Canadian Savior, and the fact that he’s pretty like a DeBarge helps a little too. He’s good, but we shall see in time.

    Reply ↓

    • @AliLaine4 – you think Drake is pretty? or are you one of them folks who thinks all litebrites are pretty by default? cuz i think the running sentiment is that Drake is a prettyfugly guy.

      Reply ↓

      • When I meant pretty, it’s in persona…I meant the light (or dark)skinneded, clean-cut slightly boyish look.. You know.. Your Al B. Sure!’s, your DeBarges, your Tony Thompson’s.. etc. So yeah Panama, the pretty by default. LOL.

        Reply ↓

    • “I mean Drake has been promoted like he’s Hip Hop’s new Canadian Savior, and the fact that he’s pretty like a DeBarge helps a little too. He’s good, but we shall see in time.”

      ^I wonder if the first part of this comment hurt Kardinall Offishall’s feelings and on the prettiness…NEGATIVE. I respect your opinion, but I can’t agree with you there.

      Reply ↓

      • i just read a great article (Vibe) about Kardi and the drizzy wave.
        to sum up: no hate. they are doing different things and both rep the tDot.

        i’d post the link..but that would put my azz back in VSB moderation. ;)

        Reply ↓

  14. Drake? Who dat?

    I’m just gone say that I’m tired of hearing the same song with different names/hook over and over and over and over.

    And I’m mad at myself that they keep me bobbing my head over and over and over and over.

    Seriously though, I have to turn the radio off sometimes. Lately, TheDude has had me on that new Raheem Davaughn and on this chick named Imelda May. H#ll, in the name of diversity, I’ve been listening to John Mayer, Cold Play (and others) even gone back to some country music (since that’s what I grew up listening to anyway.)

    “Music is my religion.”

    Reply ↓

    • @SexyCool –

      i try to like Raheem DeVaughn, but i cant’ get into dude at all. um, no bangbros.

      i think of all his music, i’ve liked maybe 3 songs. and all were on his first album. and then his version of 3 stacks “prototype”. other than that. i’m cool on Raheem DeVaughn and his little beef with Lyfe.

      Reply ↓

      • @Panama Jackson

        “I think of all his music, i’ve liked maybe 3 songs. and all were on his first album.”

        Co-sign, I digged him at first because of the first 7 songs on his first album were my hit, very well done work…but his neo rockstar randomness as of the past couple years is dumb and he’s really not tight. SMH what a waste

        Reply ↓

  15. Drake had his window of opportunity and he let it slip past him. Now others are stepping into the void.

    I feel like Drake’s flow is basic. I’ve listened to the mixtape and I must be missing something.

    If it weren’t for mixtapes, I would have given up on hip hop ages ago. Example: I played Royce’s freestyle over Hurt Locker my entire commute to work. The day before I had to come back to Jay Elec’s Exhibit C. I don’t think I’ve heard a more perfect fusion of beats and rhymes in at least 5-10 years.

    I like tracks not albums anymore. I love Lupe over Sitting Sideways. He drops some gems in that joint.

    Oh and that A Milli. Whomever said that Wayne started to lose steam was dead on. That’s the point when I go on the next track.

    Sometimes, I wish hip hop was dead rather than look this stupid alive – Joell Ortiz.

    Reply ↓

    • @stank-o,

      The day before I had to come back to Jay Elec’s Exhibit C. I don’t think I’ve heard a more perfect fusion of beats and rhymes in at least 5-10 years.

      true dat. whats interesting is that Jay is HORRENDOUS in interviews. i cant even watch his interviews anymore. he stammers like nobody’s business. lol.

      Reply ↓

  16. Over has a crazy beat but is no “In Da Club” which I think after all the Drake hype his first single had to be on that level. The track with The Dream is garbage, it better not make the album. I was just saying yesterday that B.O.B. is about to release the album Drake should be releasing. All the B.O.B tracks that have leaked have been great, that second single with Eminem and the girl from Paramore is gonna blow.

    Reply ↓

    • @In The Pursuit – welcome and sh*t (i think)

      yeah, its already #2 on iTunes right after B.o.B’s other single “nothing on u”

      i like it mostly b/c that’s the Eminem folks want to hear. he goes hard on that joint

      Reply ↓

  17. I like Drake and all…but it’s been too dang long for him not to have dropped an official album. While I like his songs and all that jazz….I highly doubt I’ll by the album. “Over” is cool…and gets crazy air play in the Tri-State area…so much so to the point that I’m about sick of it. We’ll see….wish him the best though.

    Now that lil weirdo B.o.B (talmbout he’s into Funk shway (feng shui) and inscents in his ATL accent)…I’d like to hear what else he’s got b/c I like his 1st two singles. I can’t remember the name of the other joint I heard on the radio…but it goes hard!

    Reply ↓

      • Because he just gives me that weirdo vibe a la Andre 3000. Don’t get me wrong…nothing wrong with it. I’m actually partial to weirdism…to an extent. I can’t get w/ Cee-Lo weirdness…but 3 Stacks….yeaaaaah baby.

        Reply ↓

      • Ceelo is that dude. “Getting Grown” still goes hard to this day.
        It doesn’t hurt that I met him back in the day when he was still with Goodie Mob and he was an all around cool kat.

        Reply ↓

    • I know Cee-Lo be on some other sh!t sometimes, he is one of my favorite MCs. All you have to do is listen to “Big Ole Words” off of his first album and you will see how cold he can spit on a track. 3 Stacks in my all time favorite. When he really brings it, he sh!ts on people. Even when he don’t bring it all the way, he is better than 80% of rappers out there.

      Reply ↓

      • @ Sula…perhaps I need to listen to some of his other tracks b/c that ish he was on w/ “Crazy”…the outfits…that song…I just can’t

        @ComicBookGuy…YES! Even on a bad Andre is THAT dude. His voice…his delivery…smh…I heart him.

        Reply ↓

    • @LaBakir

      “Don’t get me wrong…nothing wrong with it. I’m actually partial to weirdism…to an extent. I can’t get w/ Cee-Lo weirdness”

      I like Cee-Lo. He can spit. He doesn’t seem that weird to me. It’s not like he is Kool Keith or MF Doom. I like both of them especially MF Doom.

      Reply ↓

      • Seriously, for like a week last month, I listened to “Born Like This”, Doom’s last album, everyday, track by track. His best line on that album was on Gazzillion Ear when he said:

        “Sick slick, hid it in a book. The only way they find it if it’s spittin’ in a hook.”

        That line would go over a lot of peoples’ heads.

        Reply ↓

  18. …Im old skool. I don’t mess with any of these new ninja’s…..its a wrap for Drake. He’s done. By 2013…we will be asking “Wonder what happened to Drake”……

    Reply ↓

    • @QueenT – possibly, but somehow Wale seems to stay touring and getting shows despite selling something like 50k in total of his debut album. so maybe Drake can keep it up…who knows?

      Reply ↓

      • Love Wale’! Probably because he’s from DC. I rep for DC! It doesn’t hurt that he has go-go backin’ him…love go-go. Long live Wale! lol

        Reply ↓

      • Wale gets help from the RocNation agreement. Plus, he can say that he had problems getting his album distributed.

        Plus the boy can rap and having a live band translates to a better live show usually.

        Reply ↓

      • @Peyso –
        yeah gonna have to disagree with you on “that boy can rap”. short of a few songs here and there, i’ve never really thought he was that good a rapper and he has like ONE style. period. ONE. the live band thing helps, but his presence really is confusing. he had two videos in a climate where most rappers get one. this AFTER his first single, the TERRIBLE “chillin” flopped more than a Boston Celtic. his album bricked and shit, it aint like they STOPPED putting it in stores, folks just aint buying it. all those claims he made about it selling out in stores seemed bogus-ish. not that it was undershipped. but are we saying that they just STOPPED putting it in stores AFTER that first week when apparently every 134th person in America wanted a copy?

        just saying, i dont understand how he manages to stick around given his career thus far. but he’s everywhere. he’s got good management. and some GREAT nude pics of Jimmy Iovine.

        Reply ↓

      • @Panama Jackson

        “but somehow Wale seems to stay touring and getting shows despite selling something like 50k in total of his debut album.”

        Wale has been so disappointing to me.

        Reply ↓

  19. “Sure I love the joint “Over” but I swear it would be better as a Lil Wayne song.”

    Actually, when I first heard it on the radio, I thought it WAS Lil’ Wayne. I mean, I think I can recognize Drake’s voice well enough by now, but I swear, I thought that was him. It’s probably because even though I knew about “Over” for a while now, I never actually listened to it on purpose and when I heard it on the radio, I was like…”Who dis man?” My bro-in-law had to tell me it was Drake (with a “duh, where you been?” tone to his voice). Then, I realized it was “Over”. Maybe I need to hear it with some bass or some ish because I ain’t all that impressed actually.

    Reply ↓

    • You can definitely tell that he studies other rappers. When I heard Best I Ever Had the first time I thought it was featuring Lil Wayne and Kanye West.

      Music artists study other music artists, but sometimes he seems to cross over that line of just plain copying other artists.

      Reply ↓

  20. Please can someone just give me a Squad Up era Lil Wayne. What he did to the “Best of Me” track (which is by many considered to be some of Jay’s best work) is totally uncalled for. I agree with everyone who says Lil Wayne is lazy. He murdered the Georgia track from The Drought and what he did on Dr. Carter was brilliant on The Carter 3.

    Drake is pretty good. I like him. Not gonna be top 5 ever. But he’s a good rapper. Good punch lines, decent story. I’m getting a bit tired of hearing about the conflicted good guy. I’d like to see him switch his flow up though. You gotta admit that he goes dumb on a track as soon as you think its over for him. Money to Blow?

    B.o.B. another just good rapper. The track w/ Em is nice and I like the Nothing on You remix with Big Boi. I’ll cop this album. J. Cole murdered him on his own track.

    J. Cole is the truth. He will be top 5 eventually. He has murdered everyone including Jay-Z on every track he’s been on. The boy is nice. I like that he graduated magna cum laude from a decent school. I think its refreshing and it shows in his rhymes. He said
    “For that living large but mama I aint done yet
    Sit back and watch your son rise
    Kick back until yo son set”
    The boy can straight rap and he’s got Jay’s backing.

    Wale is nice. His album didnt meet expectations though. Another smart rapper who’s not on that over intellectual sh*t. What he did on Colors was great. He needs to get back to his Mixtape about Nothing flow. He was straight murdering folk back then. Remember what he did to Wayne on the Nike Boots Remix. Also, please take note of the Pretty Girls Remix. He murdered it, even though the punchlines seem a bit corny. “Let me see your twitter, I can make USTREAM” or “I got a pink and green girl, she dont even fly delta”.

    Wiz Khalifa – All i have to say is please get Kush & OJ. If you’re a weed head or from Pittsburgh you need to be bumping this. However, all of the rhymes about stealing folks girls will get a bit stale.

    Joell Ortiz – The boy is nice. What he did to the Lemonade beat? Crushed. On to Next One? Crushed. Nissan Honda Chevy? Crushed. Another dude who just needs a break. He said
    “I was living in conditions where the women go to church
    but not to honor God, cuz their kid was in a hearst
    had her sniffling grabbing a piece of tissue out her purse”

    Oldtimers that’s still doing it:
    Fab is still killing folk. Exhibit F >>> Exhibit C IMHO
    Joe BUddens – I really wish he had some pop appeal so he can blow. He might be one of the best straight lyricists in awhile.

    Reply ↓

    • “J. Cole is the truth. He will be top 5 eventually. He has murdered everyone including Jay-Z on every track he’s been on. The boy is nice. I like that he graduated magna cum laude from a decent school. I think its refreshing and it shows in his rhymes.”
      Cosign!!!

      Please can someone just give me a Squad Up era Lil Wayne. What he did to the “Best of Me” track (which is by many considered to be some of Jay’s best work) is totally uncalled for. I agree with everyone who says Lil Wayne is lazy. He murdered the Georgia track from The Drought and what he did on Dr. Carter was brilliant on The Carter 3.

      I’ma just say it. But I can see how people say that Lil Wayne had a ghost writer on some of his best work. I mean, dude sounds like 5 completely different rappers. His style will completely change up on different songs. And then you can tell when he says something that doesn’t make any sense whatsoever, that maybe he actually did write that verse.

      Reply ↓

    • @Peyso – i agree with you pretty much on everything you said, though i’m still not sold on J.Cole. I just dont care about dude, no matter what i hear. sure he can rap, but whoopty do, he’s not interesting to me at all. i think Wale’s pretty girls remix is insane. he’s got punchlines for days. and i love the sorority punchlines. even made it my status message on gchat for a few days.

      Joell Ortiz might be the best of the “new crop” (if i have to label them) but much like everybody else, he gets kind of boring after a while.

      Reply ↓

    • I think Joell is pretty nice. I seem him staying underground though. Not necessarily a bad thing.
      I really dig that “Call Me” he has with Novel.

      Reply ↓

    • Joe Budden’s a old timer? Dude’s like 29 I guess those are Hip hop years. He’s the truth though, on “Who killed it” her had one of the best flows I’ve heard ever.

      Reply ↓

    • @Peyso,

      “Please can someone just give me a Squad Up era Lil Wayne. What he did to the “Best of Me” track (which is by many considered to be some of Jay’s best work) is totally uncalled for. I agree with everyone who says Lil Wayne is lazy. He murdered the Georgia track from The Drought and what he did on Dr. Carter was brilliant on The Carter 3. ”

      ^That is what I’m saying! I also have to agree with your comment on Joe Budden. Joe got a good voice too (thinking of Gangstarr and Guru’s “Mostly The Voice”). Joe Budden keeps gettin’ caught up in Bish-made altercations and issues, though.

      Reply ↓

  21. There is no way Drake can live up to all the hype. There’s absolutely no more anticipation for his album because he’s absolutely EVERYWHERE. I don’t need to buy his album to get some of Drake, all I have to do is turn on the radio.

    Me and my friends were talking about this the other day. He really should have stepped back after Best I Ever Had. He’s overstaying his welcome. You came with a hit, now keep the people asking for more. I’m rooting for him, but his management or somebody should have been smarter about this.

    And it also annoys me that he hasn’t come out with an album yet, and people look at him like he’s already a veteran. You need to do more than that to impress me.

    It’s unfortunate because although I’m so tired of him, I can admit that he’s highly talented. I couldn’t believe he wrote that new Alicia Keys joint. I love that song.

    Reply ↓

    • @Carter – yeah, he’s definitely talented. thing is, while he’s everywhere, i cant blame him. now that folks make nearly zero off of album sales, he might as well get his money where he can. strike while the iron’s hot. he’s the go-to guy and nothign he’s done has been bad at all…save for some of album stuff we’re hearing.

      Reply ↓

  22. I don’t think Drake will live up to the hype. Dude is nice but I never really felt him like that. I think the hype is deserved but not the amount of hype. I don’t see hm changing the game. People put a lot on him and I just don’t see it. Not to say he isn’t good, dude is nice. Everything I’ve heard from him just doesn’t impress me like it does others. I’ve been trying to get into B.o.B. Maybe I’m missing it but I don’t get the hype with him either. The newest dudes I’m feeling is Jay Electronica and J. Cole. I’ve been listening to them since last year. IMHO everything I’ve heard from Drake doesn’t compare to Exhibit A,B, and C. Neither one of those cats have been hyped like Drake or B.o.B and I feel both of them are better than them. I hope people don’t expect too much from Drake and if he doesn’t sell 2 mil or more he flopped. As an artist he should have a long career in hip-hop because he is a solid artist.

    Reply ↓

    • @Humble_One –

      Jay Electronica’s lack of current hype is his own fault. In 2007 and 2008 the net was ON FIRE about Jay Electronica. Everybody was calling him the second coming of rap Jesus and stuff. He just didnt have any output. And even better, bc hes a lyricist folks were heaping praise and adoration on him just WAITING for something to latch on to. Then he disappeared and knocked up erykah and was mostly silent. Like he has a one song per year average going right now.

      and i’m trying to understand the J.Cole hype but I just dont get it. he’s like Nas to me…good rapper, boring as hell person.

      Reply ↓

  23. Good question P. Nice switch from the usually love, sex, pain lineup…

    Anyway, Drake is a special artist- his success was so instant and overwhelming(mostly for listeners) that unfortunately for him he’s in a position where he HAS to deliver. He has been consistent for the year that he’s been out *side eye* but that’s the thing- does he have longivity. I question that highly. I like B.o.B a lot. I’m from the A so of course I’m familiar with his work and while he too has something to prove the expectation (like you said) isn’t as great- so naturally neither will be the disappointment should he not live up to whateverdafuk people he may think he’ll do.

    As for Drake, to keep it short- these artist need to learn progression… too much too soon is ultimately too much too soon.

    Reply ↓

  24. In Drake’s case it seems more a question of who’s expectations, his songs seem reasonably consistent to me of course I’m not a fan so I think they’re all mediocre but if people like what he’s been putting out I can’t really see how they wouldn’t like his album with the exception of people like me who didn’t really care much for him in the first place.

    Besides sadly enough at this point who cares if a whole album isn’t great, after the novelty wears a lot of new albums are only good for about 4 or 5 songs that are worth listening to over and over anyway.

    Reply ↓

  26. I liked B.o.B since I first heard him on On top of the world off Paper Trail. I LOVED Drake. I was on him like hoes on athletes. Til I heard B.o.B.’s mixtapes. and then nothing on you…man, that dude is gonna steal Drake’s thunder. Guitar, rapping, singsongy type stuff. Plus his songs go hard, esp the joint with Hayley Williams (the singer from Paramore). B.o.B. all the way!

    Reply ↓

  27. If for nothing else Drake is surely but made light-skindedness cool again. But Drake reminds me of those lil hand sticky thing you used to get out the gumball machines.

    First they put them in the big container that cost 50 cents instead the normal 25. It’s def the coolest thing up there. (still can figure out what people really do with those mini skate boards). It’s a lot more fun…so many different ways it can be used.

    Now like the little hands…Drake will eventually go dull. But few who are in the know will wash the little hand and get more uses out of it than ever before.

    But inevitably he’ll end up stuck to the tallest ceiling in the house and get all dusty. But like the sticky hand stuck to the wall. Every time we pass it in the house you will remember all of the fun times you had with it. and one day you might actually get a ladder to get it down to relive the fun all over again.

    (did any of that make sense to anybody but me?)

    Reply ↓

  28. Drake has some pretty impressive metaphors, but they are usually two liners. Drake has a good flow on beats but as a artist he has very little substance. In an era where most rappers are only talking about cars, clothes and hoes somehow Drake has come in and caught all the attention by talking about….cars, clothes and hoes. What a breath of fresh air! He has major buzz in the game right now and his two liners are very very catchy, his album will sell off the charts for simply being a member of the light skin coalition but trust it will be a very mediocre album.Drake is only good for 16 bars so expect alot of features. WTF is this ninja even going to talk about? Being a child star since 14 or the struggles he faced by living in a nice neighborhood of Toronto? All hip-hop doesnt have to be about street life, but I dont want to hear about this brotha living the good-life, I have Will Smith albums for that. Now THE artist to watch is J. Cole. Please cop his mixtape “The Warm Up”. This brotha can spit alongside some of the best artists in the game. B.O.B is very nice but i wasnt that impressed by alot of the songs on his last mixtape, as someone said he started to sound more POP than he has in the past. Gladiators ft. J.Cole is one HOT track though.

    Reply ↓

      • Thanks for the welcome just started following yall’s site. I am surprised you cant get into J. Cole. Plus for you uppity ninjas out there he has a college degree. If he gets with some great production including NC’s own 9th wonder he will do his thang. Hova even recognized J. Cole’s potential.

        Reply ↓

  29. Drake is cool, but at this point, it’s impossible to live up to all the hype that’s been surrounding him.

    I’m glad B.O.B. has had success with his current single, but I don’t see the album fairing as well as far as dopeness nor sales. He’ll get a good receiving critically though just because of his talents, but the songs won’t match up.

    I’ve gotten my good hip hop fix lately from Dom Kennedy. More people should definitely give him a listen. “From The WestSide With Love” is solid. Other than that, I’m waiting to see what G.o.D. Jewels come with. He’s extremely dope in my opinion and his beats are always laced with that Chi-town soul that we come to love from Kanye and Common…but he’s lyrically superior. I’m anticipating J.Cole as well and I think Eminem squashing the whole ‘relapse’ theme will be GREAT for hip hop.

    Reply ↓

  30. *disclaimer* I’m not a fan of Dwanye Carter, Jimmy in the wheel chair, or Young Money. So I tend to change the station/channel when they come on.

    To be honset I haven’t heard “So Far Gone” – just not something I would get involved in. I also took a “meh” train of thought toward the Yellow One with the songs that I have heard. He really hasn’t impressed me to this point. He just came off as a pre-fabricated “just add water and a big-named crew and stir” rapper. I have no idea how the Yellow One will do when his cd drops it just doesn’t interest me. I have no expectations of Drake.

    I like B.o.B , “May 25th” and “My Name is B.o.B” were dope mixtapes. I am tired of “Nothing on You” but I do like the song. I can say that I’m actually going to download his cd.

    Reply ↓

  32. Alright, I’m back. Panama, your opinion on the Drake’s album just by hearing three tracks is something coming like a damn freight train before 2010 started. When a person has so much buzz before a debut album, said album usually is lackluster. It’s the same thing happens to battle rappers and mixtape kings, which is really what Drake is in this case. Drake’s buzz before his debut album is the biggest EVER for a new artist, partly due to his association with one of the biggest acts on the planet and his actual good wordplay and skill. This is the exact same thing that happened to Wayne before the Carter III came out. The album was good, but could have been damn better than what it was. I will take his mixtape stuff and features over anything. Same thing with Drake. He kicks ass on features just as well as Wayne does. People need to realize that making an album is so different than making a mixtape or jumping a track with other people. Good albums tell good stories track by track, no matter what genre it is. He waited too long for this to drop and he is going to suffer for it. It may be better than I think, but people are going to slice the hell out of his album once it drops because the expectation is immense right now.

    Now, B.O.B., is a grinder and a straight musician. All the buzz he is getting off of Nothing On You is well deserved. That kid is straight talent. Sing, rap, produce, play his own instruments. Gotta love it. Part of his appeal with me is that his taste in music styles is very diverse. Anyone that has heard the B.O.B. vs Bobby Ray mixtape knows what I am talking about.

    Drake is talented and I can’t really hate on where his right now. He got the right people making the right moves for him. It’s just that he starting to really feel himself before his first album drops. Being humble in your rhymes will take you a long way with me.

    I could talk about hip hop all day with my VSBs and VSSs, so I will end it with this: R.I.P. Guru, the monotone MC.

    Reply ↓

    • @ComicBookGuy – speaking of Guru…I wonder if anybody actually believes the letter that was left was indeed written by Guru. Like how is one of your last requests to write out DJ Premier from the history associated with you? I just don’t buy it. While Guru clearly didnt want to be associated with Premier for whatever reasons, the fact is, there is no Guru without Preemo. Not to besmirch the dead, but Guru was not a dope rapper. They made classic songs…true. But hell, Preemo made Lil Dap and Malachi Tha Nutcracker sound good FOR A WHOLE ALBUM.

      If Guru did say that, it would be a total deathbed d-bag manuever b/c you can’t NOT honor his words…even if you are Premier. But how can ANYBODY have a Guru appreciation joint without fully acknowledge Gangstarr as a whole.

      Solar is a pussy.

      Reply ↓

      • @Panama Jackson

        I was going to ask the same question. Premier never speaks bad about Guru. Why would Guru throw Premier under the bus on his deathbed? That letter just doesn’t seem right. Guru is nothing without Premier. I read that letter and said wtf? This just doesn’t seem right.

        And Premier didn’t help Lil Dap and Malachi the nutcracker. Them ninjas was still wack on Premier’s beats. I bought that CD first day it dropped after hearing Supastar a year before. To this day Supastar is one of the hardest beats ever to me. Everybody that owns that Group Home album knows that it was just a classic beat tape.

        Reply ↓

      • Angela Yee was talking about the letter this morning on my way to work but I got out of the car before she started talking about it. That letter sounds really fishy to me. Premo doesn’t speak bad about Guru at all so for him to write a letter like that on his deathbed don’t sound too kosher to me. There is no Guru without Premo. I’m sorry. Mass Appeal will be one of my all time favorite songs, plus in the video, Premo is where a sweatshirt from my alma mater, which he also attended. I may have to check out Premo’s radio show on Hip Hop Nation Friday night to see what he says about all of this.

        Reply ↓

      • @PJack
        “I wonder if anybody actually believes the letter that was left was indeed written by Guru”

        I’m not buying it.

        Reply ↓

      • I don’t buy either, besides as it was stated there is no Guru with out Gangstarr, and I like Guru but their longevity was basically based on Premier. Premier was more popular than he was anyway, everybody wanted Premo beats far less wanted Guru collabos. Guru without Premo is like PMD without Erick Sermon.

        Reply ↓

    • @ComicBookGuy

      “I could talk about hip hop all day with my VSBs and VSSs, so I will end it with this: R.I.P. Guru, the monotone MC.”

      Cosign. I can talk Hip-Hop all day also. Hopefully Panama will do more post like this on hip-hop. Maybe we can get a VSB battle going? Or if not a battle a day where people can just rhyme.

      Reply ↓

      • @ComicBookGuy and Humble_One,

        Cosign. I can talk Hip-Hop all day also. Hopefully Panama will do more post like this on hip-hop.

        ^Agreed! I am loving the topic and discussion today!

        Reply ↓

  33. You really only heard “Over” a few times? I’m curious to know where you live. It’s on heavy rotation in New York, along with “Nothin On You”. I mean, not as heavy rotation as Rude Boy, but it’s definitely on there. I heard it on the radio for the first time a month or so ago. Didn’t like it at first, but it grew on me. I don’t know why, but the song just seemed a little lazy to me at first. It’s just like he was talking to himself one day and decided, “I’m going to make this a song”. And then just went into the studio and had a conversation with himself over a beat.

    We’ll see. I really enjoyed “So Far Gone”. I have the EP version, and only a few tracks from the mixtape. But I really like what I have. Had them both on repeat for a while. I don’t know. We’ll see how his album turns out. I’m trying to stay level-headed about it either way. I have some expectations, yes. But I’m not expecting the second coming of Jesus. lol.

    I have “Nothin’ On You”, but I guess now I ought to look deeper into B.o.B.’s work. I heard a snippet of Airplanes…didn’t do much for me. But maybe I should hear more.

    Reply ↓

  35. Drake has to deliver a new age classic—-i.e. The Documentary, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, Food & Liquor, etc. otherwise, it’s all a waste…can we say: Canibus?

    I rock with Drake (we had this convo, didn’t we?), but I do feel like he will flop, because I don’t really even like his song “Over”; I mean, the track is hot, but the flow is NOT. I’m more geeked about Lupe & Jeezy’s new joints—still bangin’ that Fab’ mixtape.

    I like B.O.B., but the single seemed to fit the cliche format for rap today: make a club song about a girl. If you had to gauge society by the music, you would think that was the only thing going on. Nevertheless, I will peep game. They need to drop that playboi tre, wheredatsat?

    In the meantime, I’m gonna turn my Jay Electronica up in hopes that rap makes it way back. Forward.

    Bond. BlkBond.

    Reply ↓

    • I never thought I would hear a Cannibus and Drake comparison…

      The more I step outside my bubble the more I realize the Food and Liqour was more of a cult classic than a CLASSIC.

      Former teen actor Aubrey Drake Graham’s album is probably not dropping the next hip hop classic his fans are going to have to settle for just good and no one is going to be surprised. He doesn’t even really have a new sound,it’s not like he crept up on people Kanye on College Dropout; he’s kind of a cleaned up Lil Wayne.

      Reply ↓

  36. I’ll be interested to see what happens with his album as well. My prediction is that it will do fair in sales, but nowhere near what his label is probably anticipating because of their oversaturating us with him. However, I can understand why. (it’s the only way to make money being an artist these days. (e.g. T-Pain, Nate Dogg) ).

    The “Over” beat is ridiculous to me (good way!). I kind of like the unorthodox hook delivery (reminds me of Lil Wayne’s chorus on “Duffle Bag Boy” and (like someone mentioned above) Chef’s “Glaciers of Ice”.

    Oh, and Drake is talented, but not attractive. (sorry)

    Reply ↓

    • Tell that to every chick under 25 here in Houston, because they go dumb over that guy. My little sister, who is 25, laughs at how girls react to him because she is like “That’s the boy from Degrassi High. He is not that cute.”

      Reply ↓

      • @ComicBookGuy

        “Tell that to every chick under 25 here in Houston, because they go dumb over that guy”

        Yikes! I mean, I’m not saying he’s hideous, but I’m confused at how everytime his name is brought up someone refers to him being “O So Attractive”. He’s average at best (in my world).

        Reply ↓

    • If I may interject…I think maybe for some women…he’s so attractive b/c of his personality. He seems like a cool, down to earth dude which adds to his appeal. A la Shawn Carter b/c lord knows he’s a bit misfortunate in the looks department…but many ladies actually feels he’s attractive.

      *shrugs and exits stage left*

      Reply ↓

      • @LaBakir,

        I get what you’re saying about the personality and all (he does smile a bit more than the average rapper). I will give him that. We girls do add extra points for “down to earth” dudes.

        Reply ↓

    • @CNotes,

      But when I offered Glaciers of Ice, I was making a distinction. There is a difference. It’s even different than “Duffle Bag Boys” which was a hook I loved. I think in Amadou’s comment he targeted right in to what I was saying:

      “Didn’t like it at first, but it grew on me. I don’t know why, but the song just seemed a little lazy to me at first. It’s just like he was talking to himself one day and decided, “I’m going to make this a song”. And then just went into the studio and had a conversation with himself over a beat.”

      ^Yup!

      Reply ↓

      • @legitimate_soul

        I was giving you credit for mentioning the song, not the distinction part. I should have been more clear. But, I feel what you’re saying.

        Reply ↓

  37. I fux’d with Drake. But I agree as of late he has been grossly underwhelming.

    I’d hate to do what the H8ters do , and predict ones downfall. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that I predicted this months ago. Even wrote a post about it! Wanna read it ? here it go!
    http://blogginandbullshyt.blogspot.com/2009/08/open-advice-to-drake.html

    Far as B.O.B- I heard of him sometime last year and that one single “Ill Be In The Sky” came off as a anemic as 3-Stacks impersonation.
    I was not amused.
    Then a few months ago I saw the dudes over @ 2dopeboyz were really rallying behind his music. They usually have good taste in rap, but I still haven’t mustered up the desire to be interested.
    I think I have some leaked song w/ Him and Luda called “On Top Of The World” somehere on my Ipod.
    His “smash single” makes my ass itch though. I get its appeal. Is non-offensive, chick-friendly music . I recognize the strategy.

    Quite frankly I havent really been “into” rap for a hot second. Besides ignant shit to jig too, and some classics, it’s not really a 1st choice anymore.

    Reply ↓

    • Quite frankly I havent really been “into” rap for a hot second. Besides ignant shit to jig too, and some classics, it’s not really a 1st choice anymore.

      My sentiments exactly

      Reply ↓

  38. I don’t resent Drake at all for his success. I will give his album a listen with an open mind (and hope it’s good since I’ll prolly be shelling over hard earned money).

    What I do resent is the fact that his success is pre-ordained. He’s down with the right people. Street teams will tell the masses that they need to buy his album, even if it’s mediocre. Commercials will be aired on BET, VH1, Radio One and other chitlin circuit networks.

    As for me, I like cats like Slaughterhouse, Lupe, Hell Razah, and most of these overground new cats just bore me with their lack of lyrical skill.

    Reply ↓

    • Slaughterhouse maybe the most complete Hip Hop ensemble/family/squad ever. Yes i said ever. More than Wu Tang (Rza and Gza refuse to stay on beat), The Roc (They knew never let Peedi and Emilio get enough shine) and Dipset (They equal all things terrible even though Jim Jones should be nominated for most improved rapper)

      Reply ↓

  39. sooo…
    as the resident (that i know of/remember) Cdn. I’ll dash in my 2 cents. (which i started at 10:14am…why work why!!??!)

    Toronto/Canada is no different than most urban cities. There are people with dreams of becoming the next big thing, but other than their friends, no one supports them. Until they are validated by someone bigger. In this case..the someone bigger is the United States of America (and to a lesser extent Weezy).

    Example: Kardinal Offishall has been doing his thing for almost a decade now. But it wasn’t until Akon signed him that people outside Canada (Toronto specifically) noticed him. And even then.. most of his tunes are more Akon tunes than anything else. But what I appreciate is that Kardi has always repped being a West Indian raised in Toronto (braps!).

    Either way, Drake is IT right now. Ladies love him. Dudes like him. He’s not threatening and an hailing himself up as an alien. Do I think the expectations will = the hype? Nope. But I give props where they are due, to be nominated for a Grammy without an album is pretty impressive and does open doors for artists who aren’t signed to major labels. Mixtapes won’t just be for the hood anymore.

    There are things I like about his delivery and tunes, and things I can’t stand about him (mang) – but gotta rep lil Degrassi! (tDot stand up!).

    That is all.

    Reply ↓

    • We’ve talked before about the TDot. Got major love the cats out of Toronto because hip hop wise, they get it. Been Kardinal Offishall fan since 99, from watching MuchMusic on cable all the time. Sokrates, Choclair, Kaos. All those cats got major love from me. It always seemed to me that Toronto cats had some much pride in their families and where they come from and it came out in their raps and it always seemed authentic to me. Once again, as always, big ups to the TDot. Love that damn city.

      Reply ↓

      • MuchMusic? Choclair? Sawkrates?
        WHO ARE YOU!!?!?! lol. :)
        *sings Northern Touch in my head…

        On behalf of all residents..thanks for the love! You coming up for Caribana?

        Reply ↓

      • @Keisha Brown,

        Lol. I’m a dude from Dallas, TX that watched a lot a TV in high school. I was watching MuchMusic more than MTV back then because, surprise, they actually played music videos. They played all of the good hip hop back, US and Canadian. But I got into a lot of Canadian pop and rock bands, like Our Lady Peace and SoulDecisions (don’t judge me). Plus, that channel made me a Nelly Furtado because she got real big. When I would come home from college and my mom’s stupid cable company dropped that channel from their basic package, I was pissed.

        I wish I could come to Caribana this year, my dear. Gonna be tied up around that time. I need to get on my passport game soon so I might just visit just to visit.

        Reply ↓

      • Much Music was a damn good music channel and I will co-sign “Northern Touch” being a classic.

        Kardi’s first cd was a good listen. “Maxine” was my sh*t.

        I saw Sokrates in a video with Meth & Red about a year ago.

        Reply ↓

    • @Keisha Brown

      Actually I’ve been up on the major Toronto rappers for a while. I use to party at the University of Windsor and use to go to Toronto almost monthly at one point in time. Kardinal, Saukrates, and Choclair I’m familiar wtih. I even remember Maestro Fresh Wes. And like ComicBookGuy I got MAD love for Toronto. I’m still considering moving there. I love that city.

      Reply ↓

      • this is a throwdown..a showdown..hell no i can’t slow down..it’s gonna go..

        aww… y’all have me reminiscing (along with my respect and condolences to GURU) to the songs/peeps we only assume Torontonians know. lol.

        I’ve heard about UoW parties..never been though.

        Reply ↓

      • @Keisha Brown

        “I went to school in the opposite direction (Ottawa). Once I graduated, I figured I was too old for dem tings.”

        LOL. Never to old to party. I haven’t been to a party at that school since my early 20s.

        “I’m facinated that our lil music channel was even carried in a southern state.”

        I watched Much Music on Directv here in Detroit. I didn’t know that it was national. I remember being at one of their shows in downtown Toronto. Much Music and CBC are the only channels I think we got here. I’m surprised that we didn’t get more Canadian channels considering we are right on the border.

        Reply ↓

      • @ Peyso: probably is. he loves to drop the patois in his chunes!!
        *maxine is da sh*t!! LOL.

        @ Wu Young Agent of M.E.: Sawks got signed to a major label (although nothing much happened). Ayo was a fun tune with Meth and Red. I like his song witk K-os (I wish I knew Natalie Portman). K-os is also great and underrated.

        @ComicBookGuy: I’m facinated that our lil music channel was even carried in a southern state. We figure unless it’s close to the border, Americans don’t even know where Canada is. (GWB’s comment post 9/11 cheesed the hell outta us Canadians). aww..SoulDecisions. We do have some great (and not so great) artists, we really need to hail them up a lil more and not wait for southern hospitality.

        @Humble_One: I went to school in the opposite direction (Ottawa). Once I graduated, I figured I was too old for dem tings.

        Reply ↓

  40. First Post!!! YYYEEEAAAHHHHH!!! I’ll make it simple…

    B.o.B. = Andre 3000 15 years ago without Big Boi..I ain’t feeling it yet. Plus the fact that he is already had a commercial spot on ESPN/NCAA network, I assume he is cool with being exploited and will probably see more of him in the near future against my will.

    Awready….

    Reply ↓

  41. @Keisha Brown

    “*sings Northern Touch in my head…”

    I haven’t heard that song in a minute. What happen to the Rascalz?

    Reply ↓

    • Thats a good question.
      Haven’t seen them in a HOT minute. Others (Choc, Sawks, Kardi, Thrust) I see around town/at events every so often. Maestro went to acting.

      Reply ↓

      • @Keisha Brown

        “I’ve heard about UoW parties..never been though.”

        The parties were live. So you have never been to sports weekend at University of Windsor either? Those were off the hook too.

        Reply ↓

  42. I live in a house with two teenage girls – the ones who know ALL the words to every Nicki Minaj (who I think will be gone by 2012) song, who could listen to ‘Every Girl’ over and over until the end of time, and who, alas! get swept up in the hype monster. They will be buying Drake’s album and NIcki Minaj’s album not because they know any better, but because they roll with the mob mentality.

    It seems to me that some of the commentors on here actually have a passion or developed interest in the quality of the rap they listen to. Majority of 14-19 year olds DO NOT. They phucks with what phucks with them :: Radio.

    Everyone is on Drake’s d*ck because he’s got hype! I’ll even admit that I fell into that trap too, and whether or not his lyrics are > someone else’s, I actually like him. Houstalantavegas? I felt like he was talking to me on that song. Does B.O.B have a song better than that? Maybe. Have I heard it???? No.

    Lil Wayne co-signed him and if you are only a radio head, then you go with what they tell you. I guarentee that my two sisters don’t know jack sh*t about B.O.B. J Cole, Jay Electronica or any other bomb rapper right now. They do know what the media feeds them:: and right now, that’s Drake.

    I really want Drake to do well simply because he been hyped up beyond belief. It would honestly make me sad to see him fail. I don’t think he will, but if he did, I would twinge. He just blew up so fast. We’ll see what happens.

    PS:: Drake is odd looking. Would I hit it. …. Maybe.

    Reply ↓

  43. So I never comment (what can I say I like to watch hehehe) but I had to on this subject.

    The jury is still out for me on B.o.B because I think he is another gimmicky artist trying to cash in on the “rapper/singer” genre. His first song was not “Nothing on You” it was in fact that terrible sounthern song “Haterz” (youtube it). His whole flow and dress was all different, because that was selling at the time. Now that Cudi, Drake, and a host of other rappers are now doing the early Kanye look, as I like to call it, I’m assuming his label is fine with this new change in B.o.B.

    LIke I said I haven’t made up my mind to buy into the hype in the mean time it’s 4/20 and if you haven’t copped that new Little Brother you are losing!!! *goes back to being a voyeur on the site*

    Reply ↓

    • @theINTELLECT

      “if you haven’t copped that new Little Brother you are losing”

      I wanted to wait until someone gave me the heads up. I was nervous about it since their beef with 9th. I’m on it!

      Reply ↓

    • Sorry but i have to disagree……Leftback was soooooooo underwhelming, i mean this is LB last album, i personally think the guys have lost their chemistry as LB (dare i say since 9th left).

      Before you shoot me down, go back and listen to The Menstraul Show, The Listening, Chitlin Circuit 1.5 and then tell me that you think Leftback is something to be happy about.

      “I don’t think this rap game needs savin’/ i think we got wives and kids that need raisin” – Tigallo for Dollo and “24″ are lights of hope in an otherwise bleak album….by LB statndards

      Reply ↓

  44. “Albums are a different ball game. That’s your official stamp. That’s what folks are going to pay for.”

    Panama, this one sentence you’ve wrote sums up why I REFUSE to buy 90% of the music put into the mainstream marketplace. I can honestly say I have about 5 albums between 1999 and 2010 that are absolutely must haves and that I have to listen to (two of them being Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black) Say what you want, they were honest, conceptual and they both wrote great songs.

    There is HELLA ISHBULL in the music industry right now and it crosses all genres. Everything has reverted back to the 80′s IMHO: synthpop, nursery rhymey type hooks on songs and artists not really saying anything that could hold any merit and are as shallow as kiddie pools.

    I am not trying to be all pretentious and highbrow ( I can be at times) but I just got tired of listening to the nonsense when I grew up on some of the greatest artist to ever touch a mic or any instrument whether it be Charlie Parker or Coltrane, Muddy Waters or B.B. King, Stevie Wonder or Bob Dylan, M Jackson or Prince, Bruce Springsteen or Johnny Cash, Trent Reznor or Bowie, Nirvana or the Clash, Chaka, Sade or my girl Nina Simone. What do these artist have in common? They strove for greatness and mediocrity was never an option. They might have failed and fallen on their face but atleast they attempted to give you your money’s worth- not just “meh, let me just put something out so I can promote my new line of baby tees and thongs.”

    Most of the time these artist went into the studio when they had something to say… not when they had to make another hit and move units for soundscan. The industry is obsessed with turning musicians into fashion icons ,platinum plaques and grammy nods- none of these things equate to quality, e.g. Rihanna: she is a sweet girl and all but I wouldn’t take my dog to see her in concert, she has Zero stage presence, a lack luster voice and just walks around onstage like she’s auditioning for America’s Next Top Model- yet she’s one of the biggest talents in the industry because she was marketed to be; a complete media saturated, industry creation-I don’t care, call me a hater but I call it like I see it. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Beyonce and Gaga, yes they are over the top and flamboyant but they can at least entertain and sing well live even if some of their songs are sugar coated pop turds . Love Gaga, but she tries a LITTLE too hard to be provocative, it’s not Madonnaesque but more Olivia Newton John in Xanadu with Warhol mixed in; everything can’t be Avant Garde, sometimes Lichtenstein/Comic book yellow wigs with a telephone on top of your head is just plain bat-sh!t. More and more her imagery takes away from the music, but anyway…

    Now, about Drake, he is in this position only because the industry is so full of wack rappers in the mainstream that his charisma, looks and okay music has already made him the” Hip Hop Boy Wonder.” Nothing he will ever do will live up to the unrealistic expectations put on him because honestly, if you listen to half of his joints, those expectations shouldn’t have been put on him to begin with. I mean, Best I Ever Had? What the f&*k is that song even supposed to mean, REALLY! The best song he has done that I’ve heard so far is Over and Successful w/ Trey Songz because he’s actually trying to talk about something real, not save face and be another rap Alphamale wannabe. He is the male version of Alicia Keys, lightskinted, racially ambiguous and talented no doubt, but vastly overrated as well IMHO ( for Keys credit, she tries to put out quality stuff but for the past couple of albums she has a few bangers and the rest is filler- I don’t care how good you can play a piano- it is what it is. Compare her to Roberta Flack or Nina in their prime, they would literally ish on her). Again, some can call it hate but…. if I’m lyin’.

    Basically what I’m saying is: Panama I 100% co-sign with you on Drake and love B.O.B, Kid Kudi is also good IMO because he talks about real shit on some of his songs- def like the song he did with ratatat and MGMT (who, BTW is probably one of the best pop groups of this millenium), kinda like what Kanye used to be like before he became The Louie Vuitton Douchebag- I used to love that dude, now I just tolerate him cuz he still comes with something different from time to time. IDK, maybe he just doesn’t talk about anything meaningful no more because he put it all on College Dropout- me no know.

    I know there are a lot of great artists out there who actually have great music, great concepts and able to back their shyt up onstage- but alot of them ain’t getting any shine. The music industry is basically in “This is Spinal Tap” mode- I mean it’s very over the top, somebody explain Nikki Minaj and tell me the industry isn’t as desperate as a crack whore trying to sell her baby for a hit (pun intended)?

    Sorry for the (spazz out) rant, but as someone who loves music of all genres, I am listening to less and less contemporary music and digging through the album crates at my momma’s house. Some of these artist today can’t give you nothing to think about because they don’t think about nothing to begin with. Don’t even get me started on garbage radio rotation, thank the Lord for Ipods. – Nuff said.

    Reply ↓

  45. I am clearly too old and out of the loop to make a productive comment on this post….Best I Ever Had was kinda catchy….other than that I never liked Drake…and B.O.B???? Who????

    Guess I need to put in my early application for AARP.

    Reply ↓

  46. Man, I am really surprised to hear so many folks say they like this B.O.B song. Saw it on iTunes the other day and listened to it . . . still tryin’ to figure out why it’s at the top of iTunes.

    Reply ↓

  48. I’m late as hell, but I’m more excited about J.Cole and Omen.

    Omen’s verse on The Baddest may be the realest, most sincere, thing I’ve heard come out of anyone in Hip Hop in the last 5 or 10 years.

    It’s not layered like Lupe’s lyrics, but he’s got the flow, the heart, and the feeling is there.

    I’m excited about Omen, and J. Cole (big ups to NC).

    Reply ↓

  49. Would it be so wrong if Drake NEVER came out with an album?

    I know industry politics plays a part, but what if Drizzy said

    “F*ck it, I’m doing so well without an album, I may NEVER drop one. Screw you Young Money! Imma just start up my own label and drop mixtape, after mixtape, after mixtape. When they get tired of me dropping mixtape, after mixtape, after mixtape, Imma bust them over the head with yet another mixtape. Imma game changer – So imma stay that way”

    I mean, what are the ramifications if Drake NEVER dropped an album?

    Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>