The Rap Perspective
As everything Drake touches turns to gold, fans have been eager to see and hear how Nothing Was The Same might differ from his past two albums.
Fans are familiar with his switch up between soft, heartfelt ballads to cocky, but insightful metaphors, so what exactly makes this album different from the rest? Respect.
After years of proving to us he’s no flash in the pan, with this album Drake has successfully established himself among hip-hops elite. After paying his dues, Nothing Was The Same is here to say “Hello from the top of the food chain, can I help you?”
The production value on this album is outstanding. Drake’s producer, 40, has taken some risks with the choice of instrumentals, but not without sticking to the distinct formula that has made his and Drizzy’s work so recognizable. This immediately gives Nothing Was The Same its own identity and strongly separates itself from the rappers other projects released this year.
Lyrically, Drake has raised the bar with this album and makes a point of addressing everything from competing rappers, handling money, and his old high school classmates, “thinking back on how they treated me, my high school … make everybody have to go through security clearance” from the song “Pound Cake” gives listeners a glimpse of the sensitive Drake the public knows well.
Overall Nothing Was The Same is an instant classic. Love him or hate him, Drake looks like he’ll be sticking around a little longer.
—Compiled by TJ Mroz
The Rock Perspective
With the buzz surround Drake’s latest musical escapade, Nothing Was the Same was hyped up to be “the next big thing.”
It wasn’t. As a casual listener of Drake, I could not tell the difference between the three.
While there is blatant maturation—he seems less whiny—he’s still the Drake with a chip on his shoulder we know and tolerate.
Lyrically, Drake is at his strongest. He’s gained confidence in his rhyming ability and his rhythm has become stronger. While he still raps in his monotone style, he has become better at choosing background beats to accompany his tempo and voice as neither overpowers the other.
Drake continues his style of confessional rapping with uncomfortably exposing lyrics that make you feel a too close to Drake, but this is why he’s so popular.
What is interesting about this album is that it lacks the big party songs that we know Drake for. While “Started from the Bottom” and “Hold on, We’re Going Home” are a bit more mainstream, there are no equivalents to the “The Motto” where the tempo is super upbeat. The closest to that would be “Tuscan Leather” but even that is lacking.
If you’re looking for a chill album to contemplate your life to, this album is perfect.
—Compiled by Cristina Almudevar
The Mainstream Perspective
As a fan of Drake’s previous hits such as “Crew Love” and “Take Care” I looked forward to Drake’s new album Nothing Was The Same. However, the album was much different than I had expected.
Hit tracks “Started from the Bottom” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home” were the only songs on the album to bear a resemblance to Drake’s previous album Take Care. The rest is surprisingly devoid of catchy hooks and party beats.
That’s not to say that Nothing Was The Same is a bad album. Drake has moved away from the more mainstream sounds found on his previous albums. Drake’s first song “Tuscan Leather” shows this when he says, “this is nothin’ for the radio.”
Drake’s lyrics remain strong and showcase his traditionally witty rhymes. Some of the best tracks on the album include “The Language” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home.” These tracks combine a more up-beat sound with a catchy chorus that makes them an easier listen for more casual rap listeners like myself.
While Drake manages to come out with some decent lyrics and catchy beats, Nothing Was The Same is indicative of a stereotypical rap album with over-use of swearing and references to women and money.
While die-hard rap fans will love it, I personally can’t wait to get back to my mainstream.
—Compiled by Kaylee Grootjen