Drake: Dark Lane Demo Tapes (2020) (Hip-hop, R&B)

Just like More Life, commercial hip-hop titan, Drake musters up a collection of B side tracks allowing Drake to discredit his artistic responsibility by downplaying the seriousness of his music, referring to his newest project as "Demo Tapes".This would not be as tragic if the tapes were slightly innovative, enjoyable, or even novel to Drake's sound but for the most part, they're snoozers. This was to be expected because they are essentially the withering waste of his last two drab albums, Views and Scorpion. There are some decent parts to this album but it's mostly a consistent mediocre experience. Toosie Slide is a cringy attempt at creating a viral dance, Chicago Freestyle has one of Drakes better performances on the album but is hindered by the very offputting guest performance. Slow cuts (Not You Too, Desires) are just as average and lifeless as expected. The beat on Pain 1993 is pretty nice but the chemistry between Drake and Playboi Carti does not work out. The drill songs (Demons, War) are alright but still sound very inconsequential and demo-like. Drake takes a colder more reflective route on many of these songs and he still seems to define himself by his struggle as if he needs to prove something. Let's hope he has purged these past few album cycles and starts with more clarity and ambition on his next release. Also, Drake needs to stop saying "Broski" and "Tingz" if he wants to be taken seriously.

Best Tracks: D4L, War

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Contemporary R&B/Drill/Hip-hop/Trap