Thank Me Now...

Due to the long-running hype surrounding Hip-Hops newest superstar, it seems like 'Thank Me Later', Aubrey 'Drake' Graham's debut album has been a long time coming. Finally released this week, the LP doesn't disappoint.
Given that, personally, I think Drake's vocals trump his rhymes every time, there is a disappointing lack of singing in 'Thank Me Later', the obvious exceptions being 'Over', the hauntingly beautiful 'Shut It Down' and stunning new release 'Find Your Love' (easily the album's stand out track) with a couple more to boot. More often than not, though, Drizzy returns to old form by spitting real rhymes for the majority of the tracks. Still totally addictive though, the verses on 'TML' show Drake on top form.
As well a showcasing his own talent, Drizzy is joined on the album by some surprising collaborations, and some a little more predictable. Returning the favour (if you can call it that) of Drake performing on 'The Blueprint III', Jay-Z appears on the mature, piano-led 'Light Up'. The gorgeous Alicia Keys put in a shock (but small) performance on the equally gorgeous 'Fireworks', with her vocals perfectly complimenting Drizzy's rhymes. Topping off are The Dream (again), Wheezy (of course) and Swizz Beatz, to name but a few.
For me, the album is let down by the bonus track of 'Best I Ever Had'. Not due to the track, of course, but for what the track stands for. I know I may be thinking into it a little too much, and call me snobby, but I feel that 'Best I Ever Had' is one of Drizzy's most renowned hits. It's presence at the end of the album, to me, suggests the commercial desire for new, bandwagon-hopping fans. Most of Drake's fans, based in the UK, USA or elsewhere, who have been looking forward to 'Thank Me Later' for months on end should already own 'Best I Ever Had'; it did, after all, appear on the readily available 'So Far Gone' EP.
If it weren't for this blatant and disastrous finale, 'Thank Me Later' would be the perfect start to Drake's album career. Now just bring on the young star's two London shows next month......

Track of The Week 6 - Drake

Scarily, Drake has only just started receiving airplay over here in the UK with his latest release, Over. On the other side of the pond, however, the young actor, singer and rapper, has gained critical acclaim from his 2009 released mixtape So Far Gone, as well as numerous collaboration with hip-hop royalty such as Young Wayne, Kanye West and Timbaland.

'Over' is an ode to fame and the issues which come alongside it. Singing the chorus to his new 'friends', those that have appeared since Drizzy's rise to fame, it is obvious that, despite revelling in his success, Drake does have some reservations about the falseness of celebrity.

 With Drake's distinctive and sexy vocals over a combination of strings, a jazzy rhythm guitar and a military style drum beat, Over is an original rap hit. Recently picked up by Zane Lowe among others, it shouldn't be long until Drake is deservedly noticed over here.

Over available on iTunes now.
The album, Thank Me Later, available June 15th.

	Drake - Over .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine