It has been some time since the release of Drake’s DARK LANE DEMO TAPES mixtape in early May, and I believe that giving albums and tapes ample time to resonate with you is crucial. To truly appreciate their essence, one must immerse themselves in the vibes and flow of the music, allowing for a thoughtful evaluation rather than a mere knee-jerk reaction.
For those readers who may still be unfamiliar with the Toronto rapper Drake, allow me to provide a brief summary. Aubrey Drake Graham, a versatile Canadian artist, encompasses the roles of rapper, singer, songwriter, executive producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He is truly a multifaceted entertainer. Drake is widely acknowledged for popularizing the Toronto sound, an R&B genre influenced by the American R&B of the 1960s, and spearheading the “Canadian Invasion” of the American music industry. Initially known for his acting on the teen drama television series Degrassi: The Next Generation in the 2000s, Drake left the series in 2007 after releasing his debut mixtape Room for Improvement. He followed up with two independent projects, Comeback Season and So Far Gone, before signing with Young Money Entertainment in June 2009.
In 2010, Drake released his debut studio album, Thank Me Later, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. Over the past decade, he has garnered widespread critical acclaim with four additional studio albums and two commercial mixtapes. Notably, his fourth album, Views (2016), held the top spot on the Billboard 200 for 13 non-consecutive weeks, making him the first solo male artist to achieve this feat in over a decade. Correct me if I’m mistaken, but wasn’t Jay-Z the last one to accomplish such a milestone?
Returning to our discussion on Drake’s recent discography, on April 30th of this year, rumors began circulating about a new project from Drake. The subsequent release of DARK LANE DEMO TAPES on May 1st has since found a permanent home on my Spotify playlist.
As Drake’s first commercial demo tape, it takes listeners on a journey through a collection of previously released SoundCloud tracks, leaked songs, and fresh creations. Serving as a precursor to his upcoming studio album, slated for release this summer, the mixtape provides a glimpse into his artistic evolution. While it must be acknowledged that some of the tracks are not fully polished or refined, Drake demonstrates his adaptability to the current musical landscape by deliberately lowering expectations and explicitly labeling the tracks as demos. Additionally, we cannot overlook the impact of the contemporary internet economy, where leaks of songs and albums from industry giants, such as Playboi Carti, have become commonplace. Furthermore, the rising influence of TikTok cannot be ignored. This platform, despite the reservations of those above the age of 18, has proven to be a catalyst for generating chart-topping hits. Drake himself set the stage with ‘Toosie Slide,’ capturing the attention of artists at his caliber.
A significant mention must be made of Drake’s grandiose marketing strategies. Throughout DARK LANE DEMO TAPES, smooth and glamorous R&B-infused beats dominate the landscape. With deep basslines and dreamy melodies, an air of nostalgia pervades the mixtape, further enhanced by the inclusion of classic Drake-esque lines. It leaves one pondering whether Mr. Graham is referencing specific individuals in songs like ‘Losses’ or simply engaging in introspective discussions. We may never truly know. Nevertheless, Drizzy, feel free to draw inspiration from me as one of your muses.
Personally, the standout tracks on the mixtape include ‘Deep Pockets,’ ‘Pain 1993’ (featuring Playboi Carti), and ‘Chicago Freestyle.’ The latter, not only due to the exceptional vocals contributed by Giveon, but also for its clever incorporation of bars from Eminem’s ‘Superman.’ It undoubtedly quickens the heartbeat of every Eminem fan, particularly those who cherish the rapper’s earlier work.
On the contrary, ‘Not You Too’ falls short for me. Despite recognizing Chris Brown’s vocal talent, the decision to have him sing in the background seems somewhat questionable. The lack of vocal harmony between these two artists diminishes the overall impact.
One aspect I truly admire about Drake is his versatility and his unwavering desire to explore new musical territories. This is evident in ‘War,’ where the lyrics and the infusion of UK drill/grime sounds deliver an undeniably captivating experience. Drake’s experiment with UK lingo seamlessly harmonizes with the track. However, I couldn’t help but feel that a well-placed feature could have elevated the song to even greater heights.
All things considered, DARK LANE DEMO TAPES is a well-crafted project that bridges the gap during the wait for Drake’s highly anticipated sixth studio album. In my case, it holds a similar status to Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Untitled Unmastered’—a project that left a lasting impression.
