Why is Drake releasing so many records?

Is it “just” prolific? Will a star like him have to embrace the streaming system of releasing music in order to stay relevant? Or is this one last burst of creativity before he acts like Jay-Z?

Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage

“I know it’s summer, but I really have something to tell you.” At the first stop of his It’s All a Blur Tour with 21 Savage in Chicago, Drake made an announcement. “I don’t know what these people are thinking who disappear for three, four, five years to rest or do nonsense like that.” “It’s not for him,” he said before promoting the new album. for all dogsannounced the introduction of a QR code for the first time in advertisements for his book of poems (a book which, in addition, has generated a lot of buzz).

The Internet interpreted these words as an attack on Kendrick Lamar. They offer a chance to really understand Drake’s mindset. She’s a megastar who doesn’t give interviews (unless she’s ready for small talk like fake people) the trend and 21 Savage with Howard Stern) and as a result fans have been left with no explanation as to the wave of releases signed by Drake. His sixth solo album came in September 2021 certified lover boy and to enter Electronics in June 2022 honestly it doesn’t matter, Five months later he tripled his loss 21 with Savage. now it’s coming To all the dogs But there are also rumors what a time to be alive 2 with the future. In short: Drake’s status allows him to pull away today, yet he still screams like he’s a rising star.

Perhaps the fact that counts is that Drake grew up in the Young Money school. His friend Lil Wayne is often in the studio and if he is not there he leaves or just stays there. His work ethic has infected Drake smoke free He explained his apprenticeship where “I had different preferences and Weezy had all the authority.” One of Veezy’s principles in those formative years was to work as hard as it took to become a superstar, creating a non-stop stream of mixtapes, feats and records. as told by Wayne rolling Last month, he still went to the studio every day. This work ethic is the paradigm that has allowed Drake to surpass many artists of his generation in terms of publications.

Drake’s prolificacy parallels that of another rap genius and idol, Jay-Z. He famously began his career releasing one album a year, a very rapid pace by late 90s/early 2000s hip hop standards. Vital with the uninterrupted flow of new content. Likewise, Drake has remained a constant on playlists in the streaming era. Earlier this year he posted a story on Instagram celebrating his latest milestone: He’s the first artist to exceed 75 billion streams.

It’s fair to think that Drizzy’s impromptu release is a sign of the times in which the rapid pace of news imposes an almost constant presence on the part of anyone hoping to maintain a certain degree of relevance. Drake should be given credit for shrugging off his releases to silence many of the criticisms that he was starting to veer towards a formulaic sound. honestly it doesn’t matter

Whereas, in terms of sound, it represents a turning point towards electronics and dance. his loss It’s like Drake’s solo work disguised as a collaboration, but 21’s presence still gives the project a certain balance. With three albums released in two years, he’s managed to maintain enough variety that fans won’t get bored, at least not yet, and that’s no small feat.

During the It’s All a Blur Tour, holograms and visuals are used while Drake talks to a family friend who plays the rapper as a young man. Recall Kanye’s conversation with “Jesus” during his 2016 Saint Pablo Tour. More than a concert, it feels like an artistic performance. The way each detail is studied tells us of an artist who is still passionate about his craft. After all, Drake could stick to rapping his hit songs on a minimal platform and making massive bucks. Instead, he wants to create an unforgettable (and probably very expensive) experience. The determination behind his shows (so much so that he had to pay a fine of $230,000 to complete a show in Detroit) is what drives his musical ambition.

Yet fans would do well not to take Drake for granted. In February, in a rare moment of clarity, he told Lil Yachty that he had begun to think about what it would be like to retire from the stage. Not that he sees it as imminent, but he said, “I’m trying to mentally define the idea of ​​a graceful exit.” And then: “I’m not ready, but I would like to continue making interesting projects and hope it will be appreciated by people and then find the right time to say: now let’s see what the new generations are doing”.

Drake loves sports and he knows what it’s like to quit when you’re on top. Perhaps this constant production is his last creative flare before the likes of Jay-Z, Diddy and Ye no longer prioritize music and devote themselves to multi-million pound investor businesses. Only time will tell what happens, but in the meantime it’s coming for all dogs,

Rolling Stone US From.