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This is a fair playlist all right fit for background music at 2:30 a.m. Tracks frequently flow one into the next, and across 80 minutes, "More Life" smoothly ebbs and flows from thumping trap to a laid-back variation of Drake's signature dancehall style (best expressed on the sequential "Get It Together and "Madiba Riddim"). In the case of this so-called playlist, Drake does seem more interested in creating a vibe as opposed to a defining body of work. RELATED: Album Review: Chance the Rapper gives thanks with bright, inspired 'Coloring Book' There's no "Hotline Bling" or "One Dance" to be found on the 22-track "Life." And aside from the occasional inspired moment - the futuristic '80s feel on the Kanye West-guesting "Glow" or Drake calling out phony admirers on the bubbly "Fake Love" - "More Life" is mostly undercooked. But with that cheeky stunt on "Passionfruit," Drake essentially blows off the hype (even if he's clearly been benefiting from it). I need to start this (expletive) record over again."Ĭonsidering Drake's "Views" was the top-grossing album of 2016, there are incredibly high expectations surrounding "Life," which Drake dropped Saturday night. (Expletive) that (expletive)," DJ Moodymann says (via a sample). But then at the 35-second mark, the music drops out and a voice comes in. The first few seconds of "Passionfruit" suggest this could be the superstar singer and rapper's next big hit, with a woozy synthesizer wobbling over a chill, dancehall beat that slides into some snappy handclaps and disco grooves. You can catch Skepta perform at Wireless festival from 7-9 July.Three tracks into "More Life," Drake essentially trolls his fans. And if Drake has managed to give UK music a huge boost in the process, without stripping away any of its authenticity, without trying to make it his own, then who in their right mind would find fault in that? Not us. But everyone’s musical preferences evolve over time, and a musician has to grow and change to remain relevant and stay fresh. He might move on to another genre another city’s underground jewel.

If More Life is a dedication to Drake’s favourite music right now, then it’s fair to assume it might change. Because what’s more representative of the marrow of an artist than his own musical taste? Music – a powerful art form that conveys and induces visceral emotion like no other. This body of work says more about Drake than the routine, negative platitudes he eschewed in Views. You might assume Drake’s own essence is lost among these features that this "playlist" doesn’t convey his own message, sound and ambition.

This is Drake stepping to one side, and handing over the reigns.

This isn’t Drake doing a Kanye: bringing the London grime massive out on stage as backing dancers to his own track. Drake’s verses on More Life are littered with London slang and road rap influences. And instead of conforming these urban artists to Drake’s own sound, he’s conformed to theirs. Instead he’s chosen Skepta, known for his “pure” grime that’s less mainstream, but, amongst die-hard grime fans, more respected. He’s the best-known grime MC out there, but Drake has never brought him out on stage, and has never given him a track. You won’t find him in the charts, but anyone who knows their music will put their hands up in respect.Īnd then what about Stormzy? He recently charted with his debut album. The same goes for Sampha – a gifted pianist with flawless vocals. He was following her on Twitter six months ago, before she’d even released her mixtape. He’s chosen Jorja Smith, a rising soul and RnB star with a small crowd of loyal fans, who’s yet to dent the mainstream. It’s important to note that Drake isn’t just grabbing the artist with the biggest following either, nor the one who’s charting best. Drake, the most significant rapper worldwide, who doesn’t need to co-sign with anyone to be successful, took an interest in London’s grime music before many Londoners took an interest in grime music. But let’s remind ourselves that Drake’s interest in London’s urban music began over a year ago, when he ditched the Brits official after-party to come out on stage with Section Boyz at Village Underground, and when he came out with Skepta at Wireless.