Drake’s latest mixtape, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, which was released Feb. 13, is on the whole an underwhelming effort by the Toronto-based rapper to release another hit album.
While songs such as “6 God,” “Energy,” “10 Bands” and “Jungle” do stand out, the album as a whole is decidedly spotty and lacks a cohesive rhythm. If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late feels like Drake’s haphazard attempt to prove he is as tough as the legends like rapper Tupac. Hopefully, his next work will have more artistic conviction instead of being similar to this piece. Here is a track-by-track analysis of the album:
“Legend”: This slow track is a classic Drake attempt to combine his crooning ability with his innate desire to be seen as a hardened thug. Unfortunately, this self-congratulatory track comes off primarily as an attempt to improve his own street cred.
“Energy”: The second track on this surprise mixtape is more easily appreciated. It’s highly reminiscent of Drake’s previous album. It’s a slightly more upbeat song, but Drake’s attempt to come off as harder than we know him to be still feels very forced.
“10 Bands”: The beat is dark and enticing in this track. It’s an excellent song for nocturnal cruising and post-party dazes. However, being less than three minutes long, it’s an elusive tease. With the song gone before its time, the listener is left desiring more. It’s highly reminiscent of Drake’s “0 to 100” single, but lacks that song’s conviction and sense of sassy entitlement.
“Know Yourself”: A rambling and almost trippy track, it’s not without a sense of Drake’s unique charm, but it’s certainly nothing impressive. Much of the song is made up of inserted dialog clips. The clip of gunfire is a particularly underwhelming way to end another one of Drake’s halfhearted assertions that he has thug tendencies.
“No Tellin’”: This track is so similar to “Know Yourself” that it makes the previous track an almost superfluous addition to the mixtape. However, it is no more believable and no more impressive. Unfortunately, neither song is worthy of any positive mention.
“Madonna”: An unexpectedly hypnotic ditty, this track’s shortness does it a disservice. If this were a longer song, it would be far more enjoyable. However, brevity is the only true problem with this track.
“6 God”: This track is perfect for increasing hype and getting pumped up. Drake’s swag is believable and his lyrics are decidedly fun. The beat is great for driving, and if you’re looking for the most catchy track of the album, this would be it. Drake’s classic juxtaposition of silky crooning and rapper’s wordplay are pleasantly interwoven.
“Star67”: This track is a most welcome downer, as it comes on the heels of “6 God.” It’s similar to many songs off of Drake’s album Take Care and typifies his boozy musings that listeners have come to expect from songs such as “Marvin’s Room.”
“Preach”: This heavily auto-tuned track is surprisingly enjoyable. It is very similar to “Star67” in its slow beat and late-night mood. Its sultry tone is surprisingly delightful. The change of pace in the intro is an interesting feature that was not unwelcome.
“Wednesday Night”: A trippy and relaxing interlude. It’s not a track of substance, but it is definitely entrancing background music that would complement late-night studying or a chill hangout.
“Used To”: This song has an uninteresting beat and is paired with unremarkable lyrics. Lil Wayne’s feature in this track is lackluster, and his normally witty lines are missed. In fact, this song is not really worth listening to.
“6 Man”: The beat of this track is very interesting, but unfortunately, the song does not sound complete. The first part sounds more like a glorified freestyle. The bridge is slower, but similarly uninteresting. This song leaves much to be desired. At least it is short.
“Now and Forever”: “Now and Forever” is melancholic and much like WZRD’s song “Teleport 2 Me, Jamie” off of their self-titled album. However, I’d stick to WZRD’s version in this case. Drake’s song is repetitive and lacks the passion a Drake ballad needs to be successful. That being said, the beat is catchy.
“Company”: This track is yet another aimless meander through Drake’s insecure mentality. There is no flow to the song, and it is not particularly impressive.
“You & the 6”: Drake’s ability to rhyme “mama” with “mama” is proved beyond a shadow of a doubt on this track. The second verse, notably, makes clear that he isn’t fabricating stories about where he’s from in order to seem like he has a tough persona.
This message, however, is starkly contradicted by many lines throughout the album in which he claims to be a fearless criminal. Perhaps his PTSD from a lifetime of running the streets has caused him to forget his wheelchair-ridden days at Degrassi High School.
“Jungle”: A smooth and sensual R&B track that is definitely worth a listen. Its velvety sound entrances and is particularly atmospheric.
“6PM in New York”: This bonus track is definitely a bonus. It is one of the most lyrically impressive songs on the mixtape, and the beat isn’t too shabby either.
Drake has attempted to make another unforgettable album, but unfortunately, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, falls short of expectations. One can only hope that the albums to come will be of higher quality.
In an interview with GQ Magazine, Drake expressed his perfectionist attitude. “I want to take advantage and make myself the best possible me that I can be,” he said.
Let’s hope that his next album reflects this attitude.
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