Looking back at Drake’s 7th studio album.
This album meant a lot to me as it came at a perfect time and provided the soundtrack for the 2022 Summer.
This project was announced hours before via instagram and initially left fans and listeners surprised as it was unknown what to expect. The style was different from Drakes previous releases entering the dance and house genre. Apart from the final standout track “Jimmy Cooks” which was a trap banger featuring 21 Savage. This lead up to his next project “Her Loss” which then released in November.
Alongside the album a music video for “Falling Back” was released. The video concept was a wedding where Drake marries 23 women. These visuals were directed by Director X and was a more high budget production. The first video to drop also had an extended version which featured the track “Calling My Name”.
The second music video to drop was for “Sticky” directed by Theo Skudra. These visuals were fast paced showcasing Drakes luxurious lifestyle including: show performances, travelling and exclusive items.
Both of these music videos included support for his good friend and frequent collaborator Young Thug who had been arrested a month prior. This was shown by flashing “FREE YSL” in bold green text.
Through the Apple Music description we see that this album is dedicated to late fashion icon Virgil Abloh. “DEDICATED TO OUR BROTHER V.”
This fits with the direction of the album as Virgil was known for his creative mind, pushing boundaries and going against the norm. Abloh would also curate his own dj sets and perform at festivals or events.
On the track “Sticky” Drake raps:
“Off-road Maybach, Pyrex trap
Virgil came back through the boy”
This referencing Abloh’s previous collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and his 2012 founded streetwear brand Pyrex Vision. The Mercedes-Maybach off-road electric vehicle can be seen alongside Drizzy in the “Sticky” Music Video.
Honestly, Nevermind performed well debuting at #1 and selling 204,000 copies first week. This making it Drakes 11th #1 album and giving him his 11th #1 single (Jimmy Cooks) in the US.
I appreciate Drake going a different direction, having more fun with this project and creating a more cohesive body of work.
I think this project was over hated and didn’t get the love it deserved.
Overall I love this album, mainly due to personal attachment and memories connected to it.