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Monday, Mar 18, 2024
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Drake adds "More to our Life" with his new playlist

Like many rap fans across the world, I have been looking forward to the release of Drake’s newest project. On March 18, the artist released his first playlist, “More Life.” Drake continues to place himself in a multitude of genres while maintaining his own originality.

Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, created a collection of songs that he felt like his fans needed to hear. Because it is not an album, this project includes a wide variety of genres and styles.

Drake has always been a hybrid artist, combining rap and R&B to attract a wide range of followers. This playlist doesn’t stray far away from that template. Drake again incorporates elements of rap, R&B, dancehall and reggae into his very unique style.  

A diverse mix of feature artists were included on this project. He included a fairly new London-based artist named Giggs, but also continued to work with British rapper Sampha. Kanye West, Young Thug and 2 Chainz are also among the notable features on the playlist.

Drake has been known to combine a wide variety of samples with his own style to make his music even more spectacular. “More Life” even included a sample from Drake’s own music: the Stevie Wonder harmonica solo from his song “Doing it Wrong.”

“Jorja Interlude,” the song on the playlist that contains the majestic sample, is among one of my favorite songs on the playlist despite its length of 1 minute and 47 seconds. The harmonica sample still had the same resonating effect, which led me to reminisce on “Doing it Wrong” and recognize that Drake deserves the artistic reverence he has attained. 

A variety of samples ensue throughout the project, from Lionel Richie all the way to a theme from Sonic the Hedgehog. Because this is not an album, Drake had the freedom to produce and include any style he wanted.

The first song on the playlist, “Free Smoke,” samples Australian soul group Hiatus Kaiyote’s “Building a Ladder.” The addition of the sample provides the song with a neo-soul spin, which contrasts with its bass-heavy rap beat and serious lyrics. This song was basically an ode to himself, strictly flexing his skills and success.

My favorite song on the playlist has to be “Sacrifices.” Young Thug and 2 Chainz both contribute a flow and smoothness that adds to the overall aesthetic. Drake provides us with a hook that speaks to the the sacrifices necessary for success: “Yeah I’m convinced I made sacrifices, I been ballin’ ever since.”

Drake continues to impress, continuously crossing over into new genres. Ever since March 18, I have not been able to stray away from the playlist. Creativity, originality and musicality are plastered throughout this immaculate playlist.


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