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Although double album ‘Scorpion’ could use some edits, Drake gives listeners plenty of quality listening experiences throughout its 90-minute course.

Drake took one straight to the chin. Yes, I’m referencing the “The Story of Adidon”, the diss track where rival rapper Pusha T ‘destroyed’ the rapper.  The damage was more personal than commercial, considering Drizzy’s status as one of the most successful artists in the game.  He wouldn’t respond until the release of his highly-anticipated, yet abruptly released fifth studio album, Scorpion.  A juggernaut, Scorpion is comprised 25 songs overall, split into two sides.  Side A focuses on rap, while Side B focuses on R&B.  Despite any damage done by ‘King Push,’ the ‘6 God’ comes out just fine.

 

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Side A

“Survival” 

“Survival” serves as the intro to Scorpion, something Drake confirms himself at the end of the track. He doesn’t break any new ground, but the toughness exhibited that suggests that the rap-oriented half of the album will have plenty of bite.  That’s the case on “Nonstop” where Drake is cocky, confident, and charged up – in his own low-key sort of way.  This record is a departure to some extent, sounding more like something expected from a southern/trap rapper. “Elevate” returns the pitch to the rhymes, as he reflects on his accomplishments. On the chorus he sings, “I’m in bed awake, thinkin’ how’d I make / All this happen for myself and my family.”  Three songs in, so far, so good.

Following the elevation, Drake goes on quite the run. “Emotionless” ends up being one the best songs from Scorpion for a variety of reasons.  One, is the production, which masterfully samples the Mariah Carey classic “Emotions.”  The sample gives “Emotionless” and incredibly soulful vibe, something that Drake absolutely excels at.  Another reason for the excellence of “Emotionless” are the bars – he flat out raps like his life his life depends on it.  Notably, this is the first of three mentions of his son, as he spits, “I wasn’t hidin’ my kid from the world / I was hidin’ the world from my kid.” 

“God’s Plan” 

“God’s Plan” remains as celestial as ever, kicking off with an enigmatic, major-key, driving rhythmic synth. Drake mumbles on the intro (“Yeah they wishin’ and wishin’ and wishin’…”), the eventual post-chorus. The beat doesn’t enter until the second half of an incredibly melodic first verse. The centerpiece of the record is the chorus and the aforementioned, excerpted post-chorus – “God’s plan, God’s plan / I hold back, sometimes I won’t… / I feel good, sometimes I don’t… / I go hard on Southside G / I make sure that north-side eat.” The second verse goes a bit harder than the first, with the production and Drake digging in more aggressively.

“I’m upset / Fifty thousand on my head, it’s disrespect / So offended that I had to double check / I’ma always take the money over sex /That’s why they need me out the way / What you expect?” “I’m Upset” is tougher, with Drake delivering more biting, unpitched rhymes. In addition to his flow, the biggest pros of Drake’s being “upset” are the hook and the backdrop.

“Drizzy ‘bout to drop, the game is in disarray / I’d tell you hear me out but we both know end of the day…” “8 Out of 10” caps of an incredible four-song run.  As evidenced by the aforementioned lyrics from the chorus, Drake seems take shots at both Pusha T and Kanye West. He continues on the chorus, spitting, “…Your sister is pressin’ play, your trainer is pressin’ play / Your wifey, your wife, your wifey, your wifey – (true).”

“Mob Ties” 

“Mob Ties” finds Drake going out of his box, opting for a more repetitive, ‘younger’ flow.  More of a filler than a top-rate hit. His flow is more convincing and familiar on follow-up “Can’t Take a Joke.”  It still falls short of the elite, but it’s respectable. “Sandra’s Rose” is among the elites, finding Drake blessing a soulful backdrop with his signature, relaxed, yet punchy rhymes.  For college basketball enthusiasts, his reference to the University of Louisville and Rick Pitino raises some eyebrows: “Louisville hush money for my young gunners / Rick Pitino, I take ‘em to strip clubs and casinos.”

Among the biggest surprises of Scorpion is “Talk Up” featuring Jay-Z.  Why? The beat by DJ Paul is definitely a departure for Drake, giving him another edgier backdrop to spit over.  Secondly, the fact that Jay-Z ended up recording a verse, a week prior to the album’s release.  Side A closes with one of the more unique productions of the album, “Is There More.” Notably, Aaliyah (“More Than a Woman”) is sampled, in quirky fashion.

(Click the next button for the rest of the review…SIDE B) 

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Side B

“Peak” 

“Peak” clearly signifies a shift to the woozier, urban contemporary side of Drake.  In regards to the production, this is signature Noah “40” Shebib.  Hypnotic, the bedroom vibes are real. “Summer Games” has a bit more of a progressive, unique sound, even if the fundamental R&B cues are in play, not to mention thematic familiarity: a short-lived relationship. Still, the repetition of the second verse, out of nowhere it seems is a prime example of more experimentation, moving beyond traditional forms and ideas. On “Jaded”, relationships continue to fuel sadness for the rapper, speculated to be about Jorja Smith, twelve years his junior.  It wouldn’t seem far-fetched, as Smith is up-and-coming: “You wanna hit me up when you make it / You’ll try and come back when you famous… / You wanna get with me, stop (playin’).”

“Nice for What” 

“Nice for What” brilliantly samples the beloved, Lauryn Hill classic, “Ex-Factor”. The producers (Blaqnmild, Corey Litwin, Murda Beatz & Noah “40” Shebib) do a superb job of speeding up the sample yet retaining its original glory. An old-school, hip-hop soul beat anchors the record. Drake drops an excellent, rhythmic flow, switching between pitched and unpitched rhymes. Musically, great choices are made, specifically the use of space allowing Hill’s vocals shine.  After an interruptive interlude, the sample returns, with additional sounds effects indigenous to hip-hop of old woven in.

After a slight pit stop with “Nice for What,” “Finesse” returns Drake to lethargic, moody R&B.  Women continue to dominate his mind: “You and your sister / Too hot to handle / Things would get cancelled / I would make time for you.” “Ratchet Happy Birthday” is much more enthusiastic, with Drizzy assisted by uncredited vocals by PARTYNEXTDOOR.  There’s not much substance, but this soulful, celebratory track definitely makes you want to celebrate.  Things get darker and more mysterious on the brief, rhythmic “That’s How You Feel” which samples both Nicki Minaj and DJ Khaled.  The refrain and outro stand out because Minaj is straight up trash talking.

“Blue Tint” 

“Blue Tint” finds Drake rapping with incredible agility.  The backdrop is more energetic, aided by a few more BPMs.  Future is the latest uncredited appearance, giving the rapper a lift with his always unique ad-libs. The sample-heavy “In My Feelings” integrates New Orleans Bounce music into the script, sampling the late Magnolia Shorty. Way to represent Cash Money for sure. Additionally, the City Girls and Lil Wayne, all uncredited, are sampled.  “In My Feelings” is definitely representative of studio wizardry, and certainly an interesting track.

While the Jay-Z collaboration raised eyebrows on Side A, the Michael Jackson collaboration on Side B is even more surprising. “Don’t Matter to Me” makes it work easily, sampling previously unused vocals from the late pop star from 1983. Notably, hearing Jackson appear on a Drake track, it truly makes you hear the influence of Jackson on a singer like The Weeknd.  The credits from Scorpion continue to intrigue on “After Dark,” featuring the late Static Major and the ubiquitous Ty Dolla $ign. Both vocalists are used fantastically, while Drake remains invigorated. 

“Final Fantasy” plays right into Drake’s fantasies from the opening line.  The horny rapper proclaims, “Yeah, I never really talk about dick that I wanna give you.” Self-indulgent – what do expect from a fantasy, which is characterized by self-indulgence. On the second verse, he goes on to spit, “Cashed out, my neck is frozen / Careful when we’re mixin’ potion / Slashin’ like Guns N’ Roses / You got options, but I been chosen.” “March 14” is the better record, as Drake honestly discusses co-parenting and fatherhood to his son, Adonis.  After rapping the majority of the song, he closes out the record singing introspectively: “I’m changing from boy to man.”

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Final Thoughts

Scorpion is a lengthy project, but ultimately, a rewarding one for Drake. His last studio album, Views had its share of weaknesses, despite being a resounding success.  Scorpion easily eclipses it, as Drizzy incorporates a little bit of everything over the course of 25 tracks/90 minutes.  Does Scorpion reach the highs of his best album, which is arguably Take Care? No, but Drake fans and even more casual fans will find plenty on this gargantuan double album to tickle their fancy.

Gems: “Emotionless,” “God’s Plan,” “I’m Upset,” “8 Out of 10,” “Sandra’s Rose,” “Peak,” “Summer Games,” “Nice for What,” “Ratchet Happy Birthday,” “After Dark” & “March 14”

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Drake • Scorpion • Cash Money • Release: 6.29.18

Photo Credit: Cash Money

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