10 Best Hip-Hop Albums Of 2017 (So Far)
2. Drake - More Life
More Life may be labeled as a playlist by OVO rapper Drake, but it is the newest release to keep the momentum flowing for the most in-demand rapper in the game right now. However, while there are songs that do not feature the Canadian rapper in all his 6 God glory, there is till a whopping 81 minutes of music that ranges from dance hall to grime to Rn’B to trap.
There is a lot to be said about the album, or anything that lasts almost an hour and a half, but Drake did a great job at keeping the pace refreshing and exciting, with small interludes of a soft piano piece bridge between tracks.
Songs like “Passionfruit” and “4422” are beautifully crafted musical arrangements that are reminiscent of Vaporwave. Then in tracks like “Free Smoke” and “Portland” Drake offers his fast flow to go with hard-hitting beats.
Production on this album comes from many, including the likes of rap/fashion icon Kanye West to in-house producer Nineteen85, then from PartyNextDoor to Drake himself, making this a star-studded event that feels like a celebration of life itself. The theme rings true and draws from the amazing pool of artists that accompany him on this adventure.
Most notably is the use of British rappers KMT and Skepta, giving the latter his own interlude, showing off their own style with the forceful flows and clever lyricism of Skepta, and the brooding confidence of KMT. “Gyalchester” is one of the few songs that really encapsulates Drizzy’s flow and magical ability to make mundane phrases into catchy lyrics. While If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late is his finest hour, this a welcome addition to immense catalog of fantastic music. And following shattering the music streaming record, Drake almost had the crown this year, almost.