Mehek’s Music Monday: Drake

February 1st, 2010

drizzy

I originally had something completely different planned for today’s Music Monday – and then last night’s Grammy performance by Drake, Lil’ Wayne, Eminem, and Travis Barker went down…so I scrapped it. It was a triumphant moment for the Toronto-native, who closed the award show on an explosive note – all because of one solitary mix tape.

Most people are very aware of the impact Drake is having on the music industry, but there are a few who don’t get the appeal. So today, I present to you a comprehensive run-down of all things Drake to help you understand the hype better – right after the jump!

“He’s Canadian and was on television. Yay?”
Come on BBs, have some more enthusiasm! Aubrey Drake Graham is in fact from Toronto, Ontario. He was raised by his mother in the city and grew up in a family that has many musical roots. The art of self-expression seeded itself in Drake’s life at an early age, and he eventually got on the Canadian television hit drama, “Degrassi: The Next Generation” playing a basketball start turned paraplegic, Jimmy Brooks.

“So I totally recognize him. What I don’t recognize is his connection to music.”
In that case… let’s fast forward to 2006. Drake, while still filming Degrassi, independently put out his first mix tape online. Due to the fair response, he gave it another go in 2007 and released a second mix tape called “Comeback Season” that continued to make waves, including rapper Lil’ Wayne on a track. This, they say, is only the beginning.

“Let me guess: you’re gonna tell me now that he signed a record deal immediately and has been too cool for school and rapping in LA with a fancy entourage.”
Erm, not quite you cynical monkey! This is why Drake’s journey to success is so intriguing. Weezy began collaborating with Drake, developing Drizzy’s previous work and mentoring him. He introduced him to artists like Lloyd, Omarion, Kanye, and others – all the while still unsigned.

Early in 2009, Drake released a third mix tape called “So Far Gone” for free – and this is when things truly become crazy. The caliber of lyricism and vocal work helped to develop his following, and as industry heavyweights began to endorse the newbie, the world began to embrace his presence. It wasn’t until June that he finally signed with Young Money Entertainment, a label that gave Drake full control over the production of his debut, something unheard of for a kid who made it big off of a free mix tape – and at this point, Drake was preparing to launch himself in a big way.

“What did he do?”
A couple of things. “So Far Gone” was rereleased in stores with new tracks. Over the course of the summer and early autumn, Drake released a single called “Best I Ever Had” which was coupled with a video directed by Kanye West. He toured the United States and Canada with Weezy, and moved up on everyone’s hot list, including Timbaland, Alicia Keys, Birdman, and Jay-Z.

It is clear that in a generation of new young male R&B/rap stars like Jason DeRulo, Kid Cudi, and Jay Sean, Drake is leading the pack. Countless interviews, production work, cameos at shows (he showed up at Jay-Z&Kid Cudi’s shows in Toronto), and awards – he was nominated for a VMA and two Grammys – they’re all steps towards his anticipated debut, “Thank Me Later”, which Drake is currently recording.

“And in conclusion…?”
So you’ve learned a lot of facts about him – “Great”, you’re thinking, “I’ve attended Musication 101 today”. You might still write him off.

DON’T DO IT.

He’s not shoving bling in your face and telling you to get crunk; he’s humble about his success, insisting that his music will be his words and his story. Drake’s sensible reactions to his success are rare in the music industry; he recognizes that his story is unheard of, and he’ll make the best of that position while he’s there – but it’s not for you, for Weezy, for his competitors – it’s for him.

“If you ain’t been a part of it, at least you got to witness, bitches.” – Drake, Forever

2010 will be the Year of Drake, guaranteed. Canada, stand up and applaud – someone like this won’t come around too often.

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E-mail me at mehekmusicmonday@gmail.com for comments, suggestions, or musical discussion – do it!

Tags: correspondents, drake, drizzy, music mondays