Many of us reminisced of this time last year as we had our last week back on campus in what still felt like a “normal” world. In conversations and across social media, everyone is talking about remembering when Lil Uzi Vert’s ‘Eternal Atake’ dropped this time last year, and how it was their go-to album during the last few normal weeks of the year. So this week has a lot to live up to in the music world. And well, it certainly did not disappoint! At midnight on March 5, we got some incredible new music that will be sure to last us through the rest of the semester. Countless music fans (myself included) stayed up past 1:30 a.m. just so we could listen to all these new releases the moment they came out. For this week, I will dive into an in-depth analysis of Drake’s “Scary Hours 2”, but stay tuned for next week’s update on the other music that dropped over the course of the week.

Drake released a three-part single release titled “Scary Hours 2” that not only lived up to, but exceeded the Drake name and hype. Even for those like myself who do not traditionally like Drake and his music, “Scary Hours 2” was an incredible release and an instant addition to any playlist. Opening with “What’s Next”, as always Drake is handed an impeccable beat that allows for an easy smash-hit. In this case Drake worked with producers Maneesh and Supah Mario to create a fast-paced beat that makes you want to move. Not only did Maneesh and Supah Mario produce the beat, but they also wrote the lyrics. With Instagram caption worthy lyrics like “the liquor been takin’ the pain away,” and “a boss is a role that I’ve grown into,” the song has already gone viral. Drake even makes mention to him and Virgil Abloh, known for his brand Off-White, being the sole owners of a two-of-a-kind Patek Philippe watch with the lyric, “yeah, I got one, Virgil got one and that there is the only two.”

The second track is “Wants and Needs” feat. Lil Baby. Like the title suggests, the entire song is Drake and Lil Baby rapping about the balance between what they need versus what they want in life. However, both rappers only mention high-end luxury goods and consider them all as needs—once again showcasing Drake’s absurd wealth and desire to flaunt it. The lyric that really piqued my interest was what seemed to be a dig and furthered the beef between Drake and Kanye West. Amid circulating rumors that Kim Kardashian actually cheated on Kanye with his archrival Drake, he then raps, “Yeah, I probably should go link with Yeezy, I need me some Jesus. But soon as I started confessin’ my sins, he wouldn’t believe us.” This line reignited the cheating scandal rumors and left rap fans on the edge of their seats just waiting for how Kanye will undoubtedly respond. 

Drake closes the release with “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” feat. Rick Ross. Named for Ross’s love of lemon pepper wings, Drake and Ross are no strangers and have collaborated frequently in the past—most notably on “Money in the Grave” and “Lord Knows”. Working with well-known producer AP, they sample Danish artist Quadron’s 2010 song “Pressure” to create the beat for the track. Overall the song creates and very groovy hip-hop vibe that is perfect to just play in the background as you chill. Although I’ll admit to enjoying the song, I certainly wish it had more Rick Ross verses and that the two artists would trade bars more often instead of rapping five-minute monologues (Yes, I’m talking about you Drake!) Although someone like Kendrick Lamar or even J. Cole could get away with this due to their lyricism and advanced rhyming schemes, Drake is known for being one of the most mundane rappers with little technical skill, a monotone cadence and a boringly consistent flow. This results in a six minute and 54 second song that might sound nice in the background, but no one will remember in the grand scheme of things.

I don’t want to be overly critical though—this was a great release (though I don’t understand why he released three singles under one cover but refuses to call it an EP—ughh). You can always count on Drake releasing songs that feature top-tier beats and creating tracks that will stay on the top charts for months to come, and “Scary Hours 2” is no exception. If anything, this release makes me even more excited for his long-awaited “Certified Lover Boy” album which will hopefully release sometime this year. And with song titles like “What’s Next”, rap fans can only wait with eyes and ears wide open in anticipation. 

As always, for more musical content be sure to follow me on Spotify @ndturtledove and AppleMusic @nathan_tdove and check out next week’s edition of The Hill News for details about all the other phenomenal music that released this past week!