In 2025, discussing Drake without referencing Kendrick Lamar is impossible. As many have pointed out on social media, Kendrick’s influence has transformed the narrative surrounding the Canadian artist, leaving him somewhat adrift. Since their high-profile rivalry, everything Drake has released feels peculiar, as if he has lost his essence and a palpable confusion surrounds him. Former friends have distanced themselves, and past adversaries have resurfaced; it often seems like the last year has not favored him in any way.
A collaboration with PARTYNEXTDOOR sees Drake trying to reclaim his essence by reuniting with someone he trusts. Their decade-long partnership in the studio suggests that this Valentine's release – initially thought to be an EP but actually a full-length album – should be a solid success.
However, ‘$ome $exy $ongs 4 U’ exemplifies the many criticisms directed at Drake lately – the lyrics frequently slip into cliché, there's an excessiveness throughout its 21 tracks and 74-minute duration, and it lacks a cohesive thread. Throughout this album, as well as Drake's other projects in this period, one is left questioning the purpose behind it all.
For his fans, this Valentine’s release should satisfy any remaining hardcore supporters. The duo has long understood their winning formula – ‘CN Tower’ serves as an excellent opener, and the luxurious introspection found in ‘CRYING IN CHANEL’ is reminiscent of classic Drake.
When it shines, the album offers enough standout moments to warrant a playlist update – the playful spirit of Drake’s ‘GIMME A HUG’, the melodic PartyNextDoor track ‘SOMETHING ABOUT YOU’, and his reflective piece ‘LASERS’ all meet high standards.
Yet, the album is also cluttered with filler. Several tracks flirt dangerously close to cliché – at times it's a deliberate provocation against critics, while at others, it reveals a lack of self-awareness. ‘DIE TRYING’ relies on a worn-out indie guitar riff from 2009, and the resentment expressed in ‘SMALL TOWN FAME’ seems disconnected from Drake’s current reality, raising doubts about whether it was penned this year or conceived during a pre-‘Not Like Us’ phase.
Upon first listen, ‘$ome $exy $ongs 4 U’ isn’t awful, but it certainly doesn’t represent the best work from either artist. PartyNextDoor has undoubtedly produced stronger tracks, and their previous collaborations have achieved greater heights. With its extensive runtime, there are bound to be songs that delight longtime fans, yet its primary flaw remains: who truly requested this, and what message does it convey to them? Perhaps it's not meant to be profound and is simply meant for entertainment, but there's a yearning for Drake to step back, reconnect with reality, and rediscover his direction.
Rating: 5/10
Words: Robin Murray
Key UK rapper M Huncho has released his mixtape 'U2OPIA' in its entirety. The rapper is operating at full speed in 2025, following a collaboration with the FA and
Yasiin Bey narrates a new documentary celebrating 200 years of Clarks, tracing the brand's journey from its modest origins in a workshop in Street, Somerset.
Although she initially earned a reputation for her intense gaze and military-style clothing, Jojo Orme of Heartworms reveals she is much more than her exterior suggests. In her debut album ‘Glutton For Punishment’, she lowers her defenses and explores the individual behind the uniform.
Sabrina Carpenter has released the full Deluxe Edition of her album 'Short N' Sweet.' Now available, it expands upon the tremendous success of her breakthrough.
Emerging alt-pop artist Luvcat has released a new Valentine's tribute titled 'Love & Money'. Coinciding with February 14th, her latest single is a vibrant pop treat.
Southern-bred alternative RnB artist Mereba exudes a sense of maturity and self-discovery on her second album, 'The Breeze Grew a Fire.’
It's impossible to discuss Drake in 2025 without referring to Kendrick Lamar. As noted by many on social media, K Dot's lyrics have created a significant impact on