Drake Chooses Mediocrity on “For All The Dogs”

Drake performing at a concert in 2017. Freya Goossens via Flickr

On Drake’s 2013 album “Nothing Was The Same,” he finishes out his second verse on the intro track “Tuscan Leather” with the line “Just give it time, we’ll see who’s still around a decade from now.”

This line had many fans pondering what Drake’s future would look like and if he would stay such a massive part of the culture. It’s now 2023, and Drake released his eighth studio album, “For All The Dogs.” It’s been a decade since that infamous line, and yes, Drake was right; he’s still as relevant as ever and not to be messed with as a rapper or a public figure. However, it may not be in the way he would’ve wanted.

“For All The Dogs” is a return to “old Drake,” as fans and even Drake himself have called it, after his weird venture into house and electronic music last year with “Honestly, Nevermind.”

Drake is rapping on this one; back to what fans are used to. The album includes classic Noah “40” Shebib production, Drake’s longtime producer, alongside other notable producers like Boi-1da, BNYX, and Conductor Williams. Drake also enlists a massive class of some of hip-hop’s hottest artists right now with the likes of 21 Savage, SZA, J. Cole, and Bad Bunny.

You would think that with Drake being one of the biggest artists in the world and having every resource available to him, he would put out something that felt inspired, hard-hitting, and culturally impactful. However, it doesn’t feel like that at all. Drake’s newfound obsession over the past five years of releasing albums that are the same length as some feature-length films has not boded well for him. They feel bloated, at points sloppy and there are many songs on these albums, like “Scorpion,” “Certified Lover Boy,” and “For All The Dogs,” that should have stayed in the vault.

There are many positives, though, specifically the intro track “Virginia Beach,” a classic Drake R&B ballad with a sample of an unreleased Frank Ocean song called “Wiseman.” “8 am in Charlotte,” is a dusty, piano-backed rap showcase where Drake goes bar-for-bar with himself. Conductor Williams' production adds to what sounds like Drake’s inner monologue. “Tried Our Best” is a Drake R&B song when he is actually trying, as he floats on top of gorgeous 40 and Jahaan Sweet production with catchy and refreshing melodies. Drake and J. Cole's “First Person Shooter” is everything we want from a collaboration between the two after over 10 years. Two heavyweights in the game saying, “You can’t hang with us.” It's braggadocious and confident in all the right ways.

Yet, for every great, high-quality track, there’s one that is equally as boring and mediocre. Drake loves to have fun on his records, but what he doesn’t realize is that it’s often to the dismay of his fanbase.

His corny, frankly embarrassing Spanglish on “Gently” with Bad Bunny is an awful choice, as well as the inclusion of a woman ranting about oxtails and plane-seating that goes on for a minute and a half on “Calling For You.” And, of course, we can’t forget about Drake’s entrance during Yeat’s verse on “IDGAF,” something that has already been memed into oblivion. As for everything else, the rest of the tracklist is somewhat forgettable.

Over the past five years, Drake has struggled to engage with his fans in a way that feels mutual. With every new Drake project, specifically with every project post-2016’s “Views,” there always feels like there is some sort of disconnect, almost like Drake can’t understand his role within the hip-hop community. He’s an artist still in his prime that’s acting like he’s washed up.

Drake has flirted with retirement rumors recently, and it’s easy to see why. Long gone are the days when he sounds like his bars are paying the bills, dropping shorter albums of continuous, honest rapping. With every new record, Drake seems content and comfortable; his fervor for being at the top of the game has dissipated.

Drake’s line on Meek Mill’s 2018 hit “Going Bad,” “Trust me at the top it isn’t lonely, everybody actin’ like they know me,” perfectly sums up where he’s at in 2023.

He doesn’t need to prove himself anymore. He’s no longer the kid from Degrassi who needs to establish his presence within the rap game. He’s aware that he’s made it, and he has his fans and his haters, and he’s perfectly okay with that.

Until Drake feels he has something more to prove, we will continue to get the same long, monotonous projects that are home to 5 or 6 great songs.