by Neil Alappatt ’26
Drake, the ever-evolving maestro of music, has once again graced us with a triple album extravaganza—For All the Dogs. Drake’s eighth solo studio album, For All the Dogs, invites us to ponder alongside him about the remnants of life at the summit. In this introspective journey, he circles back to some of his time-tested tactics, weaving a tapestry of caustic songs delving into heartbreak.
This musical journey, spanning 23 tracks, navigates through drill, underworld R&B, and even borrows a bit from Playboi Carti’s flow. While there are flashes of brilliance, the album struggles to rescue Drake from his own emotional labyrinth. Amidst the chaos, moments of Drake’s breakup musings shine, particularly on the celestial “Tried Our Best” with rising R&B singer JeRonelle.”For All the Dogs” flaunts an impressive lineup of collaborators and unexpected guests, featuring the likes of SZA (appearing twice), J. Cole, Chief Keef, Snoop Dogg, Sade, Teezo Touchdown, Bad Bunny, Yeat, 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, and PARTYNEXTDOOR. This diverse roster underscores Drake’s knack for choosing artistic partners who not only amplify his extensive fan base but also propel him into the realms of trending sounds and styles slightly outside his usual comfort zone.
IDGAF: This highly anticipated collaboration marks a significant triumph for Yeat, stealing the spotlight as the 23-year-old Cali rapper seamlessly integrates Drake into his musical domain. The result is a lively, bass-heavy anthem where Drake effortlessly finds his place alongside Yeat. Yet, it’s undeniably Yeat’s moment, and he capitalizes on the golden opportunity, sprinting all the way to the bank.
Members Only: Combining Drake and PND on a track is almost always a recipe for success, and “Members Only” stands as a strong addition to their collaborative repertoire. Nestled in the enigmatic R&B atmosphere reminiscent of PND’s solo work, the duo’s chemistry remains as vibrant as ever.
First Person Shooter: For their first collaboration in a decade, Drake and J. Cole tackle the “Big 3” debate that has dominated hip-hop conversations since they and Kendrick Lamar entered the ring in the early 2010s. Now a decade-plus into their respective reigns, both Cole and Drake adopt an attitude of elder statesmen, but they still have some skin in the game.
All The Parties: Chief Keef not only makes an appearance on For All the Dogs through All The Parties. In this joint, Drake delves into his customary reflections on success and his navigation within the music industry. The track is divided into two parts, with Chief Keef’s chorus taking the spotlight in the first half. He references the iconic “Love Sosa” and brings a sing-songy cadence to complement Drake’s rap-centric verses. The real standout, though, is the beat switch.
At 36, Drake stands as one of the world’s most influential rappers, a cultural icon for millennials. His endearing qualities, from diaristic lyricism to occasional dorkiness, have kept him dominant in the ever-changing musical landscape. Despite the album’s uneven moments, For All the Dogs is a testament to Drake’s ability to reinvent himself while leaving listeners eagerly anticipating what comes next in his musical odyssey.
Rating: 7.8/10