10Review

Album, playlist, whatever you want to call it, Drake’s recent release functions as a subdued experimentation of new sound for the acclaimed Canadian rap artist.

“More Life,” released on March 18, follows Drake’s wildly successful 2016 album “Views” — the recipient of the BET Hip Hop Award for Best Album of the Year and an Album of the Year Grammy nomination.

“More Life” encapsulates Drake in a curious point in his career that aims to challenge not only popularized music but the sound Drake has compiled over 10 years in the industry. 

Drake accomplishes this through songs like “Get It Together,” which features a refurbished 2010 track by South African producer Black Coffee. Other tracks accentuate unique talent from a variety of guest artists like rising UK singer Jorja Smith, Young Thug, Giggs and Sampha.

The guest artists provide a variety of new sounds while Drake also entices fans with familiar names like Kanye West, PartyNextDoor and 2 Chainz.

Minimized as this “playlist” might be, it deserves recognition for what it excellently encompasses.

Drake packs more of a punch into the lyricism of this playlist with simple beats. This is especially prevalent in “Can’t Have Everything,” “Gylachester,” “Lose You” and “Do Not Disturb.”

These tracks communicate the frustration Drake senses in his career, which is transparent in a product of lyrical dexterity, decisive sound and calculated featured artists.

The 22 song, 81-minute piece is a trip that deserves a dedicated ear and an open mind. “More Life” is no “Thank Me Later” or “Take Care,” which is exactly the kind of content Drake needed to release.

Steering away from what Drake knows makes the playlist flexible and forward, “More Life” creates a harmonious blend of hip hop and R&B, grasping the curious listener.

Music artists often receive a ton of flack when their sounds changes. However, this transition is vital in promoting the musical progress that an artist accomplishes.

Drake as a prominent face in hip hop must use his platform to initiate change.

Even with his attempts to downplay this playlist, it sets a new fundamental tone for future content.

Drake alludes to a new sound in the last track and last line in “Do Not Disturb” saying,“Maybe gettin’ back to my regular life will humble me, I’ll be back in 2018 to give you the summary.”

Perhaps “More Life” is the prologue to a pivotal change in Drake’s content. Then again, maybe we’ll get another “Views”-esque piece.

Either way, the ingenious potential of “More Life” makes the prospect one to look forward to.