Music fans worldwide have had quite an exciting week of news and releases. First, the highly anticipated seventh studio album for Beyonce was announced on June 16th. Not long after, another chart-topping artist revealed that his project was dropping just shy of a few hours. Delighted was not the word that described what Drake fans felt when they were alerted that the Toronto rapper was coming much sooner than later. However, judging by the album’s reception, Drake’s fans are sincerely unpleased.
Drake’s Last Album Was Released In 2020
Drake is perhaps one of the most consistent artists of this generation. First, the OVO general announced the release of his sixth studio album in 2020. Then, finally, Certified Lover Boy was unleashed after a few delays. Fans rushed to see what type of experience they would get from the Toronto rapper’s latest effort at the time. Certified Lover Boy featured 21 tracks, including the hits “Way 2 Sexy” featuring Future and Young Thug, and the Lil Baby-assisted “Girls Want Girls.” Once again, Drake found himself at the number one spot on Billboard as CLB became the biggest selling album of the year that September.
Additionally, Certified Lover Boy broke manifold records, with both Apple and Spotify reporting incredible statistics on their platforms. As per usual, Drake found success. Fans also gave the album a warm reception. Following its release, Drake also hopped on Future’s new album’s single “Wait for U” along with Tems. That single also launched atop the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Drake Announced New Album Hours Before It’s Release
On Thursday, Drake unexpectedly sent his fans into a frenzy. Taking to Instagram, the rapper shared that his seventh studio album, HONESTLY, NEVERMIND, was debuting on streaming platforms at midnight on June 17th. He also revealed the album’s artwork, which displayed the title chrome-like. Instantly, Drake’s Instagram comments were inundated with fan reactions who were shocked that a new project was shortly on the way. Finally, 14 tracks were released for the world’s listening pleasure. Noticeably different was the lack of features on the album, save for one song with 21 Savage.
Also noticeably different this time around was the fan reaction. Honestly, Nevermind was a departure from Drake’s previous albums. It was primarily House music with Jersey Club and touches of other experimental elements. It is listed in the Dance genre on streaming platforms. However, the 21 Savage-assisted “Jimmy Crooks” was more along the Hip-Hop lines.
Fan React To Drake’s New Album
Fans took to social media in droves to share their thoughts on the album, and the majority weren’t positive. Many fans criticized the project’s direction, as it was a total departure for Drake. One Twitter user opined that Drake used rejected beats from The Weeknd to produce the album. Another wrote, “I would keep talking about how trash this drake album is but Honestly, nevermind,” playing on the album’s title. “Thank you, Drake. For years I have been paralyzed and stuck in a [wheelchair]. But when my friend [started] playing your new Album, “Honestly, Nevermind,” I gained the strength to get up and turn that trash a** music off. Thank you, Mr. Drake, and all you do for the disabled community,” joked another on Twitter.
However, there were some that felt otherwise about the album. “Drake’s Album isn’t trash. It just not appealing to you. [He’s] clearly targeting a different audience,” shared a fan. Another proposed, “You hate Drake’s album because you only listen to HipHop, and that’s very fine. Art is all about perspective and preference, but don’t call that album trash. It’s a solid material.”
Drake Is Unfazed By The Criticism
After receiving massive negative feedback about his latest project, the Toronto rapper responded to critics. Drake’s message to all the listeners who “don’t get it” is simply this: “It’s all good.”In a video circulating on social media, Drake seems unbothered as he added, “That’s what we do. We wait for you to catch up.” In addition, the rapper expressed that he’s already “on to the next.”
Drake could be referring to his plans to release a poetry book. During an episode of his newly established SiriusXM show “Table For One,” the rapper revealed those plans along with another Scary Hours EP before the year is out.
