Every decade a hip hop album comes out that not only lives up to the hype, but it completely blows away the expectations. Joining the ranks of Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z and College Drop Out by Kanye West is an album from Canadian born actor turned rapper Aubrey Drake Graham a.k.a. Drake. His debut album entitled Thank Me Later, is one of the few albums in recent years that truly embodies the music and soul of an artist. Though many were skeptical as to whether or not the rapper could produce a full album that maintains the level of interest and intensity as the artist mixtapes and numerous pre-debut collaborations, the end result put all of their skepticisms to rest.
With more than ability to rap, he sings with his own unique lyrical arrangement. Thank Me Later, takes flight with an amazing duet opposite soul singer Alicia Keys. The introductory song, ‘Fireworks’, undoubtedly sets the tone for what goes on to be a stellar album. Continuing on with songs like “Over,” “Show Me a Good Time, ” “Up All Night, Fancy,” “Shut It Down, and finishing up with “Find Your Love” allows listeners the ability to listen to his album straight through from start to finish with very little room for fillers. Even with collaborations from superstar artist like T.I., Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, The Dream and Lil Wayne, Drake still has no issue with maintaining his voice and sheer appeal to anyone listening to the album.
If your were waiting for an album this year that was worth the purchase, then the appropriately titled debut album Thank Me Later from Drake will have you thanking him for years to come. It’s not the best album ever created, but it’s certainly one of the best albums of 2010 and surely music classic.
