Drake enters his underdog phase in “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.”
TOP 5
5. Used To (Ft. Lil Wayne)
This was the sole track circulating online before the album dropped. I initially expected it for “Tha Carter IV,” but it found its place here—it fits seamlessly, though.
There might be a rarity in this song, folks: Lil Wayne might (and I mean by the hair on his chinny chin chin) have outdone Drake on a track. Lowkey, Drake has been outshining Wayne on collaborations, including the following:
- “Miss Me,”
- “Believe Me,”
- “I’m Goin’ In,”
- “Successful,”
- “Ransom,”
- “Only.”
Seems like Drake had to give Wayne a chance on this one.
4. You & The 6
Drake’s relationship with his mother is so dope.
Drake’s “You & The 6” is a deeply personal track that offers listeners an intimate look into his relationship with his mother. The song stands out for its raw, unfiltered storytelling, capturing conversations between Drake and his mother as he navigates life, success, and the pressures of fame.
However, let’s be real—Drake’s mother is definitely not Nigerian. The way he speaks so directly and assertively in the song? That wouldn’t fly in a Nigerian household. If it were my mother, she’d have cut the call before I could even finish a sentence, and if I were in person, I’d probably be dodging flying slippers.
One of the reasons “You & The 6” resonates so much is its unique perspective. Not many rap songs take the approach of a candid conversation between a son and his mother, making it feel especially genuine and heartfelt. That rare dynamic is likely why so many listeners connect deeply with it.
3. Energy
Is “Energy” Drake’s meanest track ever? B*tch, it might be.
Out of all the tracks on this album, “Energy” stands out as the most authentic. In this song, Drake opens up about the immense pressure on him, mentioning the rappers he “has to act like he likes” and the family members he feels responsible for supporting.
What’s refreshing is that Drake doesn’t come off as complaining at all. Instead, he delivers his signature cocky, cold-hearted rap style, which perfectly complements the track’s dark, almost unfinished production. This balance between introspective lyricism and gritty delivery makes it one of the album’s most compelling moments.
2. 10 Bands
“10 Bands” is the infamous Quentin Miller reference track. If Meek Mill’s claims of Quentin writing this track are true, he is a hell of a rapper!
Drake’s flow on this track is absolutely impeccable. It feels as though he’s effortlessly synchronizing his rap with the rhythm of the beat, making the entire track flow seamlessly. While this might sound simple, it’s a lot more complex than it seems—especially when you try explaining it to someone like Lil Yachty. Each powerful beat accentuates Drake’s delivery, with solid lines hitting at the perfect moments. And trust me, there are plenty of those moments.
1. Know Yourself
Ironically, this song is called “Know Yourself,” but it’s rumored to be written by someone else.
“Know Yourself” takes a personal turn as Drake opens up about the alleged struggles he faced growing up in Toronto, Canada. While it’s easy to jokingly speculate about the nature of these troubles—maybe his biggest issue was having only two red flavors in his Starburst pack? Poor Drake, right?
All sarcasm aside, there’s no denying that this track is one of Drake’s finest. The rawness of his delivery and the gritty production create a vibe that stands out in his catalog. The song exudes toughness, authenticity, and resilience—making it a standout, and a reminder of why Drake remains one of the most influential figures in the music scene today.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Legend (4/5)
2. Energy (5/5)
3. 10 Bands (5/5)
4. Know Yourself (5/5)
5. No Tellin’ (4.5/5)
6. Madonna ( 5/5)
7. 6 God (4/5)
8. Star67 (5/5)
9. Preach (Ft. PARTYNEXTDOOR) (4.5/5)
10. Wednesday Night Interlude (Ft. PARTYNEXTDOOR) (4/5)
11. Used To (Ft. Lil Wayne) (5/5)
12. 6 Man (4.5/5)
13. Now & Forever (3.5/5)
14. Company (Ft. Travis Scott) (4.5/5)
15. You & The 6 (5/5)
16. Jungle (5/5)
17. 6PM in New York (4/5)
OVERALL RATING
(92%)
Drake leans into his trash-talking, braggadocious persona on this album, and you know what? We love the bad guy, so we’re soaking it all up (Pause)!
Musically, Drake just gets it on this album. He understands the essential elements of crafting a great song—melodies, flows, content, the whole package. Whether you’re a fan or a critic, there’s no denying that he has one of the deepest understandings of what hip-hop listeners crave. Few artists in history have been able to consistently read the room and deliver what the culture wants like he does.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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