More Life
Drake
(Young Money Entertainment)
Three-and-a-half stars
The fact that Drake views More Life as a mix tape than an official album is a good thing. There is a welcome looseness to the affair, an aspect sorely missed in last year's dour album Views.
Drake gracefully skips over an eclectic set of beats ranging from trap, grime and dance hall.
Free Smoke begins with a gospel acappella – similar to the introduction of Kanye West's Life of Pablo – before Drake's signature minimal yet marauding beat kicks in.
Among the declarations of independence and success, Drake gives a shout-out to Dubai: “I wanna move to Dubai, so I don’t never have to kick it with none of you guys.”
Trap kings Quavo (from hip-hop crew Migos) and Travis Scott appear in album highlight Portland, and the dense production is built around a flute sample recalling Jay Z's Big Pimpin'.
The album's best performance comes from fierce London grime rapper Giggs, his quiet ferocity in KMT should introduce him to new fans state side.
Unwieldy and exuberant, More Life has Drake dialling down the faux misery and smelling the roses.
sasaeed@thenational.ae
