RESPECT. Review: Blanco’s View’s on ‘VIEWS’

Views

Formulating an opinion on a project after the first or second listen is reasonably one of the biggest mistakes in journalism. If I were to give my prompt views on VIEWS, they would have been the complete opposite of how I feel now. Taking into consideration the fact that Drake was the glorious, victorious one in his rap combat against Meek Mill, I, along with the 6 God devotees, and even those who aren’t concerned with his music, forsaw something entirely different. It’s no secret, Drizzy can rap, his cadence and confidence displays that. So in the event an immense hype is built towards his forthcoming album, you’d think “it’s lit’ VIEWS is really about to be Drake at his best. We anticipated a self-loving, arrogant attitude, crazy punches, witty bar-work, over strong production, however, as soon as the opening track “Keep the Family Close” commences, my facial expression reads “WTF?!”

“All of my lets just be friends are friends I don’t have anymore/How do you not check on me when things go wrong.”

Immediately, the distressed tone of that line gave me an unusual vibe. This is a really depressing way to set off an album that many predicted to be classic. Could the follow up to If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late and What A Time To Be Alive be some soft, heart-broken moisture? Yes actually….. Then again no. At this point in Drake’s career, what does he have to prove to whom? He can sing and recite heart-breaking words to the world, and although there will be disprovals, he’s still winning. Views is a dauntless Drake, displaying real emotion despite his awareness of what’s expected in his position. He knows his capabilities quite well and is also secure of where he stands with hip-hop.

So why not sincerely express himself on records such as “U With Me” where he samples DMX, which was quite odd to hear, after learning DMX’s disapproval of the Canadian rapper several years back. Nonetheless, it didn’t affect Drizzy enough to scrap the idea. “Weston Road Flows” is one of the dopest on the album to me. The 90s Mary J. Blige sample in the production sets the perfect and reminiscent vibe to a reminiscent record. It definitely served it’s purpose. In “Faithful” you’ll hear the late Pimp C set off the intro and later throughout the track, the newest OVO Signee, DVSN graces the record with captivating vocals.

You might disagree, however, there were several records we could have done without, such as “Still Here,” which to me was a filler, as there isn’t anything that needs solidifying at this place in his career. “Hotline Bling” being superfluous as hell was also extra, skippable material. Lastly, “Grammys” featuring Future was dope but I still feel it lacked. When you think Drake and Future, you think “Jumpman,” “Big Rings” etc…and that wasn’t delivered.

Overall, VIEWS is a solid body of work. Elaborating on loneliness, love gone wrong, and the lack of loyal family members, this is the real Drake. The stand-out songs to me are the club-ready, Carribean bangers. Drake seems to really be fond of the culture and creates great music in the process of paying homage. Records like “One Dance,” “Too Good” (featuring Rihanna), and “Controlla” which rumor has it will feature Popcaan on the official remix, really convince me to to confidently rate Views an 8.5 out of 10. Indubitably, any fan of the 6 God must own it.

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