Drake is undoubtedly one of the most influential hip hop artists of the 21st century. Over the course of his prolific career, Drake has showcased impressive versatility, evolving his sound across various hip hop subgenres and even into pop and R&B territory. By examining some of Drake's biggest hits over the years, we can trace the evolution of his music and see how he has continuously reinvented his style.
Introduction to Drake and His Musical Journey
Aubrey Drake Graham, known mononymously as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter and actor. Since first emerging onto the hip hop scene in the late 2000s, Drake has become one of the most commercially successful artists of the last decade. He has broken numerous chart records, including having more number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 than any other male artist.
Drake is known for his unique, melodic rapping style and confessional lyrics that explore themes like fame, heartbreak, relationships, and more. While he first found fame with his hit mixtape So Far Gone in 2009, Drake has continued to evolve his sound over the years. By looking back at some of Drake's biggest hits and most iconic songs, we can get insight into the progression of his artistry.
The Early Years: Drake's Breakout Southern Hip Hop Origins
When Drake first hit the hip hop scene with So Far Gone, his sound was deeply rooted in Southern hip hop traditions. Coming up as an artist in Toronto, Canada, Drake was heavily inspired by the sounds of Houston, Atlanta, and Memphis rap. This influence comes through clearly in his early music.
One of Drake's breakout singles, "Best I Ever Had" from So Far Gone, exemplifies his early hip hop style. The song features the trap-influenced production, airy vocals, and catchy hooks that categorized Southern hip hop at the time. Lyrically, Drake introduces his trademark introspective and romantic themes as he reflects on a failed relationship. "Best I Ever Had" peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2009, proving Drake's potential as a hitmaker right out the gate.
Another early hit, "Over" from his debut album Thank Me Later, also demonstrates Drake's Southern hip hop roots. It's built on a chopped and screwed vocal sample, mimicking the signature sound of Houston legends like DJ Screw. Drake pays homage to his influences through the song's production and lyrical references. The single reached number 14 on the Hot 100, further establishing Drake's Southern-inspired style.
Transitioning to Mainstream Pop Crossover Success
While Drake's early work was firmly rooted in hip hop, he began to incorporate more pop and R&B influences into his music as his career progressed. This helped transition him from a purely hip hop phenomenon into one of the biggest mainstream pop stars on the planet.
His 2012 single "Hold On, We're Going Home" marked a major turning point for Drake's sound. Produced by Noah "40" Shebib, the song has an atmospheric, synth-heavy beat that differs drastically from his earlier hip hop production. Lyrically, Drake croons vulnerably about a lover, showcasing a soft, melodic vocal delivery that became a signature. "Hold On, We're Going Home" peaked at number 4 on the Hot 100, proving Drake could craft hits outside of traditional rap.
Drake continued blending rapping with pop and R&B on his smash hit "Hotline Bling" in 2015. The tropical house-inspired production was a departure from his usual hip hop fare. The song's catchy hook, meme-worthy music video, and Drake's singing made it an inescapable pop culture force. It topped charts worldwide, cementing Drake's ability to crossover from rap to pop dominance.
Drake's Later Period: A Mature, Melancholic Sound
In more recent years, Drake's music has adopted a more mature, emotional sound as he explores weightier subject matter. His 2018 single "God's Plan" exemplifies this shift. The song has a low-key, melancholic feel driven by a simple piano loop and atmospheric vocals. On the track, Drake contemplates the ephemeral nature of life and how to leave a meaningful legacy.
Despite its somber vibe, "God's Plan" became Drake's longest running number one hit on the Hot 100 at the time. This demonstrated his ability to tackle more introspective themes while still appealing to wide audiences. The song's powerful music video, depicting Drake donating nearly $1 million to Miami residents in need, also reinforced the weightier message.
Drake went even further introspective on the 2018 single "In My Feelings." Built on a laidback New Orleans bounce beat, the lyrics detail Drake's complicated feelings for a lover. The song connected with audiences through its relatable vulnerability and inspired a viral dance challenge. It ultimately reached number one on the Hot 100 for 10 weeks, proving Drake could turn even his most emotional tracks into huge commercial successes.
Drake's Legacy as a Versatile, Evolving Artist
By looking at hits like "Best I Ever Had," "Hotline Bling," and "In My Feelings," it's clear Drake has gone through an incredible evolution during his career. While his early music was firmly hip hop, he's continuously reinvented his sound and bridged into new genres like pop, R&B, and more.
Drake has also become more willing to tackle weighty subject matter and showcase emotional vulnerability as he's matured as an artist. Throughout all these sonic shifts, he's maintained his unique rapping and singing ability along with his talent for crafting hits. Drake's genre-bending discography demonstrates why he's one of the most influential artists of his era.
Moving forward, fans can expect Drake to keep evolving. Given the versatility he's already displayed, there's no telling what stylistic directions he might explore next. However, Drake's innate skill for melody and vulnerability will likely tie all his work together, no matter how his sound transforms. Drake's creativity and willingness to reinvent himself are what have kept him at the cutting edge of music for over a decade. There is still so much exciting potential for Drake to tap into as he continues crafting timeless hits and shaping the sound of popular music.
Conclusion
Drake stands out as a dynamic artist who has never been afraid to explore new musical directions. By continuously expanding his sound, he has crafted one of the most varied and influential discographies in modern hip hop and pop. Drake's greatest hits trace an impressive evolution from his Southern hip hop origins to his crossover pop stardom to his current status as a mature, emotional hitmaker. He has achieved unprecedented success by reinventing himself without losing the core musical and lyrical qualities that make him a unique talent. Drake still has so much left to accomplish, and fans wait eagerly to see which direction he will push hip hop and pop music next. His versatile artistry ensures that, no matter what sound he explores, Drake will continue making his mark as one of the definitive artists of the 21st century.
