By ZACH ABERCRUMBIA/ Staff Writer
Drake and 21 Savage’s joint album, “Her Loss“, was initially a hard listen. While “Her loss” is a joint album, it felt more like Drake featuring 21 savage.
“Her Loss” is Drake’s third album in 18 months, and his second of 2022. Drake dominated the album, producing 66% of the albums lyrics, with 21 Savage accounting for 26%. It’s safe to say that at the time, Drake fatigue had reached it’s peak.
Upon first listen, “Her Loss” seemed to be your typical Drake and 21 Savage product. Drake assumed the role of the tortured and lonely bachelor, while 21 Savage played the laid back gangster. It was lazy, uninspired, repetitive and had too many songs. Sonically it had the vibe of a 21 Savage album, yet was dominated by Drake.
Listening to the 16 track album felt like a chore. It didn’t stand out and at times it was downright boring. It felt like a parody of a Drake and 21 Savage album. It sounded like they were trying to capture a lost spark.
I was initially excited when “Her Loss” was announced Oct. 22. “Her Loss” was supposed to mark the return of prime Drake after the dance album “Honestly, Nevermind” and the pop-rap “Certified Lover Boy”. Drake was going to go back to his roots after experimenting and produce another classic. This however, would not be the case.
The beats on “Her Loss” are faster and more aggressive, I came to a realization that this too was an experimental album.
The classic Drake and 21 Savage troupes are very much present but the way they are delivered is different.
Take “Middle of the Ocean” as an example. Drake talks about how great his life is, but he seems looser and more comfortable. Drake has stopped pulling punches, opting to address situations and people directly, instead of using subliminal and cryptic lyrics.
In the second half of “Middle of the Ocean”, Drake directly attacks Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian.
“Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie/ He claim we don’t got a problem but / No, boo, it is like you coming’ for sushi,” Drake raps.
21 Savage similarly evolves throughout the project as well. On “3AM in Glenwood”, 21 Savage raps about the dangers of being a rapper and how he has changed as a person as he’s acquired fame and fortune.
This role reversal between Drake and 21 Savage is what makes “Her Loss” more enjoyable with each listen. They are true to themselves and if people don’t like, then it’s t(h)i(er)loss.
After listening to the album for almost a month, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s a good album. I still believe that it has too many songs and is repetitive, however the production quality and the smooth transitions makes up for this.
“Her Loss” is a 7 out of 10 and fans of the rap genre have an album to champion.
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