Drake says new album is influenced by Los Angeles

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Few artists have been able to release a new album every year on a consistent basis. Throughout the late 1990s and into the early 2000s, Jay-Z held hip hop down, releasing a new album every year. Not many have been able to do this, though many have tried. Since Tha Carter III, Lil Wayne has delivered a new album every year and Drake promised to release an album a year following the release of Thank Me Later.

When Drake released Thank Me Later, the album was regarded as a breath of fresh air, with so many rappers going after the hardcore market. Drake presented a new style, as he sang and rapped. Unlike the rappers who “Ja Rule” their songs, Drake was actually just as good of a singer as he was a rapper. Something different, fans flocked to Thank Me Later, making it a platinum success.

The things which made Drake popular in 2010 led to him being called “soft” after the 2011 release of Take Care. Soon, Common presented himself as a foe to Drake, as many felt his single, “Sweet,” was a direct jab at Drake. Despite Common initially denying the disses, Drake took matters upon himself and began taking shots at the veteran emcee. Things came to a head on Rick Ross’ “Stay Schemin,'” which also featured French Montana, when Drake used his verse on the song to call out Common. Common soon remixed the song and called Drake out by name on his verse.

In the time since then, Drake and Common have found common ground, no longer insulting each other. Drake is focused on the future and with a new year comes a new album. Immediately after Take Care was released, Drake began discussing his third studio album. Recently, Drake spoke with MTV News about his new album, saying it will continue his evolution from his 2009 mixtape, So Far Gone. Spending a lot of his time out in Los Angeles, Drake said the city has inspired his new album. Drake said his new album will contain material about his life, reflecting the recent experiences of his life.

Listen to the entire interview below: