It’s been a long time coming, but Drake has finally released his fourth studio album (excluding If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late) today. Titled VIEWS, it has the internet alight with excitement and suggestions on what it all means, but there is one thing for sure – it sounds really good.
Coinciding with the album release, Drizzy sat down for a chat with the highly esteemed Zane Lowe. Known for his incredible interviews, Lowe was a perfect fit for a post-drop chat, and it wasn’t long before they got right into it.
Discussing everything from Drake’s relationship with Nicki Minaj post-beef with Meek Mill (“I don’t really talk to Nicki. I understand what love is, and I understand her situation. She dealt with me how I expected her to, with class”), to how much he loves Kanye West (“‘Ye is one of my favorite people. Period. In the world man. I love ‘Ye. I grew up with [Kanye] as a role model, he is a reason I am here right”), we really get to know not only Drake, but the album as well.
“This album is probably my highest level of vocal performance,” Drake said. Featuring 20 songs, the list of features is still not entirely confirmed although Drake did suggest his collaborative crew via a string of memes on Instagram earlier this morning including the likes of Future and Rihanna. Drake told Lowe of working with the latter, “It wouldn’t be a record without Rihanna. We do well together as a team.”
He also spoke of the importance that Toronto, his hometown, played in this record. “The album is based around the change of the seasons in our city. It starts out in the wintertime… That was what I used to tie it all together.” But the album goes beyond his city. Drake summed it up pretty well when he said, “I’m trying to make music that transcends gender and nationality.”
The extensive interview runs for an hour, but is well worth the listen. You can listen to that below, and get VIEWS for yourself here.
Image: HotNewHipHop