We Just Keep Serving Again and Againdrake

I've been a big critic of today'south overly long albums, but let's exist existent – it's a problem that has persisted long earlier the streaming era. In Album Eddits, I challenge a Soul In Stereo fan to bring together me in trimming downwards a massive double-album release into a lean, mean 12-rail release.

If y'all thought I was hard on Drake'south most contempo album, I guess you weren't around in 2022 when Scorpion dropped.

This double-disc behemoth had even the well-nigh ardent Aubrey fans maxim "ehhhh, I don't know about this 1…" so let's run across if we can help your boy out. Joining me to cut this one down to size is Brandon O'Sullivan (aka Young Theo!) from the Soul In Stereo Cypher.

May the odds e'er be in our favor on this one.

Disc 1

1. "Survival"

Brandon: The opener of Side A is the free-flow Drake, where he raps about various topics over this spacey production. Information technology's not a bad way to kick off the album and had 1 of my favorite lines: "You n****s pop mollies, my 'Malis pop n****south." While it's non one of the standouts, I won't rush to press the skip button. I'll keep it.

Edd: Drake starts things off by saying "I've been waiting on this one!" I estimate that only makes 1 of us. Drake "existent" rap intro songs are ordinarily OK, and that'south par for the class here. A forgettable but solid intro.

Brandon says STAY, Edd says STAY

2. "Nonstop"

Brandon: Offset off, the Tay Keith production is a certified Memphis slapper. I'1000 a sucker for Three half dozen Mafia samples (although it was Mack Daddy Ju), but Drake's monotone rapping ruined this 1 for me. Specially some of the most blench-worthy lines on this song. SKIP.

Edd: I'm not equally in love with the product as the homie Theo just at that place are certainly worst offenders to exist establish afterward. I'one thousand much more than bothered by Aubrey's tiresome, lackadaisical delivery. We're Ii songs in and he already seems unbothered. This is gonna be a LONG mail service, adept lord.

Brandon says CUT, Edd says CUT

3. "Elevate"

Brandon: The tertiary vocal of Scorpion where I have zero to say nearly information technology other than information technology's meh. I don't know why French Montana had an advent, but his ad-libs did zilch to this forgettable track. I am not keeping this one.

Edd: This is again Drake at his most Drake-est – coma inducing half rap, one-half singing, all lazy. Get this trash outta hither.

Brandon says Cutting, Edd says Cut

4. "Emotionless"

Brandon: Ah, yes. The Mariah Carey sample to go along with the almost infamous line of the album. "I wasn't hiding the kid from the earth; I was hiding the world from my child." LAWD. I empathize why celebrities don't postal service their kids considering of social media bullying, but NO SIR for Drake'southward end. You thought Pusha T was another Meek Manufacturing plant, and you fell for the bait. Drake should be thankful that surgical summer did not happen. Just all jokes aside, another keeper for his introspection.

Edd: Look at Mimi making miracles! Her "Emotions" sample FINALLY gives this album some much needed life. Along with the backtracking on his kid stuff, Drake does his usual mopey "I'm rich, why don't people love me?" routine. But it's by far the best track then far. It tin live.

Brandon says STAY, Edd says STAY

v. "God's Plan"

Brandon: Man, I can't believe this is the biggest song of 2022 considering what's makes this different than any Drake song? Is it the "I only love my bed and my mama" line? I estimate. I would not cut this out because it kicked off the album campaign, and it'due south not bad of a song.

Edd: This may be 1 of the signature songs from the album but it's highly overrated in terms of quality because, AGAIN, Drake sounds similar he's napping in the booth. I'm serious, he can't even get through the "wishing on me" line without dozing off before he hits the "h." Is this your rex!? Song is mainly remembered for the video concept than the bodily rail itself. I estimate I'll keep it considering nosotros gotta go along SOMETHING on this thing.

Brandon says STAY, Edd says STAY

vi. "I'm Upset"

Brandon: I don't know why he decides to drop this correct beforeThe Story of Adidon. The song sounds like a Lil Yachty-type beat that Drake constitute on a SoundCloud and pretends to rap similar one. CUT!

Edd: Grumpy Drake is and then boring to me. He squeals "I'thousand upset" like a bratty kid getting dragged through Target. Some other tedious runway with simplistic rhyme pattern and barely any effort.

This anthology is killing my soul and we're not even halfway through. I'Yard the one who should exist upset!

Brandon says Cut, Edd says Cutting

vii. "8 Out of 10"

Brandon: Now, this sounds like the Drake I want! Boi-1da (along with Jahaan Sweet & OB O'Brien) bodied this product. The sample flips from Lil Kim to Marvin Gaye to Detroit Emeralds worked effortlessly. If you want a response to Pusha T, this is the vocal. Although, to be fair, some of the lines were contradicting. Minus the outro of Plies saying you big mad (which Drake is mad), this is an automatic keeper for me.

Edd: OK, this is more like it. Solid product, Drake's confined are among the strongest on the anthology, and wait at this, he's actually putting in Attempt. What a concept! By far the most underrated track on the anthology. I'm happy to keep this ane.

Brandon says STAY, Edd says STAY

8. "Mob Ties"

Brandon: Ugh, a Nifty Value version of a Young Thug vocal. "I'thousand not with the ra-ra; I am a Dada." Drake'southward trying to push himself as a good guy (because of the beef) is hilarious at this point. I'm not a fan of tough-guy Drake, and then this gets cut on my cease.

Edd: Drake's Mom – What do y'all want to be for Halloween this year, Aubrey?

Drake – hmmm, I wanna be 21 Savage!

And that'south how this song was born.

It's non neat simply pickings are slim around here so information technology can stay.

Brandon says CUT, Edd says STAY

9. "Can't Have a Joke"

Brandon: The product from ModMaxx is solid, but it's not plenty for me to like this song. Some other typical Drake track that works well for the die-hards. Cut.

Edd: 1 of the few tracks that sorta grew on me after my 2022 review. It's tricky, I'll give it that. Not a great track by any means only considering what else we have to work with around here information technology'due south decent enough to stay.

Brandon says Cut, Edd says STAY

10. "Sandra's Rose"

Brandon: I remember when Drake posted an erstwhile-schoolhouse pic of DJ Premier on his Instagram story months prior, and I assumed he worked with Preemo. And lord behold, that'southward what happened on "Sandra's Rose." I was disappointed when I heard it because it'due south non the style I was hoping for sonically, just it fits the theme Drake was rapping. Plus, there are no scratches on the song, which is weird for Premier's standards. It is one of the better songs on the album, and it deserves to stay.

Edd: Drake on a DJ Premier beat? I'm required to go along this i, right?  Despite having the adventure to REALLY spit over a rail crafted past one of rap's Goat producers, Drake'due south annoyingly flat and lethargic on this 1. If he spit with more intention this could have been a really great track. Instead, it's … just fine. Just mediocrity gets you a gold star around here.

Brandon says STAY, Edd says STAY

11. "Talk Up"

Brandon: I don't understand why they don't go to DJ Paul for production as much they work with Juicy J. My favorite beat on the album happens to be onTalk Upwardly. I never thought that Drizzy would end upwards rapping over Due north.W.A.'sDope Man. Despite Jay-Z having a decent feature, I don't remember a damn thing Drake does on this rail, then I'll cutting it.

Edd: Drake doesn't exercise much of anything here, surprise surprise, so there's plenty of room for Jay to steal the bear witness. That feature alone is enough for me to keep it around.

Brandon says Cutting, Edd says STAY

12. "Is There More"

Brandon: We made it to the end of Side A. Drake closes it out, rapping about his life every bit usual? Nothing new or boundary-pushing, but when he'due south rapping with substance, it goes a long way for me. Information technology'southward peachy that he put Nai Palm (the lead singer of Hiatus Kaiyote) at the song'southward end by singing Aaliyah'sMore Than a Adult female. A keeper for certain which transitions to Side B.

Edd: Aye, some other 1 of those tracks where Drake reminds heads "SEE, I can actually rap!" We know you can, which is why I get so irritated when you sleepwalk through your albums. Unfortunately information technology comes off equally some other forgettable "woe is me" rap track. Goose egg new to run into here.

Brandon says STAY, Edd says Cutting

Disc 2!

1. "Peak"

Brandon: I exercise not similar this song to kick off this album's "R&B" side. It's only tedious all around, and he needs to hire proficient writers that could bring this song to life. But the vocals have to exist on point. I'll cutting it, and nosotros're merely getting started on the second disc.

Edd: If you thought I was grumpy on Disc 1, yous own't seen zilch even so.There was a point early in Drake'southward career where I liked R&B Aubrey more Rap Aubrey. Just like oversized white tees and jerseys, we've been off that. "Elevation" is Exhibit A as to why I feel that way – this song is similar audio anesthesia. And so, so, SO boring. Next.

Brandon says CUT, Edd says CUT

2. "Summer Games"

Brandon:Well, this is another song that had the potential to be one of the standouts because of the production, but information technology didn't stick the landing. Over again, the singing is non-distinct, which is unsurprising because information technology's Drake. I will have this off considering it isn't helping the album'southward quality.

Edd: This is basically Drake talk-whispering over a rails while the shell bubbles similar my stomach later on as well many jalapeno nachos. No sir, I don't like it.

Brandon says CUT, Edd says CUT

3. "Jaded"

Brandon: The song where Drake's (allegedly) singing about Jorja Smith. Noel Cadastre'due south production is spacey merely with 808s pounding. With background vocals done past Ty Dolla, I am afraid to say that this is my guilty pleasure of this album. I will keep this one, only I can't defend the center-rolling lyrics on this song every bit it's my ongoing issue with Drake.

Edd: I know at that place'due south a lot of love for this one, mainly considering it fits the current moody R&B template. Atmospheric product, apartment harmonies, awkward lyrical structure and VIBEZ ample. Call it Faux Soul. Likewise call it an Uber considering it's gotta get outta here.

Brandon says STAY, Edd says Cutting

4. "Nice for What"

Brandon: Drake dropped his second single leading into Scorpion; this is my favorite i. Granted, Murda Beatz should've done more with the Lauryn Hill sample, simply it's so fun and catchy with additional help from Large Freedia backed by a New Orleans bounce. I'k keeping this one!

Edd: FINALLY A Slap-up Vocal! Ironically, I commencement heard this while on a trip to New Orleans and it does that NO bounce justice. For my money, this is the best Drake song in years and he still hasn't topped it. It'southward energetic, a masterful flip of a sample and a bang-up tribute to an overlooked musical era without straight-upwardly cosplaying it. If all his songs were this well synthetic I wouldn't be so irritable.

Brandon says STAY, Edd says STAY

5. "Finesse"

Brandon: The vocal that has the line of "way week is more your matter than mines." Yes, the singing is cypher special, but with the assist of James Fauntleroy's writing, information technology gives the vocal some more oomph than the usual corniness. Telephone call me crazy, but I'll keep this one because information technology's a fan favorite and has been covered by numerous artists.

Edd: I know the fans love it but I don't see why, other than a beautiful line here or there. Another snoozer on this disc filled with filler.

Brandon says STAY, Edd says CUT

vi. "Ratchet Happy Birthday"

Brandon:I get it. Drake wants his version of a Happy Birthday vocal. With uncredited vocals by PARTYNEXTDOOR, this is the WORST song of this entire anthology. I don't know why he adds a double dose of autotune to a cheesy runway. This one is an piece of cake cut from this album.

Edd: OH GOD

OH GOD

THIS Song. "Y'all hotter than Anita Bakin', baby?" Fifty-fifty if this is suppoed to exist parody similar Large's "Playa Haters" it fails at that – it's besides juvenile to exist funny and too poorly constructed to be entertaining. Pair upward this one with "Way ii Sexy" so they tin can win the Nearly Garbage Drake Vocal tag squad championships. An absolute waste material of space.

Brandon says CUT, Edd says Burn down THIS SONG

seven. "That'due south How You Feel"

Brandon: Meh. That'southward all I tin can say about information technology considering there's zippo to break down. Also, the Nicki sample from herBoss A** B**** freestyle was unnecessary. I know her fanbase is out to get me, so feel free to do and so that I would ignore your messages. Mind y'all; she hasn't featured on a Drake album since Take Care. Once once again, I'll cutting this one.

Edd: That Nicki sample actually just felt like a mode to suck upwardly to her and her fanbase. Otherwise, there's nothing to comment on here. Yet another forgettable track as this album continues to drag on for eternity

Brandon says CUT, Edd says CUT

viii. "Blue Tint"

Brandon: Well, another track to throw in the pile of forgettable. What in the hell Future is doing on the song? In the words of Shannon Sharpe, "SSSSSKKKKKEEEEEEUUUUUUPPPPPP!"

Edd: I thought this was the R&B portion of the album, why is this throwaway Future collab popping up like silverfish in your grandma'southward bathroom?

LORD THIS Album Volition NEVER Cease

Brandon says CUT, Edd says Cut

9. "In My Feelings"

Brandon: Man, Shiggy set up the tone for this song and the craziness of the Kiki challenge. Pray for the children. Although it was a smash hit, it doesn't take the memorability as Squeamish for What. But I can't deny that this song put Metropolis Girls on the map. Every bit much as I tin can't stand the vocal and challenges that followed, I tin can't cut this song out considering it had the summer on lock. Information technology deserves a shine because Drake appeals to a wide variety of audiences.

Edd: I know, I'm equally ill of Kiki as y'all are thanks to the ubiquitous Tik Tok challenges that spawned from this track but it'southward one of the few genuinely catchy and memorable moments on this horrid Side 2. It's not my thing personally but it serves its purpose. I'll go along information technology.

Brandon says STAY, Edd says STAY

10. "Don't Thing to Me"

Brandon: At present, here comes the biggest offender on this album. Lord knows how much money he paid for that unreleased late Michael Jackson vocals, merely this song did not work well. Hell, fifty-fifty his stans weren't on board with this tape. I recollect the vocal is skilful if y'all take him out, and then I don't have to think about MJ. Cut!

Edd: Did we ever decide if information technology really was Michael Jackson on this track and not Weeknd in a red leather jacket? The MJ sound effects on the Moonwalker Genesis game were more convincing than the vocals here. Again, besides at that place phantom characteristic in that location'due south absolutely zero noteworthy to discuss. Money well spent, Aubrey.

Brandon says Cutting, Edd says Cutting

11. "After Dark"

Brandon: This sounds similar a Midnight Dear jam from the late 90s – early 2000s. The re-work of Maxwell'due southThe Suite Theme sounds good. I got to show beloved to Static Major, a songwriter taken from us and so soon. He was destined to take his career to another level. My feelings towards Ty Dolla aside, he didn't carp me on this vocal. I prefer him over this blazon of production with better writing than a generic club banger—another keeper.

Edd: From his giant creepy Aaliyah tat to his abiding Playa stanning, Drake wanted to exist in the Supafriends SO BAD. Honestly, I can't blame him, they're crawly. At that place'due south only ii songs on this anthology that survived my original purge in 2022 and made it to the Valhalla that is my personal playlist – "Squeamish for What" and this one. Drake'south tone works very well over the production and I'm always down for a nod to the greatness of Static. Ty Dolla is unnecessary window dressing (per usual) only he doesn't ruin the vocal. Expert stuff.

Brandon says STAY, Edd says STAY

12. "Final Fantasy"

Brandon: A song that I wished I liked because of the championship. The beat is cornball, merely Drake's verses were not expert. In the first poesy, when he alludes to a women's private role that sounds like waves striking them, he proceeds to make the waves sound? Playa PUH-LEASE. It doesn't aid that the crush switch isn't up to par. I'm cutting this one out because this is borderline cringe.

Edd: Even though this i is called "Last Fantasy" and the sample sounds pretty close to the game's iconic "Prelude" theme song, apparently information technology DOESN'T sample information technology at all. And so … why call it that in the first place? Y'all proper noun a song that sounds similar something merely really ISN'T something? This is the Impossible Burger of beats.

These are the only interesting things I have to say virtually this boring song. NEXT.

Brandon says Cut, Edd says Cutting

13. "March 14"

Brandon: The concluding rails of Scorpion. Another vintage Drake where he lets it out with one verse. The D'Angelo Lady flip was immaculate.March 14 is not the date his son was born, but more than so the news he found out that he was near to get a father. Information technology's interesting afterwards all these years rapping virtually the struggle with his parents to at present becoming one. To his defense force, he alluded he had a babe on the way on the More Life rail, Sacrifices. I guess he had brain impairment, just one time again, he let Pusha T ruin his rollout. I will continue this runway. Withal, it bothers me how he was struggle singing over a Boyz II Men interlude dedicated to their fallen manager. "I'k irresolute from boy to a man." *Sighs*

Edd: It just took A 60 minutes AND THIRTY MINUTES but we finally get to some solid substance. Here's the track where Aubrey tries to remove Pusha T's foot from his anal cavity and share the story of his son's nativity. If not for Pusha we might not have heard about this child until he was 37 years erstwhile, but Drake does a solid job here, again proving that he's a good artist when he puts along some attempt.

Brandon says STAY, Edd says STAY

The Eddits

Brandon:

ane. "Survival"

2. "Sandra's Rose"

three. "Emotionless"

four. "God'due south Plan"

5. "viii Out of 10"

6. "Is There More than"

7. "Prissy for What"

8. "In My Feelings"

nine. "After Dark"

10. "Finesse"

eleven. "Jaded"

12. "March 14"

Edd: The offset disc of this thing is Drake going through the motions. But if you thought he was phoning information technology in on that one, he has NO Cell SERVICE on the second disc, which is absolutely abysmal and unnecessary.

I can't make miracles but hey, my version is much better than what nosotros got.

1. "Survival"

2. "Emotionless"

3. "Squeamish for What"

iv. "God's Plan"

5. "8 out of 10"

six. "Talk Up"

7. "In My Feelings"

8. "Sandra'south Rose"

9. "Mob Ties"

x. "Can't Accept a Joke"

xi. "After Dark"

12. "March 14"

Who has the best cutting of Scorpion, Brandon or Edd? Allow united states know beneath and share your favorite tracks likewise.

salinaskinters.blogspot.com

Source: http://www.soulinstereo.com/2021/10/album-eddits-reimagining-drakes-scorpion.html