In the extended version of Drake’s fifteenth studio album, “For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition,” he further explores emotions of betrayal, criticism and loneliness. At times, the expression of these emotions can come off as toxic masculine energy, but overall the six newly released songs further add to the saga that is Drake’s life.
In the first of the six new songs, “Red Button,” Drake speaks about his feud with Kanye West. The feud started in 2018 when the pair got into a dispute over the “Lift Yourself” beat that Drake wanted. Kanye made a joke out of the whole situation and made a song that was complete gibberish just so Drake couldn’t have the beat.
It is no secret that Drake and West have had a rough relationship over the years with an on and off feud. The last time the pair was seen together was in 2021 when they put on the “Free Larry Hoover” benefit concert in Los Angeles. However in Red Button Drake raps “Every time that Yeezy called a truce, he had my head inflated/ Thinkin’ we gon’ finally peace it up and get to levitatin’/ Realize that everything premeditated/ Everyone was good with me, then everyone expression faded.”
Here Drake refers back to the concert explaining how he thought the feud had ended when they joined forces. But now Drake sees that it will never truly be over.
Overall, “Red Button” sets the tone for the rest of the songs showcasing word play, a chill beat and a story that his fans look forward to.
A song to skip on the album?
“The Shoe Fits.” It is six minutes of Drake bashing unnamed people and ranting about everyone who has wronged him. It sounds more like an angry diary entry than a real song: “Don’t listen to Drake, never been a fan/ you got a million h***, yeah, I understand/ I’m never f***** you, so take that out your plans/ I’m good on all you n***** till a ring is on my hand.” The entire song goes on like this.
Just Drake in his feelings hitting below the belt unnecessarily. I am all for an emotional song, but there is no reason why I should feel like I’m getting yelled at when listening to music.
One of the best songs of the album is “Stories About my Brother.” Drake expresses various themes of humility and success. The complicated narrative that is told throughout the song shows how Drake views his brother and how others view him. Drake raps, “My brother a tool toter, my brother a tombstoner/Diamonds and violence made us bond, we grew closer/ Brother a clip loader, my brother a sick soldier/That n**** stick’ll it to you for real, he a lint roller.”
This song showcases Drake’s true artistry. Through his elaborate use of figurative language such as metaphors, allusions, and symbolism, “Stories About My Brother” is a song that has layers and complexity.
The album closes with “You Broke My Heart” which is a satire anthem for those who have been cheated on with lyrics like “F*** my ex (fuck my ex)/F*** my ex (whoa, whoa, whoa)/ F*** my ex (I can’t let it go)/F*** my ex (payback a b****).”
This redundant but catchy chorus is much more lighthearted and unserious then some of the other songs on the album. This song is a refreshing and fun way to close out the album
Overall, this project by Drake is worth a listen, sometimes extended versions of albums are like beating a dead horse, but in this case the “Scary Hours” edition of this album is well crafted. And showcases Drake’s talents of songwriting, singing and rapping.
