Who would’ve thought a Canadian and a Brit would drop one of the biggest surprise and highly sought-after hip-hop albums of 2022? Well, for those who made it to the end of Drake’s most recent album, Honestly, Nevermind, you may have seen this collaboration coming.
Drake and 21 Savage have a history of making bangers with one another. From the recent “Jimmy Cooks” to 2021’s menacing “Knife Talk” to the poppy hit “Mr. Right Now,” these men have proven they can make magic when placed on the same track. The whole world seemed to stop when Drake released a music video for “Jimmy Cooks” that previewed the collaboration, giving it the title Her Loss.
Would we finally get an album full of Drake rap songs? Would 21 step into Drake’s recent house/dancehall world? What features will we get on this historic collaboration? Below, Adam and Sam answer some questions about Drake and 21 Savage’s Her Loss.
Our Expectations Going Into The Album
Adam: Give us the J. Cole feature, please, God! I went into this expecting Drake to finally rap for the majority of the album for the first time since If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. I assumed Drake would take up the majority of songs and was excited to see what style of beats they chose.
Sam: Unlike Adam here, my expectations were quite minimal. Yes, it is true that Drake & 21 Savage have not missed. However, I felt underwhelmed by the announcement. Collaborations become exciting when you know that both MCs will push each other and bring their A-game (Jay-Z & Kanye, Eminem & Royce, Mos Def & Talib Kweli). This collaboration simply seemed to be the opposite – a “just because album” with some slappers. I will say, though, If Drake intentionally placed “Jimmy Crooks” on Honestly, Nevermind to plant the seed for Her Loss, then he is truly ahead of the curve.
Well… Were You Right?
Adam: God and I are on a little break. Jermaine did not appear on this album, and he would’ve fit perfectly on “Middle of the Ocean.” Drake did indeed take up a lot of the album, but I was excited to see them both step out of their comfort zones at times and jump into the other artist’s world.
Sam: Technically, no. Because the album was below my expectations, which is truly a disappointment. In my eyes, if “Jimmy Crooks” was placed on this project, it would have been the best track, if not one of the best. That’s a problem. Why aren’t the remaining tracks holding up?
What Surprised You Guys?
Adam: Drake showed real maturity. Nah, I’m kidding. I was surprised to see a lack of major features, but that’s not a negative. Travis did his thing on “Pussy & Millions,” although I actually think that he could’ve been left off on this one. The first beat was already so good there was no need to change it up. Lil Yachty had some good production placements and some fun adlibs, too, on “BackOutsideBoyz.”
Sam: Honestly, the album was more entertaining than listenable: “21, can you do sum for me.” What am I listening to? A meme? (Yes). The entire album seemed to be for “shits & giggles.” Lack of seriousness and creativity. Especially coming from Drake’s end. Recycled flows, beats, and questionable lyrics. 21 did his thing, but Drake, who was present for most of the album, was on one.
What Track Got Added To The Playlist?
Adam: The first three songs absolutely slap. Really strong way to begin the album. I like when they exchange bars on “On BS.” Later down the line, I really enjoyed “Jumbotron Shit Poppin,” although Drake tries to hit some notes on it that he just can’t sing.
Sam: Although I’m being quite harsh on the album, I did enjoy it somewhat. As I said, it was very entertaining – and quite hilarious. The back-and-forth flows on “On BS” was a treat: “I jump on your song and make you sound like you the feature / I jump on your song and make a label think they need ya.” The first track was fine, but it is literally a knockoff of “Jimmy Cooks” – the same tempo and beat pattern. Unfortunately, that was where my enjoyment of the album ended. The first half was hard to get through.
My interest didn’t pick back up until the second half of the album. Specifically, at track 10: “Pussy & Millions” – Thank you Travis. The remaining tracks were all great—special shoutout to “Broke Boys.” Absolute banger. Plus, the leftover raw vocals at the end were genius. Final thought: Drake should retire the timestamp-titled tracks. They are oversaturated at this point.
Which Song Was An Instant Skip?
Adam: “Hours In Silence.” I give 21 some credit for trying to make a Drake-style chorus on this. He sadly just can’t sing. Drake also says, “She creamin’ on me/I’m her crush” and “She askin’ why I haven’t nut” at the ripe old age of 36. This song is nearly seven minutes long, and it definitely didn’t have to be. The beat is not exciting enough to keep me around.
Sam: Literally the whole first half. Throw it away. The first three tracks are entertaining, but I could truly care less for them. Sorry y’all, this project ain’t for me.
Any Final Thoughts?
Adam: This was my favorite Drake album in a while. A WHILE. I’ve been praying for a Drake album featuring mostly rap songs, and on the tracks he’s rapping he definitely delivers. Do him or 21 spit the occasional corny or whack line? Yes. I have no clue who let him lay that Megan line. Besides those brief lapses in judgment, this album is full of bangers and will probably be played at every college party for the next year.
Sam: Drake said it himself, “I’m gettin’ so rich, my music’s not even relatable” – Churchill Downs. This line accurately summarizes the album as a whole. As a once young charismatic rapper who expressed his raw emotions unwaveringly, Drake has done a total 360 on this album: sounding bitter, toxic, and frankly misogynistic. So much so that it becomes completely tiresome: “I blow half a million on you hoes, I’m a feminest,” “She’s a 10 tryna rap (Ice Spice), it’s good on mute,” “Serena, your husband a groupie/He claim we don’t got a problem but no boo, it is like you comin’ for sushi.” Four days before an important election, Drake states: “Who’s the president? I never voted once/If I did, I would vote for Teanna Trump.” I could go on and on.
Yes, other rappers talk in this manner. However, Drake’s appeal was due to his ability to be vulnerable. While catching flack from the Hip Hop community, it was women who supported Drake from every aspect of his early career. So for him to put on an “act” to bash the women in his life is quite strange, especially for a grown man with a child. “Linking with the opps (Kanye), I did that shit for J Prince/ Bitch, I did it for the mob ties.” Looks like Kendrick was wrong; it seems that Drake is the one who has some healing to do.
