"Fake Love"
Apple Music’s description of “Fake Love” says that the song is, “A brutally honest look at fame and friendship.” This is a seriously bold note to start on, and it seems somehow ominous. What am I about to hear? Drake’s usual emotional/nonsensical banter, or something much darker?
These lyrics are no joke. Drake calls all the fakes the fuck OUT. Jealousy, backstabbing, social climbing, and fake love—I guess Drake has had enough.
“I’ve been down so long they look like up to me, they look up to me/ straight up to my face.” When were you “down,” Drake? Last I saw you were on top of Toronto's CN tower.
I like the layered percussion and plucked string chords. This sound is unexpected and definitely recognizably Drake, although the sparse instrumentation makes him seem more lonely than usual. The beat seems to be taken almost directly from Hotline Bling. Actually, it almost feels like I’m listening to the same song, although it’s not as catchy, and definitely sadder.
This song was super repetitive. I don’t know if I should criticize Drake too hard on this point, though; it’s pretty common to have repetitive rap music. But, does “Fake Love” deserve a spot on Pitchfork’s Best New Tracks? No! This song is boring as hell! I guess it’s interesting that Drake is being vulnerable about his relationships. Yet the song somehow still feels subtly braggadocios, like Drake is the only real one in the game. Is he, though? IS HE?
–Evelyn Goessling, Arts & Entertainment Editor
“Two Birds, One Stone”
The song opens with some cool, chipmunk, Bon Iver/Kanye distortion. A nice dripping beat, simple bongo drums. The track is busy, kind of noisy.
“More time with family and friends, more life,” Aubrey says, tapping into a very cute concept. The cover art is an image of his Dad at his parents wedding. This track/EP’s central theme seems to be family.
“More blessings for Sandy [Drake’s mom] and him [Drake’s dad, Dennis], more life.” That’s a very nice thought! His parents are clearly at the heart of this song.
The lyrical content is a scattered thought, jumping from family, to fame, to rappers who call him out for not being hood enough. It is a freestyle—from what I can tell.
In that way, the song reminds me of Drake’s triumphant “6PM in New York,” but less clever and a little more bitter and depressing.
For example: “Fuck the rap game, it's all lies and it's all filthy / two per cent of us rich and the rest of these [expletives] all milk it.”
Like, damn! That sucks.
—April Barrett, Managing Editor
“Sneakin’”
Sounds like Stranger Things meets sad Drake.
The beat sounds like basic garage band shit.
Still very catchy.
“I don’t need love I’m a goat.” Excuse me?
—Selin Altuntur, Arts & Entertainment Editor
