Drake Receives Praise from Kanye West & Young Thug as ‘$ome $exy $ongs 4 U’ Takes the Streaming World by Storm

Drake is back in the spotlight, and this time, it’s not just for his musical talents but also for the praise he’s been receiving from unexpected corners of the hip-hop world. The release of his latest album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, a collaboration with PARTYNEXTDOOR, has caused a major stir since it dropped on February 14. Not only is the album already making waves in the streaming world, but it has also sparked some surprising endorsements from none other than his long-time rival Kanye West and close friend Young Thug.

While Kanye West and Drake have had a tumultuous relationship, filled with public feuds and disagreements, Kanye recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his admiration for Drake’s new project, showing that despite their past issues, there’s still respect between the two. Kanye shared his thoughts on one particular track, tweeting, “‘Gimme a Hug is incredible. Sheeeeesh,” alongside a retweet of a post from Chart Data that highlighted the song’s success, noting that it had climbed to the top of Apple Music’s U.S. chart. This public acknowledgment from Ye has sparked conversation, as many were surprised to see him speak so highly of Drake’s work, especially given their highly publicized beef.

Similarly, Young Thug, a close collaborator of Drake, has also shown his support for the new album. Thugger shared his thoughts on the project, writing on social media, “That boy back number one,” further emphasizing the album’s success and its impact on the rap scene. Both Kanye and Young Thug’s endorsements signal that despite any past conflicts, Drake’s influence and musical impact remain undeniable.

Early Reception of ‘$ome $exy $ongs 4 U’

Despite the star-studded support from Kanye and Young Thug, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U has been met with mixed reviews since its release. Critics have praised the individual talents of Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, but some have pointed out issues such as the album’s lengthy running time and the apparent lack of cohesion between the two artists. Many fans have noted that while both artists bring a lot to the table individually, the album feels more like a collection of songs rather than a cohesive project. This has led some to believe that the collaboration, while interesting, may not have lived up to its full potential.

Despite the critical reception, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U has had an impressive start in the streaming world. On Spotify, the album earned 56.6 million streams on its first day, making it the second-largest debut of the year so far, just behind The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow. Over on Apple Music, the project broke the all-time record for the biggest single-day streams for an R&B album, showcasing Drake’s power and reach in the music industry.

The album has also managed to eclipse Kendrick Lamar, one of Drake’s most prominent rivals, in terms of streaming numbers. With 92.4 million streams on Spotify, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U temporarily dethroned Lamar from the title of most single-day streams by a rapper this year. This is no small feat, considering Kendrick Lamar’s dominance in the rap world, making Drake’s achievement even more impressive.

Drake and Kendrick Lamar: A Lingering Beef?

It’s no secret that Drake and Kendrick Lamar have had a complicated history. Their rivalry has been one of the most talked-about in the rap industry, with both artists occasionally throwing shots at each other through their music. On $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, Drake appears to continue the subtle jabs at Lamar, particularly in the track “Gimme a Hug.”

In the opening verse of the song, Drake spits bars that seem to reference his long-standing beef with Lamar. He raps:

“Drake elimination, fake intimidation / Take a minute, take a deep breath, have a little bit of patience / ‘Drizzy, you amazing, you the inspiration / You set the bar for the next generation / You Neo in The Matrix, these n-ggas just Nemo in the ocean / Small fish, making kids feel emotion / Using you for promotion.”

These lyrics, while cryptic, seem to point to the rivalry between the two, with Drake positioning himself as the visionary in the industry, while calling out other artists who may be using his name for promotion. The line “You set the bar for the next generation” seems to reaffirm his dominance in the rap game, while the reference to Nemo suggests that others, including Kendrick, may be insignificant in comparison.

Drake also touches on the idea of his legacy and the threats he faces from those who wish to see him fail, saying, “N-ggas want to see ‘RIP me’ on a t-shirt like I’m Hulk Hogan.” The reference to Hulk Hogan could be a metaphor for those who want to see Drake’s downfall, comparing it to how people may mourn the loss of a larger-than-life figure like Hogan. However, Drake doesn’t seem overly concerned, as he continues to express his confidence and resilience throughout the track.

The Album’s Commercial Success and Future Impact

While $ome $exy $ongs 4 U has received its share of criticism, the album’s commercial success cannot be denied. In addition to its record-breaking streams, the album is expected to make a significant impact on the Billboard 200 chart next week. Although the exact number of first-week units is still uncertain, the album’s performance so far indicates that it will be a major player in the charts for the foreseeable future.

Given Drake’s massive global fanbase and the endorsements from industry heavyweights like Kanye West and Young Thug, the album is poised to continue breaking records and dominating streaming platforms. The album’s success also further solidifies Drake’s position as one of the most influential and successful artists in the music industry today.

What’s Next for Drake?

With the success of $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, it’s clear that Drake shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to consistently dominate streaming platforms and remain relevant in the music world is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and ability to connect with fans on a deep level. As he continues to collaborate with industry giants and push the boundaries of music, there’s no telling what Drake will accomplish next.

Whether you love or hate his music, it’s hard to deny the impact Drake has had on hip-hop and the global music scene. As for Kanye West and Young Thug, their support of Drake’s latest project only further highlights the influence Drake has on those around him, even if their relationships are occasionally complicated.

In conclusion, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U has proven to be a massive success for Drake, thanks to a combination of commercial achievement and notable endorsements from Kanye West and Young Thug. While the album may have its flaws, it has shown once again that Drake remains a dominant force in the music industry, with no signs of his influence waning anytime soon.