Drake’s New Album Breaks Records as Kanye West and Young Thug Show Love

Drake’s latest album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, has taken the music world by storm, making waves across streaming platforms and even earning unexpected praise from his long-time rival, Kanye West, and frequent collaborator, Young Thug. This highly anticipated project, a collaboration with PARTYNEXTDOOR, has shattered records despite receiving a mixed bag of reviews. The album’s release has sparked conversations, debates, and even a few memes, proving once again that Drake knows how to keep the spotlight on him.

Kanye West & Young Thug Show Support

In a shocking twist that left fans scratching their heads, Kanye West, who has had a tumultuous relationship with Drake, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to publicly endorse the album. The rapper behind Donda tweeted, “’Gimme a Hug’ is incredible. Sheeeeesh.” This unexpected show of support comes just weeks after Kanye labeled Drake as his “arch-nemesis,” adding yet another layer of complexity to their already convoluted relationship.

But Kanye wasn’t the only one throwing love at Drake. Young Thug, who has been a close ally of Drake for years, celebrated the album’s chart-topping success by posting, “That boy is back at number one.” The Atlanta rapper has frequently collaborated with Drake on hit tracks, and his public endorsement only adds fuel to the growing hype surrounding $ome $exy $ongs 4 U.

Breaking Streaming Records

Despite some criticism, the album has been a commercial juggernaut on streaming platforms. On its release day, February 14, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U racked up an astonishing 56.6 million streams on Spotify, making it the second-largest debut album of the year, right behind The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow.

On Apple Music, the album set a new all-time record for the most streams in a single day for an R&B album, proving that Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR continue to dominate the genre. Additionally, the project helped Drake surpass Kendrick Lamar to become the rapper with the most streams in a single day on Spotify in 2025, hitting an impressive 92.4 million streams across the platform. This achievement has reignited the debate about who truly holds the crown in hip-hop, with fans passionately defending their favorites.

Mixed Reviews & Album Critique

While fans have embraced the album, critics remain divided. Some praise the chemistry between Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, while others argue that the album lacks cohesion and is overly long. With 21 tracks and a runtime of 74 minutes, some listeners feel the project could have benefited from a tighter focus.

Critics have pointed out that while the album showcases some standout tracks, it also features moments that feel repetitive or drawn out. The length has led to discussions about the current trend in hip-hop where longer albums are becoming the norm, but not always to the benefit of the listening experience. Some fans have taken to social media to express their frustration, saying things like, “I love Drake, but this album could’ve been a solid 10 tracks instead of 21.”

Despite these critiques, the commercial performance of $ome $exy $ongs 4 U is undeniable. The album is expected to make a significant impact on the Billboard 200 charts, although first-week sales figures are still pending. The anticipation surrounding the album’s performance has fans eagerly awaiting the next update, with many speculating whether it will debut at number one.

Drake’s Response to Kendrick Lamar and Industry Critics

One of the most talked-about moments on the album comes from the track “Gimme a Hug,” where Drake seemingly addresses his long-standing rivalry with Kendrick Lamar. The lyrics reflect his influence in hip-hop, rapping:

“Type of Drake, a faux threat / Take a minute, breathe deep, be patient a sec / ‘Drizzy, you’re amazing, you’re an inspiration / You set the standard for the next generation / You’re Neo in The Matrix, while those other blacks are just Nemo in the ocean.’”

These lines, along with others in “Gimme a Hug,” have sparked debates among fans, many interpreting them as veiled shots at Kendrick Lamar following their public feud. The competitive nature of hip-hop often leads to lyrical exchanges that fans dissect for hidden meanings, and this track is no exception.

The Drama Continues: A Rivalry Rekindled?

The unexpected support from Kanye West has left many wondering if this is a sign of a thaw in their icy relationship or just another chapter in their ongoing saga. Fans are speculating whether this newfound camaraderie will lead to future collaborations or if it’s just a fleeting moment of goodwill. After all, in the world of hip-hop, alliances can shift faster than the beat drops.

Drake and Kanye have had a complicated history, filled with public feuds, subliminal disses, and occasional moments of mutual respect. The fact that Kanye is now praising Drake’s work raises eyebrows and fuels speculation about what’s next. Will they bury the hatchet and collaborate on a track that could break the internet? Or is this just a temporary truce, destined to crumble under the weight of their competitive spirits?

Young Thug’s Role in the Mix

Meanwhile, Young Thug’s support adds another layer to the narrative. As a frequent collaborator with Drake, his endorsement is significant. The Atlanta rapper has been known to stir the pot himself, often jumping into the fray when it comes to industry beefs. His excitement over Drake’s success could be seen as a strategic move to align himself with the reigning king of hip-hop, especially as he continues to carve out his own space in the industry.

With both Kanye and Young Thug showing love for $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, fans are left wondering what this means for future collaborations. Could we see a track featuring all three artists? The thought alone sends fans into a frenzy, imagining the potential magic that could happen when these three powerhouse talents come together.

Drake’s Upcoming Performances

As Drake prepares for his upcoming performances at the Wireless Festival 2025, the excitement surrounding $ome $exy $ongs 4 U is palpable. He’s set to headline all three nights, and fans are eagerly anticipating a unique setlist that will likely include tracks from the new album. Given the buzz, it’s safe to say that the festival will be a hotbed of energy, with fans ready to sing along to every word.

The festival performances will be a crucial moment for Drake to showcase the new material and solidify its place in his discography. With the mixed reviews, a strong live performance could help sway critics and fans alike, proving that the album has the potential to resonate beyond just streaming numbers.

Social Media Buzz and Memes

As always, the internet has had a field day with the album’s release and the surrounding drama. Memes have flooded social media, with fans creating hilarious edits and captions that poke fun at the rivalry between Drake and Kanye. One popular meme features a split image of Kanye and Drake, with the caption, “When your enemy becomes your biggest fan.”

The creativity of the internet knows no bounds, and this incident has only fueled the fire. Fans are having a blast, and even some of Drake’s biggest critics are getting in on the action. “Drake throwing a slide at a drone is the content I didn’t know I needed,” one user tweeted. “This is peak entertainment.”

The Future of Hip-Hop: A New Era?

With the release of $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, the dynamics of hip-hop are shifting once again. Drake continues to prove that he’s a force to be reckoned with, while Kanye and Young Thug are also making their marks in the industry. The interplay between these artists highlights the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, where rivalries can turn into alliances and collaborations can emerge from the most unexpected places.

As the dust settles on this latest escapade, one thing is clear: Drake knows how to keep his name in the conversation. Whether it’s through his music, his marketing stunts, or his hilarious mishaps, he’s always finding a way to stay relevant.

In the grand scheme of things, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U may seem like just another album release, but it represents so much more. It’s a testament to Drake’s ability to adapt and thrive in an industry that is constantly changing. The mixed reviews, the unexpected support from rivals, and the record-breaking streaming numbers all contribute to a narrative that keeps fans engaged and eager for more.