Drake and Future make solid team in “What a Time to Be Alive”
September 21, 2015
Drake and Future dropped a highly-anticipated collaborative mixtape Sunday called “What A Time to Be Alive,” and, like everything else Drake puts out, I was immediately in love with it.
The introductory song, “Digital Dash”, gets you hyped to realize Drake is about to kill it yet again. The mixtape then opens with a banger called “Big Rings” about Drake’s team and how they’re staying rich.
“Cause I got a really big team, and they need some really big rings,” Champagne Papi raps. “They need some really nice things, better be comin’ with no strings.”
Drake’s flawless flows over the banging bass and tropical beat are sure to make this track a favorite.
The fourth track, “Diamonds Dancing,” ends with a sexy and mystical-sounding outro from Drake, who tells off his girl for doing him dirty. Although the lyrics are written from a male perspective, it’s relatable for anyone who’s ever had an inconsiderate bae.
“I haven’t even heard from you, not a single word from you,” Drizzy sings. “Ungrateful, I’m too good for you, too good for you.”
Drake also throws shade at numerous exes and other dudes in the rap game with whom he has beef on that track.
“Scholarships,” the fifth track, highlights Future’s rap skills in the first verse. Throughout the mixtape, Future and Drake sing and rap together, showcasing the versatility of both artists. The second to last track, “Jersey,” is the only song on the mixtape in which Future raps alone.
“Plastic Bag” praises a hardworking stripper, encouraging her to collect all the money she’s earned. Respect and admiration for strippers is a theme that reappears throughout Drizzy’s work.
“Get a plastic bag, go ahead and pick up all the cash,” Drank and Future sing. “Go ahead and pick up all the cash. You danced all night girl; you deserve it.”
One of the more intense songs on the mixtape is “Jumpman”, named after the Michael Jordan brand. the song contains numerous basketball references and a fast-paced beat.
The final track on the mixtape, “30 for 30 Freestyle,” features Drake touching on some more sensitive issues, as is typical of the 6 God.
“But I got bigger fish to fry. I’m talking bigger shit than you and I,” Drake raps. “Kids’ll lose their lives, got me scared of losing mine. And if I hold my tongue about it, I get crucified.”
Overall, this mixtape is solid and a great collaboration between two talented artists.