Live contributors Nomsa Motale & Lethabo Afrika Bogatsu give us a critical review of Drake’s new album “Nothing Was The Same” after it’s release on September 24. No prizes up for grabs for guessing who enjoyed it and didn’t. 

“It’s an album for everyone.” – Nomsa Motale

Drake’s new album had everybody buzzing. People were ranting and raving on Twitter. It seems as though Drake went all out he worked with the likes of 2Chainz, Jay-Z and Big Sean.

The album shows his skills from him singing then switching back to rapping. He added a personal tone about the issues he has struggled with in his life by expressing himself with songs such as “From Time”, which features Jhene Aiko.

“Worst Behavior” reveals Drake as the type of guy who lives his life on the edge. Meanwhile “Hold On We’re Going Home” shows us a more subtle Drake who fell in love. All in all, the production and the quality of the album is great, in terms of his rhyme schemes, the beats and the storytelling on each and every song.

Although the album used a cliché theme whereby most of the songs spoke about the same issues over and over again. Some of the rappers that were featured on the album could have worked harder in terms of how they delivered their verses on each song. A stronger approach could have been better. Whether you love to party on a Saturday night or chilling out with your friends and listening to good music, this album appeals to every type of listener.

The album art of Drake’s new album.

“It’s just a little too soft, sensitive and romantic.” – Lethabo Afrika Bogatsu

I really couldn’t care less about Drake. Don’t get me wrong, I have bobbed my head and hopped my booty to too some of his club bangers like “The Motto” “Take Care” and “HYFR”, but definitely not anything more than that.

My problem with Drake is that the dude is just a little too soft, too sensitive, too romantic. I consider him more of a chart-topping, record-selling Rn’B singer than an actual hardcore punchline-throwing rapper (e.g fellow YMCMB members Nicki Minaj or Lil Wayne). Hard as I may try, I just can’t take him seriously, and because of this prejudice I have a tendency of not being able to take Drake fans seriously either.

When my fellow LIVE contributor Nomsa said I should give his new album “Nothing Was The Same” a listen, I rolled my eyes and made a mental note to find a rope to hang myself when I got home. But after a little convincing, I decided to give it a listen. At first I struggled to maintain an open mind and ear but then eventually and begrudgingly started to get into it.

Overall, the album is alright. Just alright. It’s definitely not a “Yeezus”, or “Good Kid M.A.A.D City”. Actually, I don’t even think it’s as good as his previous albums “Thank me Later” and “Take Care”, but at least relationships didn’t take such overwhelming precedence. I know everybody’s raving about the album, but honestly, I’m just not convinced or sold on it. Maybe I need to give this new and improved – with added fabric softener – Drake another chance. Maybe he’ll grow on me. Or maybe I should just leave him to the girlfriends who lament for past relationships, mama’s boys who show off in their mommy’s car, and other folk who can’t really stomach anything heavier than this.

“Nothing Was The Same” is best played on a date, a girls night in or a slumber party as background music (NO candles and make sure you have enough wine), driving back home from a debaucherous night out, or looking for some down time lazing around the house in your sweats. You know, easy listening.

Follow @LiveMagSA contributors Nomsa Motale @lovablehippie and Lethabo Afrika Bogatsu @callmeafrika on Twitter.