Drake’s three new albums, Iceman, Habibti, and Maid of Honour, have set the internet aflame. As an engagement strategy, the surprise trilogy drop is supremely effective. But it’s also successful as a tangible manifestation of Drake’s public persona and psyche. Thematically and sonically, each project represents a different facet of the man: Iceman, his tough rapper shell; Habibti, his wounded lover boy heart; and Maid of Honour, his queen out club diva.
Some of the albums are more successful than others, and we’re still digesting our thoughts on each. But for now, see our top five songs that we think are absolutely worth hearing if you aren’t interested in slogging through the 43 tracks. (Spoiler alert: Maid of Honour is our favorite of the three.)
“National Treasures” from Iceman
“National Treasures,” Drake’s most passionate track on Iceman, is a three-minute attempt at self-preservation. Two years since his very public feud with Kendrick Lamar, there’s clearly been a lot weighing on his mind. Despite the noise, he remains focused on his city and his success, though the closing lines leave us questioning his state of mind.
“Cheetah Print” from Maid of Honour
Forget the insecure victim-complex of Iceman; Maid of Honour is where it’s at, specifically on “Cheetah Print.” Featuring a brilliant interpolation of the “Cha Cha Slide” with Sexyy Red, this is the club-ready Drake we have been waiting for.
“New Bestie” from Maid of Honour
Sometimes a good hook can do more than a hundred punchlines, and “New Bestie” proves it. Midway through the track, it shifts into a Jersey club beat, with Drake’s patois-inflected delivery paying homage to Vybz Kartel in a callback to his More Life era.
“True Bestie” from Maid of Honour
Drake taps Iconic Savvy for this Chicago-style juke track. It is a high-energy anthem that confirms Drake remains the king of summer smashes.
“White Bone” from Habibti
At nearly five minutes, this track is a long, rambling 2 a.m. phone call reminiscent of his Take Care era. It is a hollow-feeling tragedy that offers a rare, somber flash of the human underneath the superstar persona.
