Nikaya B. Motley
Staff Writer
It is more than just music when two Toronto icons, Drake and PartyNextDoor, decide to release a full-length joint album; it’s a moment in culture.
Their past collaborations have resulted in timeless successes, and their Valentine’s Day release of “$some $exy $ongs 4 U” reminds everyone of their unrivaled connection.
With its unique blend of hard-hitting hip-hop, sensual R&B, and intense emotional reflection, this 21-track masterpiece has catchy beats and relatable lyrics.
“Nokia,” the album’s opening track, draws listeners in and establishes the mood for introspection and emotional openness. The lyrics are heartbreaking, while the music is nostalgic for the early 2000s.
Combining PartyNextDoor’s ambient music with Drake’s reflective flow produces a soundscape that feels personal yet universal.
One standout track on the album is “Sunset Boulevard,” which features Yebba and gives the album’s melancholic atmosphere a welcome dose of soul. Yebba’s voice melds perfectly with PND’s mellow melodies to create a powerful, intimate energy.
Drake’s “Gimme a Hug,” which gently rekindles his spat with Kendrick Lamar over a soft piano rhythm, illustrates how the album flexes while transitioning deeply into themes of vulnerability and longing. It’s vintage Drake, smooth on the surface yet cutting underneath.
In terms of production, this record is perfect. The influence of PartyNextDoor is omnipresent, producing a deluxe, evocative soundtrack that seems ideal for late-night journeys or peaceful times of reflection.
Songs like “Velvet Sheets” and “Lost in Translation” have the ethereal, mesmerizing, and gloomy mood that’s a signature OVO Sound. Because of the deep beats, both singers can move fluidly between grief and confidence.
This album, which has 21 tracks, could have easily seemed crowded, yet it doesn’t. Even the slower parts feel purposeful rather than filler, as each song contributes something to the whole experience.
Drake produces some of his best lyrics in a long time. His ability to blend emotion with incisive storytelling is demonstrated by lines like “I tried to build a home, but it turned into a hotel room.”
The vocals of PartyNextDoor, meanwhile, give the record a depth that makes it better overall. Songs like “Late Night Confessions” are remarkable due to his pure passion and subtle strength.
Drake and PartyNextDoor’s undeniable connection sets $some $exy $ongs 4 U apart. PND’s mellow tone and Drake’s reflective storytelling work well together to produce an intimate, cohesive, and emotionally straightforward production.
Immersion is the best way to characterize this album. You are drawn deeper into the universe of the pair with each beat, lyric, and song. Each song contributes to the entire mood and emotional trip, so you listen to the album from beginning to end without missing a single tune.
Score: 5.5 out of 5. It is that good, indeed. “Some $exy $ongs 4 U” is an experience rather than an album. This effort establishes a new benchmark for what contemporary R&B and hip-hop collaborations can accomplish, from the mesmerizing highs of “CN Tower” to the late-night soothing of “Sunset Boulevard.”
The album is well-produced, with each track featuring a unique production and a memorable chorus that will stick in listener’s heads.
