So Far Gone (by Drake, Rap)

SO FAR GONE is the long-awaited record from Drake, a Canadian MC who's recently taken the rap scene by storm. His talents have been acknowledged by the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne, who have all collaborated with him on their various projects. On Drake's own album, he chronicles the ups and downs of his rise to fame, discussing his conflicting desires to reap its spoils yet remain down-to-earth in the eyes of his friends and family. Though the MC uses a fair amount of strong language to get his points across, his lyrics are impressively introspective, especially for a rap CD -- going beyond the boring obsession with partying, material goods, and women that typifies so much of the genre. On "The Calm," for example, he describes "feeling so distant from everyone I've ever known." An edited version of the record is available, with bleeps in place of the worst adult words. 

Listening to this album, it doesn't take long to learn why the rap spotlight has become focused on Drake. While the rhymes of this young artist aren't quite as explosively raw and powerful as those of other MCs in their earlier years, such as Jay-Z and Eminem, they still show exceptional depth, and Drake delivers them with a distinctly appealing style and flow. The musical arrangements are every bit as good as his delivery, with highlights including the hypnotic "Houstatlantavegas" and the radio single "Best I Ever Had." 

Released on: September 15, 2009
Genre: Rap
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes