Download Drake 'Over' (prod. Boi-1da)

Producer: Boi-1da & Al Khalliq - FULL, CDQ, 1st Single off upcoming album, Thank Me Later

Love him or hate him, there's no denying Drake's impact on the hip hop industry without even dropping a debut album yet. Alas, the time has come to try and exceed the high expectations he (and the industry) has created for him. Drake's 1st single "Over" is a Boi-1da produced cut that attempts to expand on the success both have recently achieved with smash hits like "Forever" and "Best I Ever Had". Both draw upon elements of those chart-topping songs for "Over". Don't get me wrong, "Over" is not a direct bite on anything; in fact, it has an originality to it that will help it separate from the rest of Drake's library. All I'm saying is that Drake parallels his tone and flow to moments in "Forever", specifically in his first verse, while Boi-1da follows the abrupt structure of transitions between verse and hook from "Forever" on "Over". However, both do so at a subpar level compared to "Forever". Keeping in mind that "Over" is meant to be a 1st single, Drake's punchlines fall short to some of his memorable ones in his verse on "Forever". The only one that really registered with me upon the first few listens was the Jada Pinkett punchline... and I had to Google that reference since I couldn't connect right away that the movie 'Set It Off' came out in 1996. Boi-1da, on the other hand, blended the two different sounds of the verse and the hook in "Forever" much more smoothly than he does in "Over". In fact, I would characterize it as awkward. It may just take some getting used to.

The other part of "Over" that's holding me back is Drake's flow, especially in the 2nd verse. Drake doesn't sound fluid over the beat, specifically when he speeds up things for a couple moments halfway through the verse. Maybe it's an absence of a more defined melody (like that of "Best I Ever Had")? Drake was at his best in his verses there but I can't quite say the same on "Over". The overwhelming positive throughout "Over" is definitely the hook. Gotta give it up for Drake there - the hook is gonna keep me coming back to this song. It's delivered almost flawlessly, very relatable, and motivating! With much of Drake's music growing on the listener over time, I'm gonna keep giving "Over" a fair shot in my rotation for weeks to come. But how long will it last on just the strength of the hook alone? Answer: Probably until another rapper (signed or unsigned) drops a few verses on this one, haha. Download above (shouts 2 Illy) and be the jury yourself! What do you think?

FULL, CDQ, NO DJ (previously tagged)

Presented by: DJ Drama & Gangsta Grillz

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