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Drake’s “It’s All A Blur” tour celebrates his success over the past 10 years, where he’s built a home atop the music industry’s food chain. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to reflect and rank some of Drake's best
collaborations over the last decade.
Drake, Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne
A legend in his own right, Lil Wayne just might be the man most responsible for the current state of rap and hip-hop culture. It goes to a whole other level when you consider the signing of Drake and Nicki Minaj and the impact they’ve had on this culture as well. It’s rare when the students reach the heights where the master performs, and in the case of Weezy F. Baby, the “F” must stand for “formula,” because when it comes to music, he, nor his students, can do no wrong. It should go without saying that Drake has transcended what is commonly defined as a “rapper,” and in doing so, has become a trailblazer for hip-hop culture and music alike. Everything from the beats, the cadence, the wordplay, and especially the competitive chemistry between the three, just brings out the most epic of flows. These three, without a doubt, are pioneers who were very much in their own lanes and already breaching the spaces that the upper echelon of rappers call home. Any time we could get them together on a track was a gift.
Drake & Rihanna
Drake has openly expressed his love for Rihanna for years. Some might even call her his muse. Throughout their years-long escapade, the two would collaborate to make hit records and perform some rather tantalizing dances together. The two worked together to bring us the classic song, off the classic album, both titled “Take Care.” The chemistry between the two wildly famous artists was invigorating and would leave fans salivating for more records like these. In 2016, they gave us exactly what we needed with their smash record “Work.” “Work” is kinetic, hypnotizing, and colorful. I wouldn’t expect any less from the duo, and if Rihanna is responsible for the creation of “Caribbean Drake,” then I’ve got to ensure she receives her well-deserved flowers as well. Whenever Rihanna makes her official return to music, a new Drake collab would immediately be a #1 hit.
Drake & 21 Savage
Since the release of Savage Mode produced by Metro Boomin in 2016, 21 Savage has been one of the biggest acts when it comes to the unadulterated subgenre of rap popularized by Atlanta. Drake is no stranger to Atlanta trap, having worked with artists like T.I. in his early aughts as a rapper, as well as 2 Chainz and Young Thug pretty regularly throughout his career. So when the two announced the release of this project, it was understood by many that it would be something to look out for. These two have worked a few times in the past, and on those few tracks, the two sparked in ways you don’t always get to see. Tracks like “Sneakin’” and “Jimmy Cooks” proved that the two could not only wrap together, but they could play around with the tone and tempo of the song, say the most savage lines conceivable, and know the result is a hit—so why not make an album?
Drake & Travis Scott
On every track Travis Scott and Drake share (excluding “Portland” on More Life), the two seldom rap on the same beat. The beats always switch, and they couldn’t be any more different from one another. It usually shifts from low to high, altering the tempo and overall tone of their halves of the track, like on “Comfortable,” or “Bubbly” where the two make featured appearances. Despite my love for these two songs, especially “Comfortable,” I’d honestly be lying to myself, and you, if I said their best song was anything other than “SICKO MODE”. Not only do the two annihilate their verses, they even join forces over the same beat for the final portion of the song, and, to top things off, those McDonald’s Drive-Thru videos will go down in the history books.
Drake & Future
I remember listening to leaks of Drake and Future's duo project, “FBGOVO,” on MyMixtapez weeks before it would officially drop under a much better title, “What A Time To Be Alive” in 2015. I was entering my sophomore year of high school when it seemed like every girl was having a Sweet Sixteen, and it was guaranteed that when the DJ played “Jumpman,” everyone would be off their feet. When I consider the lyrics, production, and impact on my life, “Digital Dash” is the obvious choice. It’s the first track off the album, it’s got hype, it’s got bars, and it's got Metro Boomin and Southside configuring all different pieces into a cohesive song. Songs like “Digital Dash” told fans that Drake had found his true partner in crime.
Drake & Jay-Z
“Pound Cake/ Paris Morton Music 2” is this duo’s best song. This is one of the few times you’ll see Jay-Z featured on a track where he doesn’t slaughter the other artist. Drake does more than hold his own on a track with one of the greatest rappers to ever pen a verse, he sent out a message to hip-hop fans that he was a legend-in-the-making and his time is now: “I'm authentic, real name, no gimmicks/ No game, no scrimmage, I ain't playin' with you n-ggas at all.”
Drake & Rick Ross
Ever since I first heard “Stay Schemin’” in 2012, I knew that Drake and Rick Ross on a track would be something to seek out, and they haven’t let me down yet. If you think I’m tripping, feel free to let me know, but Drake and Ross give me Bron and D Wade vibes on a track. Like LeBron, Drake has collaborated with many stars throughout his career, but something about his chemistry with that man in Miami just hits different. So much so, that even as they continue to find success in their respective careers, the fans still reminisce (or in this case, replay) their past moments while hoping that somewhere down the line, they unite to do it again, and that’s exactly what Drake and Ross did with “Lemon Pepper Freestyle.” From the very beginning of the song, Coco. O.’s enchanting voice and the throngs of a harp reel you in before Ross delivers a verse so beautiful, you’re left completely unprepared for Drake’s verse where he opens up about the current affairs of his life including his thoughts on what’s being said about him, his life as a father, his appreciation for those who always held him down and a sense of isolation that only comes with the level of fame he’s reached. It’s one of my favorite Drake verses, and I don’t think there was anyone who would have brought this out of Drake like Ross.
Honorable Mentions
Young Thug and Drake “Ice Melts” & “Sacrifices”
Jhené Aiko and Drake “From Time”
Fetty Wap and Drake “My Way Remix”
PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake “Recognize,” “Preach” and “With You”
Migos and Drake “Walk It Talk It”, “Having Our Way” and “Versace”
My favorite part about being a Drake fan is knowing that a fire project is always in the works. Just when you think you’ve consumed everything Drizzy, you discover a song from five years ago you either completely forgot about or never heard of. So while we wait for “All The Dogs,” it’s the perfect time to bump some Drake.