Drake Hints at Recording Reggae Tracks After European Tour
Drake continues to push boundaries with his music, keeping fans intrigued with every move he makes. On the heels of his Thank Me Later album success, the Toronto native is hard at work on his second album, Take Care, due for release later this year. Drake’s rap and R&B fusion has won over millions of fans. Now, Drake hints at taking his sound in a new direction — reggae.
The rapper spent much of last year in and out of Jamaica. Drake filmed the music video for “Find Your Love” there. He even making a generous donation of $25,000 for a learning center on the island. His time in Jamaica not only deepened his connection to the culture but also influenced his musical outlook. Drake admitted that the island’s vibrant atmosphere made a lasting impact, leading him to consider incorporating reggae into his future projects.
Recording Sessions in Jamaica
During a recent interview with MuchMusic, Drake shared that he plans to head back to Jamaica following his European tour to continue recording. “I wanna do something for Jamaica because we are supposed to go out there and record after the European tour,” Drake said. Thus, further emphasizing his growing bond with the island.
His interest in reggae was sparked by the rhythms he encountered during his trips to Jamaica. So, he’s ready to embrace them on a more serious level. “I was like, send me some rhythms that are poppin’, and I’ll see what I can do,” Drake revealed. Thus, noting that he’s received some compelling beats to work with. “You never know,” he added, leaving fans to speculate whether a full-fledged reggae project might be in the works.
Controversy Over “Find Your Love”
Drake’s relationship with Jamaica hasn’t been without its share of controversy. The video for “Find Your Love,” prominently featured dancehall deejay Mavado. However, it drew criticism from the Jamaican government. Some officials felt that the video portrayed a negative image of the island by showcasing “gun culture.” Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett voiced his concerns, stating, “Gun culture, while not unique to Jamaica, is not enhancing the island’s image.”
Despite the backlash, Drake remained committed to celebrating Jamaican culture and music. His respect for reggae and dancehall evident in his ongoing work. It’s clear that he sees his return to Jamaica as an opportunity to explore even more of the country’s rich musical landscape.
The Impact of Jamaican Music on Drake
Drake has been open about how much Jamaican music has influenced his sound. Reggae, dancehall, and the distinct rhythms of the island have played a role in shaping some of his more melodic and laid-back tracks. His collaboration with Mavado and his time spent in the island nation have only deepened his connection to these sounds.
Jamaican music, particularly reggae and dancehall, has long had an influence on international pop culture. So, Drake seems poised to add his own take to the genre. His willingness to work with local artists and immerse himself in the culture shows a deep respect for the music’s roots. Fans have witnessed this influence firsthand in songs like “Find Your Love.” The song carries a reggae-inspired beat, though it falls more into the pop and R&B category.
For Drake, this journey into reggae music seems like a natural progression. His ability to blend genres, such as hip-hop and R&B, has been central to his appeal. Adding reggae to his musical repertoire could further expand his reach and solidify his place as one of the most versatile artists in the industry.
What Does This Mean for Take Care?
While fans are eagerly awaiting Take Care, Drake has been tight-lipped about whether his reggae experiments will appear on the upcoming album. Initially, Drake teased that his new project would include many old-school acts and feature various musical influences. With reggae now in the mix, it remains unclear how these new sounds will fit into his evolving sound.
However, Drake has shared his enthusiasm for the recording process, revealing that he’s been heavily focused on rap recently. “I’ve been rapping a lot lately. Me and 40 [his producer Noah Shebib] have been doing some great rap music,” Drake said. Thus, noting that he’s working on completing songs for his album. “I just completed the second song for my album, and I’m loving the sound. I’m excited again.”
This excitement has fans eagerly anticipating Take Care. However, Drake’s reggae ambitions raise questions about what else may be in store. Will we hear a mix of rap, R&B, and reggae on the album? Or will Drake’s reggae work remain a side project, separate from the Take Care narrative?
A Potential Reggae Project
While there’s no official confirmation yet, fans can’t help but speculate about the possibility of Drake releasing a full reggae project. His appreciation for Jamaican music is evident, and his collaborations with artists like Mavado have already hinted at his ability to blend his sound with the island’s rhythms.
Drake is known for experimenting with different genres, from his R&B mixtapes to his sharp rap bars, so a reggae-inspired project would be another demonstration of his range. However, as of now, it’s unclear whether these plans will materialize into a full project or remain a side experiment.
This potential project could serve as a way for Drake to reach new audiences and explore his love for a genre that has already had a significant impact on his music. For fans of reggae and dancehall, the idea of a Drake-led reggae project is exciting and could lead to some interesting collaborations between him and top Jamaican artists.
What’s Next for Drake?
Though Drake’s reggae direction remains uncertain, one thing is clear: he’s not afraid to explore new avenues. His versatility as an artist has been one of his strongest assets, and adding reggae to his repertoire only solidifies his position as one of the most dynamic figures in music today.
For now, fans can look forward to hearing Drake’s collaborations with other artists and his upcoming second album, Take Care. Whether or not reggae makes its way onto the album, Drake’s evolution as an artist continues to captivate listeners, and his willingness to take risks keeps fans excited for what’s next.
Drake’s connection to Jamaica and its music culture continues to deepen, and his upcoming trip to record in Jamaica is just another step in his journey of blending musical genres. While it remains to be seen if a full reggae project will emerge, it’s clear that Drake’s creativity knows no bounds. His fans can only wait and see what the rapper has in store for them next.
