The Drake Jukebox
Drake’s unprecedented genre-bending discography is appropriate for any mood, any hour, any setting
It goes without saying that over his career, Drake has constructed a catalogue that belongs in the conversation with rap’s all-time greats: 2Pac, Biggie, Jay-Z, Eminem, Kanye, & Lil’ Wayne, amongst others. This applies in terms of depth, replayability, critical acclaim and influence.
But this isn’t about who has the best discography — that part is all relative. Compared to his predecessors, what Drake possesses is a catalogue of songs that span genre and setting. This isn’t to say that the aforementioned group didn’t have songs that fit into certain environments, rather, Drake has been able to touch all bases with his discography, creating playlists for any and all settings where music can be played.
Sure, any rapper can have a hit for the clubs, one for seduction, another to vibe to, and one to drive to. But Drake’s library can be grouped in this way in large sample sizes — big enough to warrant a career in each field he has touched.
With that said, this isn’t just about his knack for bending genres. Most notably, Kanye has paved the way for Drake and many others, with his own ability to straddle the line of hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock, and soul.
By analyzing Drake’s library, it becomes apparent that you can separate his songs in four different categories. So without further ado, here are Drake’s four defining playlists, fit for any and all environments, moods, and mindsets.
The “One Dance” Mood: 6PM-11PM on Weekends
Warning signs: Everyone is on drink number 3, as the conversation gets progressively louder, the summer sun begins to set, and the alcohol starts to warrant ‘cut-the-rug’ level confidence.
Setting: backyard barbecue, outdoor bar, summertime house party
Top-Ten Playlist: “Controlla,” “Find Your Love,” “Hotline Bling,” “One Dance,” “Take Care,” “Tuesday,” “Too Good,” “What’s My Name,” “With You,” “Work”
For all intents and purposes, this is the Drake/RiRi collab playlist. It’s not a coincidence that four of the ten songs feature the duo; it’s obvious that together they make rug-cutting, dancefloor bangers. This is the perfect soundtrack for any summer night, specifically those in which the drinking started relatively early, with the plan being to drink until the early morning. This is the default “pre-game” playlist. Put it on, press play and watch the dancing ensue.
The “0 to 100” Mindset: 12AM to 3AM on Weekends
Warning signs: Debauchery begins to ensue, usually preceding or during the moment a group of friends locate one another at a bar.
Setting: club, bar, house party, sporting event, or any social setting in which there is an abundant supply of alcohol.
Top-Ten Playlist: “0 to 100,” “All Me,” “Back to Back,” “Energy,” “Jumpman,” “Know Yourself,” “Started from the Bottom,” “The Motto,” “Versace,” & “Worst Behavior.”
While Drake’s most notable songs may be his radio hits and full-blown pop ballads, he hasn’t forgotten how to stunt with the best of them. The “0 to 100” Mindset is exemplified by his legendary Soundcloud loosie turned Grammy nominated hit, showcasing Drake at his “no fucks given” finest. This playlist perfectly fits the mood when you are walking the fine line between drunk and belligerent. Once one of these songs gets played, the line is fully crossed into “Worst Behavior” territory, to name another song from this playlist. The best part about the “0 to 100” Mindset is that it can be played in any setting. Sometimes, it’s even more satisfying when played at full volume with a group of your closest friends, as you trade off sing-song-rapping lines from “Know Yourself,” culminating in the beat drop that makes you collectively lose your shit.
The “Aston Martin Music” Setting: Whenever it Gets Dark on Weeknights
Warning signs: Whether alone or in a group, it is silent, warranting the vibe-like atmosphere for ‘Melodic’ Drake.
Setting: Car — preferably an Acura … or an Aston Martin, if you can afford one.
Top-Ten Playlist: “Aston Martin Music,” “Come Thru,” “Connect,” “Feel No Ways,” “Hold on We’re Going Home,” “I’m On One,” “Poetic Justice,” “Preach 9,” “305 To My City”
Drake’s awareness of the relationship between music and driving has given rise to the numerous songs that sound best when in a car, driving down a dark highway. This playlist fits the mood of late-night driving specifically, with an airy, submerged vibe, exemplified by “Hold on We’re Going Home.” Slower, drug-induced moods encapsulated by “Connect” & “305 to My City,” perfectly set the tone for an afterhours drive, when the destination is not certain.
“Over My Dead Body” Introspective Mindset: Nighttime
Warning Signs: Individual gets reclusive, exhibiting the symptoms of a heartbroken or lost soul, looking for words of encouragement.
Setting: in most instances — a dark room
Top-Ten Playlist: “Dreams Money Can Buy,” “From Time,” “Jungle,” “Karaoke,” “No Tellin’ (Last Verse),” “Paris Morton Music 1 & 2,” “Too Much,” “Weston Road Flows,” “The Catch Up,” “30 for 30 Freestyle”
This is the playlist for any and all settings. It ends up setting Drake apart from his peers, in regards to his ability to simply talk over a beat and disguise it as rapping. “Introspective” Drake can talk any person off the ledge, get them through a heartbreak, pump them up whenever discouraged, and create an aura of invincibility in times of failure. This is the Drake that has kept his diehard fanbase, the ones who have been with him every step of the way since 2007, the ones who cringe when someone says their favorite Drake song is one of his top radio hits. This is Drake, at his Drakiest.
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