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In the past, Drake has been focused on rewiring hip-hop with melody. But his seventh solo studio album, “Honestly, Nevermind” — which came as a surprise, with an extended nine-and-a-half minute video for the song “Falling Back” — is an unexpected pivot to the dance floor. Drake has long included moments like these on his albums, but they rarely shaped the story. But now, for the first time, a production that is rock hard and up-tempo is reshaping its sound.
Is this just a logical turn of events for a pop star who has typically made pop from different parts? Is it a response to the growth of drill music, the prevalent rough hip-hop subculture? Or is it an acceptance of the lavish liberties of the midcareer middle age?
In this week’s Popcast, a talk about Drake’s evolution and production choices, the way he plays with his listeners’ expectations, and the dance music subcultures he’s experimenting with.
Guests:
Joe Coscarelli, the pop music reporter for DailyExpertNews
Lawrence Burney, arts and culture editor at The Baltimore Banner and the founder of True Laurels
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