Dark Lane Demo Tapes

Last updated

Dark Lane Demo Tapes
Drake - Dark Lane Demo Tapes.png
Mixtape by
Drake
ReleasedMay 1, 2020 (2020-05-01)
Recorded2017 [1] – 2020
Genre
Length49:55
Label
Producer
Drake chronology
Care Package
(2019)		Dark Lane Demo Tapes
(2020)		 Scary Hours 2
(2021)
Singles from Dark Lane Demo Tapes
  1. "Toosie Slide"
    Released: April 3, 2020 (2020-04-03)

Dark Lane Demo Tapes is the sixth mixtape by Canadian rapper Drake. The mixtape is a compilation of songs that were released on SoundCloud or leaked on the internet, as well as new songs, and is considered a "warm-up" to Drake's sixth studio album Certified Lover Boy (2021). [3] It was released on May 1, 2020, by OVO Sound and Republic Records. Production was handled by Drake's longtime collaborator 40, among others. Featured guest appearances include Future, Young Thug, Chris Brown, Playboi Carti, Giveon, Fivio Foreign, and Sosa Geek.

Contents

Dark Lane Demo Tapes sees Drake moving away from his "hitmaking formula" to more experimentation, with common producers on his previous records being absent on the mixtape. With its production taking influence from lo-fi, UK drill, trap, SoundCloud rap, R&B and soul, the mixtape is noted for not being as cohesive as Drake's previous records. Rooted in dark, ambient sounds through prominent use of unpolished synths, themes on the mixtape include failed relationships, complicated relationships with friends, and braggadocio surrounding Drake's prominence in the music industry.

The mixtape was supported by the single "Toosie Slide", which debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Drake the first male artist to accomplish three number-one debuts on the chart. All 13 of the mixtape's other songs entered the chart, including the highly anticipated "Pain 1993", which debuted at number seven on the chart, making Drake the tied record holder (with American singer Madonna) for the most top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 with 38.

Dark Lane Demo Tapes was met with generally positive reviews, with critics praising it for having a more diverse, experimental array of genres and hazy production compared to Drake's most recent records, but criticizing some of its lyrical content as being weak. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, with 223,000 album-equivalent units, and became Drake's third record to top the UK Albums Chart. It also topped the charts in Australia, Canada, Estonia, the Netherlands, Ireland, Lithuania and New Zealand.

Background

On April 30, Drake announced the release of the mixtape via social media, also announcing his sixth studio album is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2020. [4] The mixtape is a compilation of songs that were released on SoundCloud or leaked on the internet, as well as new songs. [5]

Reflecting on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Drake said that "It's an interesting time for us all, as musicians, to figure out how this works and what people need, and I just felt like people would appreciate maybe a body of something to listen to, as opposed to just one isolated song". [6] Drake also indicated that the type of contemplative songs featured on Dark Lane Demo Tapes will also be on his upcoming studio album, saying, "I've been in a very reflective state, so I'm gonna give you all I have...All the other songs are fun, but this [contemplative songs] is what I love to do the most. [3]

Jessica McKinney of Complex found that the mixtape is not as cohesive as Drake's previous records, but is a "sample platter of what [Drake] has to offer right now". [3] With the mixtape not considered to be cohesive, Erik Skelton of Complex found that it allows Drake to "play around and try things that wouldn't make sense on a proper Drake album". [3] Craig Jenkins of Vulture felt that the gap between Scorpion and Drake's upcoming sixth album resembles the run-up to his 2011 album Take Care : songs considered to be "album material" do make it on the album, but are kept on a non-album record, e.g. his compilation album Care Package (2019) featured songs that did not make it on Take Care, among other projects. [7]

Promotion

Drake released the single "War" on December 24, 2019, with a music video. [8] [9] [10] On January 4, the demo of a collaboration with rapper Future was leaked online. On January 31, the song was officially released on SoundCloud titled "Desires". [11] [12] The released version omitted the intro and one verse from Future, replacing them with a verse and outro from Drake. On February 29, Drake released two more songs: "When to Say When" and "Chicago Freestyle", which had a combined music video. [13] On April 3, 2020, Drake released "Toosie Slide" with a music video. The song and music video feature a dance, which was created with the help of social media influencer Toosie. [14] The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Drake the first male artist to have three songs debut at number one. [15]

On April 7, 2020, Drake previewed unreleased songs on Instagram Live with OVO Mark, including "Time Flies", "Deep Pockets", "Landed", "Pain 1993", and "Demons". [16] [17] On April 9, 2020, "Deep Pockets" leaked online, the song was originally recorded for Scorpion (2018). [18] A day later, an early, unfinished version of "From Florida With Love" leaked online, featuring only one verse, which was similar in lyrics to the first verse of the officially released version. [19]

Recording

The mixtape is Drake's first major release not to feature producer Boi-1da. Boi-1da-620x443.jpg
The mixtape is Drake's first major release not to feature producer Boi-1da.

The mixtape sees Drake experimenting and deviating from his usual "hitmaking formula", with common producers on his previous records being absent on the mixtape, such as his frequent collaborator Boi-1da, Murda Beatz and PartyNextDoor. [20] Erik Skelton of Complex noted that Drake takes inspiration from the Soundcloud rap demographic on the mixtape, with prominent producers of the movement featured on the mixtape, including MexikoDro, OZ, and Pi'erre Bourne. [3] American record producer Foreign Teck told Complex in January 2019 that Drake had "about 10 producers" working in a secluded house in Los Angeles for about three weeks. The sessions produced the Drake and Rick Ross duet "Gold Roses", as well as "Losses". According to Foreign Teck, "Gold Roses" set the tone for the sessions:

"In the beginning, [Drake] kind of let us do our thing...And then, I remember the "Gold Roses" beat was made, and [Drake's] like, 'Yo, I need more shit like this'. Once he started hearing the slow beats, very simple, with vocal chops, that caught his ear". [1]

British record producer JB Made It produced "Demons" in January 2020 during recording sessions in New York. [21] Best known for his collaborations with American rapper Playboi Carti, American record producer MexikoDro co-produced "From Florida With Love" in 2017, a plugg music track, with co-production from Drake's longtime collaborator 40. [1] Plain Pat, known for collaborations with American rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi, co-produced the lo-fi-influenced "Deep Pockets" with 40. [22] Montreal native Roxx co-produced "When to Say When" with June James; the song is Roxx's first production credit. Drake's engineer Noel Cadastre, a member of Drake's OVO crew, produced "Chicago Freestyle" and "Not You Too". With him producing "Toosie Slide", "Time Flies" and co-producing "Losses", Swiss producer OZ is a prominent addition on the mixtape. Atlanta native, record producer D. Hill, who produced American rapper Future's "Life Is Good" — which featured Drake, co-produced "Desires". Southside, one of the originators of the trap wave in Atlanta, produced "D4L" for Future & Young Thug, originally in 2017. Known for Soundcloud rap hits, such as Playboi Carti's "Magnolia" and 6ix9ine's "GUMMO", Pi'erre Bourne produced "Pain 1993". Toronto record producer Sevn Thomas co-produced "Losses"; Thomas previously worked with Drake on the 2016 single "Pop Style". London record producer AXL Beats, who is known for popularizing UK drill beats to Brooklyn, produced "War". [23]

Themes and production

Critics noted that the "gloominess" of Dark Lane Demo Tapes is similar to Drake's second album Take Care (2011). Drake in 2011.jpg
Critics noted that the "gloominess" of Dark Lane Demo Tapes is similar to Drake's second album Take Care (2011).

Dark Lane Demo Tapes sees Drake rapping and singing about topics that have often featured on his previous releases, including failed relationships, complicated relationships with friends, and braggadocio surrounding his prominence and success in the music industry. [25] Writers of Time regarded the lyrics on the mixtape as introspective and not featuring hooks, with them being "surly, withdrawn and clearly indifferent to radio or viral success". [26] The same writers observed that the mixtape has a "wealth of sad boy songs", [26] while Erik Skelton of Complex said that the mixtape features "sleepy, introspective rap songs". [3] Noah Yoo of Pitchfork highlighted the mixtape's lyrics as Drake at "peak paranoia in his relationships, both business and personal". [27] Grant Rindner of Complex found similarities between Dark Lane Demo Tapes and the If You're Reading This It's Too Late (2015) mixtape, as both mixtapes see Drake rapping over "leaner, grittier beats" and focusing more on "traditional bars and delivery than melodies and hooks". [3]

Rapping about his "toxic romantic ways" and love interest, Drake interpolates Eminem's flow from his 2002 single "Superman" on the pre-chorus of "Chicago Freestyle". Drake raps over the beat that borrows the same soul sample as Jay-Z's 2001 single "Song Cry" on "When to Say When". [28] Featuring American singer Chris Brown, "Not You Too" is an R&B song that is led by Drake, while Brown provides "soothing" ad-libs. [29] The mixtape's hit single, "Toosie Slide", was called "strictly a business decision" by Pitchfork due to its dance craze-inspired lyrics aimed for virality on the video-sharing platform TikTok. [26] "D4L", named after the Atlanta hip hop group D4L, sees Drake collaborate with American rappers Young Thug and Future for a trap song. [30] Featuring Playboi Carti, the highly anticipated "Pain 1993" sees Carti and Drake rapping in a high-pitched flow known as the "baby voice". [31] On "From Florida with Love", Drake raps about the value of friendships and growth. [32] On "Demons", a Brooklyn drill influenced song, Drake raps in an urban London accent and makes use of urban UK lingo, which was labelled as " Top Boy–esque" by Aaron Williams of Uproxx. [28] [33] The song features New York drill rappers Fivio Foreign and Sosa Geek. "War" sees Drake use a typical "UK drill flow" over a UK drill beat by AXL Beats. Notably, on the song, Drake narrates the squashing of his feud with Canadian contemporary The Weeknd. [28]

Michael Saponara of Billboard described Dark Lane Demo Tapes as a "doom-and-gloom record", [28] while Max Cea of GQ highlighted the mixtape's "hazy synths" and "dim, ambient beats". [25] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian described the production as a "drizzly electronic haze", [34] and Exclaim! 's Riley Wallace noted that the mixtape is "rooted in the dark, sombre, solo drive through a sleepy city aesthetic". [35] Yoo also recognized the mixtape as "hazier than Drake's most recent albums". [27] Josh Svetz of HipHopDX described the mixtape's tone as "basking in dour ambiance, projecting a setting of drizzling rain cascading from the clouds in the grey sky as vibrating 808s set the tone", while Drake "sounds like he's crooning from the balcony of a high rise loft at 3 a.m., draped in a Versace Baroque bathrobe as he sips on red wine." [36] Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, Svetz noted that Drake captures the "shared sadness" of the pandemic, and that Dark Lane Demo Tapes is a "fitting soundtrack to the grim reality we all currently live in." [36] Writers of Complex found that the mixtape's cover—Drake wearing a balaclava—is a "dark, moody image that accurately reflects the music found inside [Dark Lane Demo Tapes]." [3]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?5.0/10 [37]
Metacritic 61/100 [38]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [39]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [40]
NME Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [30]
Exclaim! 7/10 [35]
HipHopDX 3.6/5 [41]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [42]
Pitchfork 6.8/10 [43]

Dark Lane Demo Tapes was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 61, based on nine reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews". [38] Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave it 5.0 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus. [44]

In a first listen review, Noah Yoo of Pitchfork praised the collaborations on Dark Lane Demo Tapes for being "well-considered and mostly successful", as they complement Drake's emotions, such as "bitter, eccentric, and aggressive". [27] Erik Skelton of Complex highlighted that "Mixtape Drake" is a "very good Drake", and the mixtape is a "very worthwhile listen that satisfies a subset of fans who might be turned off by some of the polish coming from a 2020 Drake studio album". [3] In a review for AllMusic, Tim Sendra stated that while the mixtape is not as "fun or sonically interesting" as Drake's early work, it's a step in a more progressive direction. Sendra concluded that the mixtape is "a solid entry in [Drake's] ever growing catalog." [39] Writing for Exclaim! , Riley Wallace noted that Dark Lane Demo Tapes delivers a "good collection of cuts" and features "some absolute gems", however, it fails to offer anything different from Drake's previous releases. [35] Though Wallace felt that the mixtape is "nothing groundbreaking", she called it a "hit". [35]

Alexis Petridis of The Guardian praised the mixtape for being "occasionally fantastic", specifically "D4L, "Demons" and "War", but criticized "Pain 1993" for being "occasionally hugely irritating". Though Petridis found the mixtape to be "sometimes sounding atmospheric", he also felt that it sounds like a "noncommittal shrug", due to songs on the mixtape not offering enough sonic impression. Petridis summed up Dark Lane Demo Tapes as having "flashes of skill and rawness, [but] feeling like a clumsy lunge at commercial success". [34] In an official review for Pitchfork, Rawiya Kameir hailed the mixtape for having "moments of precise delivery, sticky flows, and hooks primed to be enjoyed in the context of an arena show", but criticized Drake's "teenage boyhood" lyricism directed at women. [45]

In a generally negative review of Dark Lane Demo Tapes, NME 's Luke Morgan Britton felt that Drake "failed to learn the lessons" from his previous album, Scorpion, describing the mixtape as a "bloated and unnecessary release, which veers from recycled ideas to outright duds". [46] Though Josh Svetz of HipHopDX called the mixtape a "collection of moody bangers and ballads that show glimpses how Drake can still command the attention of the masses", Svetz criticized the mixtape's "unfocused loosies" as filler tracks that "poison the few good crops [Drake] produces [on the mixtape]". Svetz also criticized "Losses" for being near the tail end of the Dark Lane Demo Tapes, which he described as the most well-written ballad on the mixtape, and an "intro worthy material" song. [36]

Commercial performance

On its first day of release, Dark Lane Demo Tapes occupied the top fourteen positions on the US and Global Apple Music songs chart, and eight of the top 10 positions on the US Spotify songs charts, led by the track "Pain 1993", on all three charts. [47]

In Drake's native Canada, Dark Lane Demo Tapes debuted at number one. In the US, the mixtape debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, with 223,000 equivalent album units, including 19,000 pure sales and 269.1 million streams, marking Drake's 12th consecutive top 10 album. [48] All 14 songs on the mixtape also entered the Billboard Hot 100, [49] the highest-debuting entry being "Pain 1993", [50] which debuted at number seven, making Drake the tied record holder (with Madonna) for the most top 10 hits on the Hot 100. [51] As of December 26, 2020, Dark Lane Demo Tapes was the nineteenth best-selling album of the year according to Hits, moved a total of 1,053,000 album-equivalent units by the end of 2020, including 44,000 pure album sales, 142,000 song sales, 1,298 billion audio-on-demand streams, and 112 million video-on-demand streams. [52]

The mixtape debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, earning 20,000 units in its first week. [53] It also topped the charts in Australia, the Netherlands, Ireland, Lithuania and New Zealand.

Track listing

Credits adapted from Tidal and BMI. [54] [55]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Deep Pockets"
3:42
2."When to Say When"
3:43
3."Chicago Freestyle" (with Giveon)
3:40
4."Not You Too" (featuring Chris Brown [a] )
Cadastre4:29
5."Toosie Slide"
 OZ 4:07
6."Desires" (featuring Future)
  • D. Hill
  • Cadastre [a]
3:57
7."Time Flies"
  • Graham
  • Yildirim
OZ3:12
8."Landed"
2:32
9."D4L" (with Future and Young Thug)
 Southside 3:09
10."Pain 1993" (featuring Playboi Carti)
 Pi'erre Bourne 2:29
11."Losses"
  • Graham
  • Yildirim
  • Thomas, Jr.
  • Michael Hernandez
  • Elias Sticken
  • OZ
  • Sevn Thomas
  • Foreign Teck [a]
  • Elyas [a]
4:31
12."From Florida with Love"
  • Graham
  • Cameron Pitts
  • Shebib
  • MexikoDro
  • 40
3:54
13."Demons" (featuring Fivio Foreign and Sosa Geek)
JB Made It3:24
14."War"
  • Graham
  • Manalla Yusuf
Axl3:00
Total length:49:55

Notes

Sample credits

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal. [54]

Musicians

Technical

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for Dark Lane Demo Tapes
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [92] Gold35,000‡
Canada (Music Canada) [93] 2× Platinum160,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [94] Platinum20,000‡
France (SNEP) [95] Gold50,000‡
Italy (FIMI) [96] Gold25,000‡
Poland (ZPAV) [97] Gold10,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [98] Gold100,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>What a Time to Be Alive</i> Collaborative commercial mixtape by rappers Drake and Future

What a Time to Be Alive is a collaborative commercial mixtape by Canadian rapper Drake and American rapper Future. It was released on September 20, 2015, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, Republic Records, Epic Records, A1 Records and Freebandz. The mixtape was executive produced by Metro Boomin, who also produced or co-produced eight of its 11 songs. Additional producers include 40, alongside Southside, Allen Ritter, Boi-1da, Frank Dukes, and others. It was released on the iTunes Store and Apple Music, and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.

<i>The Perfect LUV Tape</i> 2016 mixtape by Lil Uzi Vert

The Perfect LUV Tape is the fourth mixtape by American rapper and singer Lil Uzi Vert. It was released through Generation Now and Atlantic Records on July 31, 2016. The mixtape features guest appearances from American rappers Playboi Carti, Offset, and Future. The mixtape's production was handled by Don Cannon, DJ Drama, Cubeatz, Maaly Raw, Metro Boomin, Zaytoven, Nard & B, and among others. The mixtape is considered a spiritual successor to Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World (2016) as it retains subtle references to the mixtape, as well as the graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim, on its cover art. The cover art was created by Eryck Sakutaro. The song "Do What I Want" has been featured in the soundtrack for the video game "NBA 2K18".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Playboi Carti</span> American rapper

Jordan Terrell Carter, known professionally as Playboi Carti, is an American rapper. An influential figure among his generation, he has contributed to the progression of trap music and its rage subgenre. He first signed with local underground record label Awful Records in 2014, and later signed with ASAP Mob's record label AWGE, in a joint venture with Interscope Records two years later. Carter gained mainstream attention following the release of his eponymous debut mixtape (2017), which peaked at number 12 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and spawned the Billboard Hot 100-charting singles "Magnolia" and "Wokeuplikethis".

<i>Cozy Tapes Vol. 1: Friends</i> 2016 studio album by ASAP Mob

Cozy Tapes Vol. 1: Friends is the debut studio album by American hip hop collective ASAP Mob. It was released on October 31, 2016, by ASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records. The album contains verses from each member of the ASAP Mob group such as ASAP Rocky, ASAP Twelvyy, ASAP Ant, ASAP Ferg, ASAP Nast, Playboi Carti and Yung Lord/ASAP Bari. ASAP Mob enlisted the variety of guest appearances from Juicy J, Key!, Wiz Khalifa, BJ the Chicago Kid, Buddy, Skepta, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, MadeinTYO, Onyx, Offset, Tyler, The Creator and Yung Gleesh; as well as the album's production was provided by Hector Delgado, alongside several other record producers such as AyoDlo, Crazy Mike, Dun Deal, Lil Awree, DJ Smokey, Plu2o Nash, Maaly Raw and Wavy Wallace.

<i>Perfect Timing</i> (mixtape) 2017 mixtape by Nav and Metro Boomin

Perfect Timing is a collaborative mixtape by Canadian rapper and record producer Nav and American record producer Metro Boomin. It was released on July 21, 2017, by Boominati Worldwide, XO, and Republic Records. The mixtape contains production from Metro Boomin, Nav, Pi'erre Bourne, and Southside among others, and features guest appearances from Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, Offset, 21 Savage, Nav's fellow labelmate Belly, and Gucci Mane. It was supported by two singles: "Perfect Timing (Intro)" and "Call Me". In 2023, Nav and Metro announced a sequel to the album simply called “Perfect Timing 2“

<i>Still Striving</i> 2017 mixtape by ASAP Ferg

Still Striving is the second mixtape by American rapper ASAP Ferg. It was released through ASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music, and RCA Records on August 18, 2017. The album features guest appearances from Meek Mill, Cam'ron, Dave East, Lil Yachty, Nav, Famous Dex, Playboi Carti, Migos, ASAP Rocky, MadeinTYO, Busta Rhymes, French Montana, Rick Ross, and Snoop Dogg. It was supported by the single "Plain Jane".

<i>Playboi Carti</i> (mixtape) 2017 mixtape by Playboi Carti

Playboi Carti is the debut commercial mixtape by American rapper of the same name. It was released through AWGE and Interscope Records on April 14, 2017. The mixtape contains 15 tracks and features guest appearances from fellow rappers Lil Uzi Vert, ASAP Rocky as well as Dutch singer Leven Kali. Production was executively handled by ASAP Rocky and was primarily handled by Pi'erre Bourne, alongside several other record producers, including Harry Fraud, Hit-Boy, Jake One, Ricci Riera, and Southside. The physical version of the mixtape was released on October 6, 2017, and a vinyl edition was released on November 17, 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wokeuplikethis</span> 2017 single by Playboi Carti featuring Lil Uzi Vert

"Wokeuplikethis" (stylized as "wokeuplikethis*" is a song by American rapper Playboi Carti, featuring fellow American rapper Lil Uzi Vert. Written alongside producer Pi'erre Bourne, it was originally released on March 11, 2017 to SoundCloud before being official released on April 7, 2017, as the second single from Carti's eponymous debut commercial mixtape. The song samples the 2004 single "White Tee".

<i>Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy</i> 2017 studio album by ASAP Mob

Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy is the second studio album by American hip hop collective ASAP Mob. It was released on August 25, 2017, by ASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records. The album features guest appearances from Big Sean, Pro Era, Quavo, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, Chief Keef, Gucci Mane, Schoolboy Q, Frank Ocean, Jaden Smith, Smooky Margielaa and Flatbush Zombies. It was preceded by two singles, "Raf" featuring ASAP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Quavo, Lil Uzi Vert and Frank Ocean, and "Feels So Good" featuring ASAP Rocky, ASAP Ferg, ASAP Nast, ASAP Twelvyy and ASAP Ant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Playboi Carti discography</span> Discography of American rapper

The discography of American rapper Playboi Carti consists of two studio albums, two extended plays (EPs), three mixtapes, one promotional single, and 27 singles. Under the alias Sir Cartier, he began his career by self-releasing three mixtapes: THC: The High Chronicles (2011), Young Misfit (2012), and Sen$ation (2013). These early works helped shape his experimental sound and laid the foundation for his rise in the underground rap scene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pi'erre Bourne</span> American record producer

Jordan Timothy Jenks, known professionally as Pi'erre Bourne, is an American record producer, rapper, songwriter, and audio engineer. He is best known for producing the 2017 singles "Magnolia" for Playboi Carti and "Gummo" for 6ix9ine, both of which entered the top 30 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

<i>Die Lit</i> 2018 studio album by Playboi Carti

Die Lit is the debut studio album by American rapper Playboi Carti. It was released through AWGE and Interscope Records on May 11, 2018. The album consists of 19 tracks and features a wide range of guest appearances from artists including Skepta, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, Pi'erre Bourne, Nicki Minaj, Bryson Tiller, Chief Keef, Gunna, Red Coldhearted, Young Thug, and Young Nudy. Production was executively handled by Pi'erre Bourne, alongside several other record producers, including Don Cannon, IndigoChildRick, Maaly Raw, Art Dealer and Playboi Carti himself. The album serves as a follow-up to his debut self-titled mixtape (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oz (record producer)</span> Swiss record producer

Ozan Yildirim, professionally known as OZ, is a Swiss record producer and songwriter of Turkish descent. He has produced for many hip hop artists, including Drake, Future and Travis Scott, including on the number-one hits "Sicko Mode" (2018), "Highest in the Room" (2019) and "Life Is Good" (2020). He has received nominations for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song for "Sicko Mode" and "Gold Roses".

<i>!</i> (Trippie Redd album) 2019 studio album by Trippie Redd

! is the second studio album by American rapper Trippie Redd. It was released on August 9, 2019, by TenThousand Projects and Caroline Records. The album features appearances from Diplo, The Game, Lil Duke, Lil Baby and Coi Leray. The album also originally included the song "They Afraid of You", but was removed from streaming services just six days after its release, on August 15th, 2019.

<i>Whole Lotta Red</i> 2020 studio album by Playboi Carti

Whole Lotta Red is the second studio album by American rapper Playboi Carti. It was released on December 25, 2020, by AWGE and Interscope Records. The album consists of 24 tracks and features guest appearances from American rappers Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Future. West served as the executive producer for the album, contributing to its overall production and appearing on the track "Go2DaMoon". The primary production was handled by F1lthy and Art Dealer, alongside a host of other producers, including Pi'erre Bourne, Maaly Raw, Lil 88, Jasper Harris, Ojivolta, and Wheezy. Recording for Whole Lotta Red began in late 2018 and concluded in November 2020. The album serves as the follow-up to Carti's debut studio album, Die Lit (2018).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">War (Drake song)</span> 2020 song by Drake

"War" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his commercial mixtape Dark Lane Demo Tapes (2020). It was released on December 24, 2019, through Republic and OVO.

"Desires" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake featuring American rapper Future. It was released as the tenth track from Drake's fifth mixtape Dark Lane Demo Tapes, on May 1, 2020. The song was written by Drake and Playboi Carti, alongside record producers D. Hill and Noel Cadastre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toosie Slide</span> 2020 single by Drake

"Toosie Slide" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his commercial mixtape Dark Lane Demo Tapes (2020). Written alongside producer OZ, it was released as the lead single on April 3, 2020, through Republic and OVO. The song is titled after social media influencer, Toosie, who had previously helped the song go viral. A video was released alongside the song, showing Drake quarantined, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also demonstrates the Toosie Slide dance in his Toronto mansion. The song debuted at number eighteen on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 before debuting at number one on the main Billboard Hot 100 chart the next week, making Drake the first male artist to accomplish three number-one debuts.

"Pain 1993" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake featuring American rapper Playboi Carti. It was released as the tenth track from Drake's fifth mixtape Dark Lane Demo Tapes, on May 1, 2020. The song was written by Drake and Playboi Carti, alongside American record producer Pi'erre Bourne.

<i>Slime & B</i> 2020 mixtape by Chris Brown and Young Thug

Slime & B is a collaborative commercial mixtape by American singer Chris Brown and American rapper Young Thug. It was released on May 5, 2020, by Chris Brown Entertainment, LLC, under exclusive license to RCA. The mixtape includes guest appearances from Gunna, Future, Too $hort, E-40, among others. "Go Crazy" was released as the mixtape's lead single, and became one of the most successful songs for both artists, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending more than one full year on the chart.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Stories From the Making of Drake's 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes'". Complex. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  2. ↑ "The 6 Biggest Takeaways From Drake's New album Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Time.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "First Impressions of Drake's New Project Dark Lane Demo Tapes'". Complex. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Drake's 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes': Stream It Now". Billboard. May 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Drake Releases 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes,' Announces Summer 2020 Album". Rolling Stone. May 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  6. ↑ Kornhaber, Spencer (May 4, 2020). "Drake Responds to the Pandemic in a Predictably Drake Way". The Atlantic. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  7. ↑ Jenkins, Craig (May 5, 2020). "What More Is There for Drake to Do?". Vulture. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  8. ↑ D'Souza, Shaad (December 24, 2019). "Drake releases new song and video "War"". The Fader. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  9. ↑ Minsker, Evan (December 24, 2019). "Drake Shares Video for New Song "War": Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  10. ↑ Scrafton, Lewis (December 24, 2019). "Drake Is Doing up UK Drill on New Freestyle Track "War"". Versus. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  11. ↑ "Drake shouts out Katy, Texas in leaked song 'I Know'". January 13, 2020.
  12. ↑ Minsker, Evan (January 31, 2020). "Drake and Future Share New Song "Desires": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  13. ↑ Ismael Ruiz, Matthew; Hussey, Allison (March 1, 2020). "Listen to Drake's New Songs "When to Say When" and "Chicago Freestyle"". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  14. ↑ "Drake Returns with New Single 'Toosie Slide'". Rap-Up. April 2, 2020. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  15. ↑ Trust, Gary (April 13, 2020). "Drake Makes Historic Debut at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 With 'Toosie Slide'". Billboard . Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  16. ↑ "Drake teases collaboration with Playboi Carti on Instagram live session". NME. April 7, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  17. ↑ "Drake Previews New Music With Playboi Carti". Hiighsnobiety. April 8, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  18. ↑ "New Drake Song 'Rollin' Surfaces Online". April 9, 2020.
  19. ↑ "Stream New Music: Drake - Plug - DailyNewHipHop". April 11, 2020. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Review - Drake cements his legacy in hip-hop with Dark Lane Demo Tapes". SHIFTER Magazine. May 1, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  21. ↑ Burrell, Edward (May 1, 2020). "Finesse Foreva producing UK Drill for Drake". Finesse Foreva. Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  22. ↑ "Drake Collects Odds and Ends for Surprise Mixtape 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes'". Entertainment Voice. May 1, 2020. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  23. ↑ Ju, Shirley (May 3, 2020). "Every Producer Who Worked on Drake's 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes'". Variety. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  24. ↑ Schwartz, Danny (May 4, 2020). "Drake's 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' Might Be His Gloomiest Release Ever". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  25. 1 2 Cea, Max (May 2020). "The Best Song on Drake's New 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' Is..." GQ. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  26. 1 2 3 "The 6 Biggest Takeaways From Drake's New Mixtape Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Time. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  27. 1 2 3 "5 Takeaways From Drake's New Mixtape Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Pitchfork. May 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  28. 1 2 3 4 "Every Song From Drake's Surprise Project, Ranked". Billboard. May 1, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  29. ↑ "Drake's 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes': Where Every Song Comes From". Billboard. May 1, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  30. 1 2 "Drake – 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' review". NME Music News, Reviews, Videos, Galleries, Tickets and Blogs | NME.COM. May 1, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  31. ↑ Listen to "Pain 1993" [ft. Playboi Carti] by Drake , retrieved May 3, 2020
  32. ↑ "Drake's 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes': Where Every Song Comes From". Billboard. May 1, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  33. ↑ "Drake Should Have Made 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' An Album, Not A Mixtape". UPROXX. May 5, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  34. 1 2 Petridis, Alexis (May 3, 2020). "Drake: Dark Lane Demo Tapes review – rap's whingeing king hits a dead end". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  35. 1 2 3 4 "Drake's 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' Is Nothing Groundbreaking — But Still a Hit". exclaim.ca. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  36. 1 2 3 "Review: Drake's 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' Signifies These Bleak Times". HipHopDX. May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  37. ↑ "Drake - Dark Lane Demo Tapes" . Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  38. 1 2 "Dark Lane Demo Tapes by Drake Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  39. 1 2 "Dark Lane Demo Tapes - Drake | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic . RhythmOne . Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  40. ↑ Petridis, Alexis (May 3, 2020). "Drake: Dark Lane Demo Tapes review – rap's whingeing king hits a dead end". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  41. ↑ Jacobs, Allen (March 7, 2012). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 3/4/2012". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on October 6, 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
  42. ↑ Schwartz, Danny (May 4, 2020). "Drake's 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' Might Be His Gloomiest Release Ever". Rolling Stone . Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  43. ↑ Kameir, Rawiya. "Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Pitchfork.
  44. ↑ "Dark Lane Demo Tapes by Drake reviews | Any Decent Music". www.anydecentmusic.com. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  45. ↑ "Drake: Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  46. ↑ "Drake – 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' review: business as usual on rapper's forgettable stop-gap release". NME . May 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  47. ↑ "Drake's "Dark Lane Demo Tapes" Claims Top 14 Spots On US & Global Apple Music Streaming Charts; 8 Of Top 10 Spots On US Spotify". Headline Planet. May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  48. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (May 10, 2020). "Kenny Chesney Lands Ninth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'Here and Now'". Billboard . Retrieved May 11, 2020.
  49. ↑ Billboard Charts (verified account) [@BillboardCharts] (May 11, 2020). "All 14 songs from @Drake's mixtape 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' appear on this week's #Hot100" (Tweet). Retrieved May 12, 2020– via Twitter.
  50. ↑ Trust, Gary (May 11, 2020). "Doja Cat's 'Say So,' Featuring Nicki Minaj, Tops Billboard Hot 100, Becoming Their First No. 1 Each". Billboard . Retrieved May 12, 2020.
  51. ↑ "Drake". Billboard. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  52. ↑ "THE BIGGEST ALBUMS OF 2020". Hits . December 26, 2020. Retrieved September 1, 2022.
  53. ↑ "Drake scores the Official UK Chart double". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  54. 1 2 "Dark Lane Demo Tapes / Drake". Tidal . Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  55. ↑ "BMI | Repertoire Search". BMI. Select "TITLE", type "Song" in the search engine, and click "Search". Archived from the original on April 6, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
  56. ↑ S E V N 🔗 (April 30, 2020). "out now! got 2 on here 🙏🏾 im back" – via Twitter.
  57. 1 2 Fu, Eddie; Shannon, Delisa; Hill, Tia; Morel Jr., Jacques (February 29, 2020). "Drake Surprises Fans With "When To Say When" & "Chicago Freestyle"". Genius . Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  58. ↑ "Drake – From Florida With Love". Genius.com. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  59. ↑ "Australiancharts.com – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  60. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
  61. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  62. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  63. ↑ "Drake Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
  64. ↑ "Danishcharts.dk – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  65. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  66. ↑ "ALBUMID TIPP-40". Eesti Ekspress . May 12, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  67. ↑ "Drake: Dark Lane Demo Tapes" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  68. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  69. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  70. ↑ "Official Irish Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  71. ↑ "Italiancharts.com – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  72. ↑ "ALBUMŲ TOP100" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. May 8, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  73. ↑ "Charts.nz – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  74. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  75. ↑ "Portuguesecharts.com – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  76. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  77. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  78. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  79. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  80. ↑ "Drake Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
  81. ↑ "Drake Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  82. ↑ "ARIA Top 100 Albums for 2020". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  83. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 2020". Ultratop. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  84. ↑ "Top Canadian Albums – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  85. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 2020" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  86. ↑ "Top de l'année Top Albums 2020" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  87. ↑ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2020". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  88. ↑ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  89. ↑ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  90. ↑ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  91. ↑ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  92. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  93. ↑ "Canadian album certifications – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Music Canada . Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  94. ↑ "Danish album certifications – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  95. ↑ "French album certifications – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique . Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  96. ↑ "Italian album certifications – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  97. ↑ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry . Retrieved December 28, 2023. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter Dark Lane Demo Tapes in the search box.
  98. ↑ "British album certifications – Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  1. ↑ Although Brown is given feature credit, he only performs background vocals.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.