So Far Gone (mixtape)

Last updated
So Far Gone
Drake - So Far Gone cover.png
Mixtape by
Drake
ReleasedFebruary 13, 2009 (February 13, 2009)
Recorded2008
Genre
Length70:35
Label OVO
Producer Noah "40" Shebib (also exec.)
Drake chronology
Comeback Season
(2007)		So Far Gone
(2009)		 So Far Gone
(2009)
Singles from So Far Gone
  1. "Best I Ever Had"
    Released: February 13, 2009
  2. "Successful"
    Released: February 13, 2009

So Far Gone is the third mixtape by Canadian rapper Drake. It was released on February 13, 2009, self-released under his October's Very Own label. The mixtape was met with critical and commercial success, serving as a catalyst for Drake's career as a mainstream musical artist. So Far Gone peaked at number seven on the Canadian Albums Chart and number five on the Billboard 200. It remains Drake's final independent project. [1]

Contents

Its lead singles, "Best I Ever Had" and "Successful" reached numbers two and 17 respectively on the US Billboard Hot 100. The mixtape was promoted with a release party in Toronto with Drake and LeBron James. [2] Guest appearances include Omarion, Lloyd, Lykke Li, Lil Wayne and Bun B, while production was handled by 40 and Boi-1da—whose contributions to the musical direction of the mixtape were particularly praised.

On February 15, 2019, the mixtape was released on commercial streaming services for the first time, commemorating its tenth anniversary.

Background

In an interview with Complex , Drake explains: "The whole tape extends from one of my closest friends Oliver. One night we were having a discussion about women and the way we were talking about them, it was so brazen and so disrespectful. He texted me right after we got off the phone and he was like, 'Are we becoming the men that our mothers divorced?' That's really where the cover comes from, too. It's just this kid in pursuit of love and money. We're good guys, I'm friends with some real good people and for him to even text me after we got off the phone it just showed we have a conscience. But sometimes you just get so far gone, you get wrapped up in this shit. The title has a lot of meanings—as the way we carry ourselves, the way we dress, the way people view us, not to sound cocky, it's just that feeling that we're just distanced in a good way. You're just elevating past the bullshit and past all the shit that you used to be a part of and you're not that proud of, you're just so far gone." [3]

Composition

Music

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"Let's Call It Off"
"Let's Call It Off" is an ethereal breakup song that contains samples taken from Swedish indie-rock band Peter Bjorn and John. Drake reflects on the unraveling of an intimate relationship with melancholic Auto-Tune singing. [4]
"Say What's Real"
An atmospheric track that balances witty levity with traditional braggadocios rapping. Drake recites brazen lyrics that primarily engage in self-promotion over minimalist beats, heavy organ sustain and electronic bleeps sampled from the opening track of 808s & Heartbreak . [5]
"Little Bit"
"Little Bit" is an adolescent love song built on crooning and a Lykke Li sample. The track is arranged to act as a duet, with Drake and Lykke Li's meek voices slowly encircling one anothers and confessing their romantic feelings atop spare heartbeat drum and percussion. [4]
Problems playing these files? See media help.

The mixtape's music was characterized by atmospheric keyboards, minor keys, snare drum, synth lead, smooth piano, live instruments, down tempo and mid tempo tracks, sparse and minimalist beats, and atmospheric chords. In a Complex interview, Drake's primary producer, Noah "40" Shebib, said that 808s & Heartbreak was an influence on the mixtape's atmospheric sounds.

Lyrics

Typically, lyrics in So Far Gone address his relationships with women, gaining fame, past struggles, and creates metaphors for the struggles of others ("Houstatlantavegas", a stripper, "November 18th", the city of Houston etc.) Many of the more upbeat songs also include themes of braggadociosness, ego, wealth, the music industry, confidence around women and sexual experiences.

Singles

"Best I Ever Had" was released as the first single, in 7 months prior to the release of the EP as a digital download from the So Far Gone mixtape. The song was eventually released as an official single on June 16, 2009. The single charted for 24 weeks while eventually peaking at number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The single also managed to peak at number one on both the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart and the Billboard Rap Songs Chart, thus becoming Drake's first number one hit on both of these charts. The song was certified 2× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) indicating sales of over 2,000,000 copies in the United States.

"Successful" was released as the second single from So Far Gone. The single managed to peak at number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spent a total of 18 weeks on the chart. The song also reached the Top 5 on both the R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap charts peaking at number 3 and number 2 respectively. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) indicating sales of over 500,000 copies in the United States.

Reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 81/100 [6]
Review scores
SourceRating
The Boston Globe Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [7]
Exclaim! Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [8]
Pitchfork 7.4/10 [4]
Slant Magazine 3/5 [5]
SputnikmusicStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [9]

The mixtape was well received. It currently holds a score of 81 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "universal acclaim". [6] RapReviews.com gave a positive review of the mixtape and commented on it by saying "So Far Gone is unquestionably one of the most cohesive, atmospheric hip hop records in recent memory--which is almost the antithesis of what one expects from a mixtape." The Boston Globe gave the mixtape a positive score and commented by saying "His materialism threads throughout So Far Gone (champagne flutes, girls, BlackBerrys, more girls), but he chases that with soft touches of humor and honesty." Pitchfork reviewed the mixtape positively and said "So Far Gone still scans as one of the most compulsively listenable mixtapes of a great year for mixtapes." Slant Magazine gave the mixtape a mixed review, but commended Drake's effort, "For a beginner, even one whose big-time endorsements seem to have cemented a promising start, So Far Gone is a pretty brave effort, and Drake's ability to juggle standard bling-and-bluster narratives with intelligent narratives bodes well for his future". [10]

Accolades

Commercial performance

So Far Gone debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, with 45,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending February 21, 2019, ten years after its release. [11]

Track listing

Standard edition [12]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Lust for Life"
2:56
2."Houstatlantavegas"
  • Graham
  • Shebib
4:51
3."Successful" (featuring Trey Songz and Lil Wayne)
6:14
4."Let's Call It Off" (featuring Peter Bjorn and John)
3:54
5."November 18th"
3:07
6."Ignant Shit" (featuring Lil Wayne)
5:04
7."A Night Off" (featuring Lloyd)
  • Graham
  • Lloyd Polite
  • Shebib
  • S. Carter
  • Grant
  • Isley
  • Isley
  • Isley
  • Isley
  • Isley
  • Jasper
3:14
8."Say What's Real"
3:51
9."Little Bit" (featuring Lykke Li)
3:50
10."Best I Ever Had"
4:18
11."Unstoppable" (featuring Santigold and Lil Wayne)
3:30
12."Uptown" (featuring Bun B and Lil Wayne)
6:22
13."Sooner Than Later"
  • Graham
  • Shebib
  • Dalton Tennant
4:22
14."Bria's Interlude" (featuring Omarion)
2:19
15."The Calm"
  • Graham
  • Shebib
4:04
16."Outro" Jason Beck 2:55
17."Brand New"
  • Graham
  • Shebib
  • Tennant
3:37
Total length:68:17
Physical and 2019 streaming version bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
18."Congratulations"
5:33
Total length:73:49

Notes

Sample Credits

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal. [12]

Charts

Weekly chart performance for "So Far Gone"
Chart (2019)Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA) [22] 34
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders) [23] 37
Canadian Albums (Billboard) [24] 7
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) [25] 21
Irish Albums (IRMA) [26] 57
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) [27] 61
UK Albums (OCC) [28] 21
US Billboard 200 [29] 5
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [30] 1

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)LabelRef.
VariousFebruary 13, 2009 Digital download October's Very Own
February 15, 2019 Streaming
[31]

Related Research Articles

<i>Finding Forever</i> 2007 studio album by Common

Finding Forever is the seventh studio album by Common, released on July 31, 2007, on GOOD Music and Geffen Records. Like Common's previous album, Be (2005), Finding Forever is primarily produced by Kanye West. The album debuted at the number one on the Billboard 200, selling 155,000 units in the first week, becoming Common's first chart-topper. Selling over 500,000 units in the US, it has been certified Gold. Finding Forever was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, losing to Kanye West's Graduation at the 50th Grammy Awards.

<i>Writers Block</i> (Peter Bjorn and John album) 2006 studio album by Peter Bjorn and John

Writer's Block is the third album by Peter Bjorn and John. It was released on 14 August 2006. Taking a departure from the production of their first two albums, Writer's Block is an experimental, semi-concept album based around themes of the highs and lows of romance.

<i>Youth Novels</i> 2008 studio album by Lykke Li

Youth Novels is the debut studio album by Swedish singer and songwriter Lykke Li, released on 30 January 2008 on her own label, the EMI-distributed LL Recordings. The album was entirely produced by Björn Yttling of Swedish indie pop band Peter Bjorn and John and co-produced by Lasse Mårtén. Youth Novels spawned four singles: "Little Bit", "I'm Good, I'm Gone", "Breaking It Up" and "Tonight".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So Anxious</span> 1999 single by Ginuwine

"So Anxious" is a song by R&B singer Ginuwine. It was written by Static Major, Benjamin Bush, and Timbaland for his second studio album 100% Ginuwine (1999), while production was helmed by the latter. The song describes the narrator anxiously waiting on his lover all night to return his calls so that she can meet him for romance. Released as the album's third single, "So Anxious" became Ginuwine's second top 20 pop hit. It also reached number two on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The music video was directed by Chris Robinson.

<i>A Kid Named Cudi</i> 2008 mixtape by Kid Cudi

A Kid Named Cudi is the debut mixtape by American rapper Kid Cudi, released on July 17, 2008, by New York City streetwear brand 10.Deep, in conjunction with independent record label Fool's Gold Records. Considered his breakout project, the mixtape marked Cudi's first official release, issued prior to his debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009).

<i>Thank Me Later</i> 2010 studio album by Drake

Thank Me Later is the debut studio album by Canadian rapper and singer Drake. It was released on June 15, 2010, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Universal Motown Records. Production for the album took place at various recording studios during 2009 to 2010 and was mostly produced by longtime collaborators 40 and Boi-1da. It features contributions from Alicia Keys, Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, The-Dream, and Kanye West, among others.

<i>So Far Gone</i> (EP) 2009 EP by Drake

So Far Gone is the debut extended play by Canadian rapper and singer Drake. It was released on September 15, 2009 by Cash Money Records, Universal Motown Records and Young Money Entertainment. This is his reissued project from his third mixtape that was released earlier on February 13, 2009. This EP features five tracks from the mixtape, with the inclusions of two new songs. The EP features guest appearances from Trey Songz, Lil Wayne, Bun B and Young Jeezy. The EP was supported by three singles: "Best I Ever Had", "Successful" featuring Trey Songz and Lil Wayne, and "I'm Goin' In" featuring Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy. In April 2010, the EP won the Rap Recording of the Year at the 2010 Juno Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Little Bit</span> 2007 single by Lykke Li

"Little Bit" is a song by Swedish singer Lykke Li from her debut studio album, Youth Novels (2008). Produced by Björn Yttling and co-produced by Lasse Mårtén, the track was released on 24 September 2007 as the album's lead single. It was included on the soundtrack to the HBO series Bored to Death, while a snippet of the song was used in the commercial for Victoria's Secret Ipex bra starring Heidi Klum. Also, rapper Charles Hamilton sampled the song on his track Starchasers from his mixtape It's Charles Hamilton. Canadian singer Drake remixed the song for his 2009 mixtape So Far Gone.

<i>Wounded Rhymes</i> 2011 studio album by Lykke Li

Wounded Rhymes is the second studio album by Swedish singer and songwriter Lykke Li. It was released on 25 February 2011 by LL Recordings and Atlantic Records. Written in Los Angeles and recorded in Stockholm, the album was produced by Björn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John, who also handled production for Li's debut album, Youth Novels (2008).

<i>Nostalgia, Ultra</i> 2011 mixtape by Frank Ocean

Nostalgia, Ultra is the debut mixtape by American singer-songwriter Frank Ocean. It was released on February 16, 2011. Ocean was inspired to make the mixtape after Hurricane Katrina in his native New Orleans and his subsequent relocation to Los Angeles. After joining alternative hip hop group Odd Future in 2009, he self-released the mixtape, without initial promotion. Nostalgia, Ultra has a unique R&B aesthetic and features surreal themes and nostalgic lyrics. The songs mostly focus on interpersonal relationships, personal reflection, and social commentary. Following its release, the mixtape received rave reviews from music critics. The cover features a picture of a bright orange BMW E30 M3, Ocean's "dream car", in plain sight amidst lush greenery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ty Dolla Sign</span> American singer

Tyrone William Griffin Jr., known professionally as Ty Dolla Sign, is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. He first gained recognition for his guest appearance on fellow Los Angeles rapper YG's 2010 single "Toot It and Boot It", which entered the Billboard Hot 100 as his first minor hit. He signed with Atlantic Records in 2012, and Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Entertainment the following year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Niggas in Paris</span> 2011 single by Jay-Z and Kanye West

"Niggas in Paris" is a song by American rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West from their collaborative album Watch the Throne (2011). The song is built around a synth bell loop from the Dirty South Bangaz music library, and contains vocal samples from "Baptizing Scene" by Reverend W.A. Donaldson, an interpolation of "Victory" by Puff Daddy featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes, and dialogue excerpts from the 2007 film Blades of Glory. On the week of the album's release, "Niggas in Paris" debuted at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100, eventually peaking at number five. Outside of the United States, "Niggas in Paris" peaked within the top ten of the charts in the United Kingdom. As of 2018, it has sold 6.7 million archetype digital units in the United States. The song won Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HYFR (Hell Ya Fucking Right)</span> 2012 single by Drake featuring Lil Wayne

"HYFR (Hell Ya Fucking Right)", also known as just "HYFR", is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his second studio album Take Care (2011). The song features Lil Wayne and was released as the album's sixth official single. It was released to radio stations on April 24, 2012. The song was nominated for the 55th Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance, but lost to "Niggas in Paris" by Jay-Z and Kanye West.

"Tuscan Leather" is a song by Canadian recording artist Drake for his third studio album, Nothing Was the Same (2013). It was written by Drake along with Anthony Palma and Noah Shebib, who produced the song under his production name "40" along with Nathan Sessoms. The song heavily samples "I Have Nothing" performed by Whitney Houston and written by David Foster and Linda Thompson-Jenner, who received writing credits on "Tuscan Leather". Noted for its unique song structure devoid of any choruses, it is a hip hop song which utilizes influences of R&B and ambient throughout its composition.

<i>If Youre Reading This Its Too Late</i> 2015 mixtape by Drake

If You're Reading This It's Too Late is the fourth mixtape by Canadian rapper Drake, released on February 13, 2015 without prior announcement by OVO Sound, Young Money, Cash Money and Republic Records. The mixtape was produced by Drake's longtime collaborators 40 and Boi-1da, as well as labelmate PartyNextDoor, among others. Features include PartyNextDoor, Travis Scott, and Lil Wayne.

<i>At. Long. Last. ASAP</i> 2015 studio album by ASAP Rocky

At. Long. Last. ASAP is the second studio album by American rapper ASAP Rocky. It was released on May 26, 2015, by ASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music, and RCA Records. The record serves as a sequel from Rocky's previous studio effort Long. Live. ASAP (2013). The album's executive production was provided by Danger Mouse, mentor ASAP Yams and Rocky himself, featuring production by Rocky and Danger Mouse, as well as a variety of several high-profile producers, including co-executive producers Hector Delgado and Juicy J, Jim Jonsin, FnZ, Frans Mernick, Kanye West, Thelonious Martin, and Mark Ronson, among others. The album features guest appearances from Bones, Joe Fox, Future, Schoolboy Q, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and A-Cyde, among others.

<i>More Life</i> 2017 mixtape by Drake

More Life is the fifth commercial mixtape by Canadian rapper and singer Drake. Described and marketed as a playlist, some publications have referred to it as a mixtape. It was released on March 18, 2017, through Republic Records and distributed by Cash Money Records and Young Money Entertainment. Production of More Life was handled by a variety of record producers, including 40, Frank Dukes, Boi-1da, Murda Beatz, T-Minus, Nineteen85, and Kanye West, among others. An ensemble of guest vocalists also appear, including West, Young Thug, Giggs, Skepta, Quavo, Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, Jorja Smith, Sampha, and PartyNextDoor.

<i>BitchImTheShit2</i> 2017 studio album by Tyga

Bitch I'm the Shit 2 is the fifth studio album by American rapper Tyga. It was released on July 21, 2017 by Last Kings Records and Empire Distribution. It is the sequel to his 2011 mixtape, #BitchImTheShit. The album features guest appearances from Kanye West, Pusha T, Young Thug, Quavo, Chief Keef, Vince Staples, Ty Dolla Sign, A.E., and Honey Cocaine. The album narrowly entered the Billboard 200 and received mixed reviews.

"Mixed Personalities" is a song by American rapper YNW Melly featuring fellow American rapper Kanye West, from the former's mixtape We All Shine. Written alongside producers C-Clip Beatz and BoogzDaBeast, it was released on the same day as the tape on January 18, 2019.

<i>Care Package</i> (album) 2019 compilation album by Drake

Care Package is the first compilation album by Canadian rapper Drake. It was released on August 2, 2019, by OVO Sound and Republic Records. The compilation consists of songs released between 2010 and 2016 that were initially unavailable for purchase or commercial streaming. The compilation features guest appearances from J. Cole, Rick Ross, and James Fauntleroy and additional vocals by Sampha and Beyoncé.

References

  1. ↑ Jayson Rodriguez (June 5, 2009). "Drake's Big Break: Lil Wayne's Protg Graduates From Degrassi to Hip-Hop | Music News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  2. ↑ "Pictures: So Far Gone Mixtape Release Party With Drake & LeBron James at 6 Degrees". 1vibe.net. Archived from the original on June 16, 2010. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  3. ↑ "Drake Talks Young Money, Kanye Comparisons & Ghostwriting | Complex Blog". Complex. February 19, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2010.
  4. 1 2 3 "Album Reviews: Drake: So Far Gone". Pitchfork. June 29, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2010.
  5. 1 2 "Drake, So Far Gone". Slant Magazine. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  6. 1 2 "So Far Gone [Mixtape] Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  7. ↑ "Drake, 'So Far Gone' - The Boston Globe". Boston.com. March 2, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2010.
  8. ↑ "Exclaim! Canada's Music Authority". Exclaim.ca. February 22, 2009. Archived from the original on March 19, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Drake - So Far Gone Review". sputnikmusic. August 10, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2010.
  10. ↑ "So Far Gone Mixtape". Metacritic . Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  11. ↑ "Drake Scores 10th Top 10 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'So Far Gone' Mixtape". Billboard.
  12. 1 2 "So Far Gone / Drake – TIDAL". Tidal . Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  13. ↑ "BMI Songview". Broadcast Music, Inc. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  14. ↑ "BMI Songview". Broadcast Music, Inc. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  15. ↑ "BMI Songview". Broadcast Music, Inc. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  16. ↑ Fu, Eddie (February 13, 2019). "Knowledge Drop: Drake's Love For Kanye West Led To The Tears For Fears Sample On "Lust For Life"". Genius . Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  17. 1 2 3 Glaysher, Scott (February 13, 2019). "Every Track From Drake's 'So Far Gone,' Ranked: Critic's Picks". Complex . Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  18. ↑ Young, Rich & Dangerous (CD). Kris Kross. 1996. C 67441.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ↑ Ready to Die (CD). The Notorious B.I.G. 1994. 78612 73000 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ↑ American Gangster (CD). Jay-Z. 2007. B0010229-02.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. 1 2 So Far Gone (EP booklet). Drake. Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, Universal Motown. 2009. 0602527194288.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. ↑ "ARIA Australian Top 50 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association. February 25, 2019. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  23. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Drake – So Far Gone (An October's Very Own Presentation)" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  24. ↑ "Drake Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  25. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Drake – So Far Gone (An October's Very Own Presentation)" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  26. ↑ "Irish Albums Chart: 22 February 2019". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  27. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Drake – So Far Gone (An October's Very Own Presentation)". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  28. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  29. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (February 24, 2018). "Ariana Grande's 'Thank U, Next' Spends Second Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart". Billboard. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Drake Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  31. ↑ "Drake Launches 'So Far Gone' on Streaming Services for First Time". Highsnobiety. February 13, 2019.
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.