Drake, “The Motion” (f/ Sampha)
PARTYNEXTDOOR, “Over Here” (f/ Drake)
Last week, October’s Very Own unexpectedly dropped four new tracks and announced that his third LP, Nothing Was the Same, drops on September 17. His last album, Take Care, was one of the best, most reflective hip-hop albums in recent years. The 26 year-old is at his best when he’s ruminating over evocative, down-tempo beats, and the best of the four tracks are perfect examples of it. Featuring potent spots from a pair of up-and-coming crooners — the UK’s Sampha and OVO associate PARTYNEXTDOOR — “The Motion” and “Over Here” highlight the Toronto-native’s signature ability to seamlessly blend alpha dog narcissism with puppy-dog vulnerability. It shouldn’t work, but it does.
