05/15/2026
Did Drake Forget How to Make Hits?
The 6 God has officially returned, and he didnβt just come back with a projectβhe came back with a trilogy. Following a massive rollout that saw the CN Tower "frozen over" in his hometown, Drake released three full-length albums simultaneously: ***Iceman***, ***Habibti***, and ***Maid of Honor ***.
On paper, this is a historic moment. Forty-three new tracks featuring heavy hitters like Future, 21 Savage, and Sexyy Red should have been the victory lap fans were waiting for after a turbulent few years in the rap game. But after sitting with all three projects, the sheer volume of music can't hide a glaring issue: **where is the rapper we once knew?**
# # # The Identity Crisis: Rap vs. R&B
For a long time, Drakeβs "cheat code" was his ability to pivot seamlessly between world-class lyricism and melodic hooks. However, this triple release feels less like a balance and more like a full-scale conversion to R&B. If you went into these albums looking for Drake to actually *rap*βto address the state of the industry or provide the sharp, witty commentary heβs capable ofβyouβre going to be left wanting.
Instead of the "Tuscan Leather" or "Pound Cake" energy, we are greeted with:
* **Victim Bars:** A recurring theme of feeling misunderstood and targeted.
* **Heavy Melodies:** A reliance on singing that often feels uninspired.
* **Hollow Production:** Tracks that blend into each other without the "punch" expected from a top-tier rap artist.
# # # A Missed Opportunity
There has been a lot to talk about lately. Between the high-profile feuds and his shifting status in the culture, the stage was set for a lyrical masterclass. Drake has the pen to dismantle narratives and reclaim his throne. Instead, these three albums feel like they were designed for background noise rather than active listening.
***Iceman*** was teased as a major return to form, but even with the Future and 21 Savage features, it feels bogged down by the same "sing-songy" tropes that have polarized his core rap audience. ***Habibti*** and ***Maid of Honor *** further lean into this lane, solidifying the feeling that Drake is more interested in being a pop-crooner than a formidable MC.
# # # The Verdict
Itβs hard to call a 43-song drop "lazy," but it certainly feels uninspired. When youβre one of the greatest ever to do it, the bar is naturally higher. We know Drake can rapβwe didn't see it here.
For those looking for vibes and melodies to play in the car, youβll find plenty to like. But for the fans who value the bars, the wit, and the competitive spirit of hip-hop, this is a massive disappointment.
**Rating: 4/10**
**The Projects:**
* **Iceman:** 18 Tracks (Notable features: Future, 21 Savage)
* **Maid of Honor:** 14 Tracks (Notable features: Central Cee, Popcaan)
* **Habibti:** 11 Tracks (Notable features: PartyNextDoor, Sexyy Red)