Drake & Future: What A Time To Be Alive Vinyl LP Drake & Future

There is no doubt that the 6 god is arguably the biggest rapper at the moment, and in addition to smash albums and solo tapes, his spidey sense for hopping on regional hits (Migos “Versace,” ILoveMakonnen “Tuesday,” etc.) and blowing them up to national/international prominence is something of a phenomenon. The reason I bring that up is because WATTBA, for the most part, sounds like an extension of Future’s DS2, with trusty Metro Boomin beats and plenty of lean/xanny flow from the Atlanta rapper. By no means is Future a regional act, but with Drake adding his weight on the tracks, the “mixtape” becomes that much bigger: What A Time To Be Alive is now certified platinum (!!!). It only took 6 days to put the project together, with Drake spending time in Future’s homebase and the two artists putting in studio time to capture the “vibe” of the current rap landscape. If you’re looking for serious bars, this is probably not your (double)cup of tea, and you’re probably old. The tape is full of memorable, sing-along verses, however, and the fun, club/party-crushing tunes (good for workouts, too, ask Taylor Swift) make you want to get “draped in all designer,” get litty, and shout “If Young Metro don’t trust you I’m gone’ shoot you” or “really I’m the plug, really i’m the plug” over and over. Check out “Digital Dash,” “Big Rings,” “Live From The Gutter,” “Scholarships,” “I’m The Plug,” “Diamond Dancing,” and of course, “Jumpman.”

• black vinyl pressing
• music label: Cash Money Records 2016

reviewed by fresh noods 11/2016