The "Drake Feature" Curse
Summary
TLDRThe video script discusses the impact of Drake's collaborations with emerging artists, often referred to as the 'Drake cosign.' It explores how these collaborations can significantly boost an artist's career, providing examples such as Lil Baby and 21 Savage. However, the script also delves into instances where the cosign has not led to sustained success, with artists like Blockboy JB and Smiley experiencing a decline in their careers after their collaboration with Drake. The narrative questions whether there are strings attached to these collaborations and if they come at the cost of the artist's independence and long-term career trajectory. It also touches on criticisms of Drake's approach to collaborations, with some viewing it as self-serving or exploitative. The summary highlights the complex dynamics of the music industry and the double-edged sword of high-profile collaborations.
Takeaways
- 🎵 Drake is known for giving new artists a significant boost in their careers through collaborations.
- 🚀 Artists like Lil Baby and 21 Savage have seen major success after being featured with Drake.
- 🔥 However, some artists have experienced a peak in their career following a Drake feature, after which they struggle to maintain the same level of success.
- 🤔 There is a debate on whether a feature with Drake comes with unspoken conditions that could affect an artist's independence and future growth.
- 💬 Kendrick Lamar has accused Drake of using collaborations with other rappers to be more accepted by the culture, suggesting a strategic rather than genuine intent.
- 📈 Drake has helped 32 artists reach their highest Hot 100 position, with an average climb of 19 spots from their previous high.
- 📉 Despite the initial boost, artists like Blockboy JB and Smiley have seen a decline in their chart positions after their collaboration with Drake.
- 💔 Some artists feel overshadowed or underutilized after their collaboration with Drake, leading to frustration and a desire to step out of his shadow.
- 🚫 There are instances where artists have turned down features with Drake, indicating a shift in the perception of his influence on their careers.
- 🤝 Drake's collaborations are often seen as a shortcut to success, but they may not always lead to long-term career development for the featured artists.
- ⏰ The so-called 'Drake boost' can be fleeting, and artists need to capitalize on the momentum while it lasts to establish a sustainable career.
Q & A
What is the general perception of Drake's influence on new artists' careers?
-Drake is seen as a major boost for new artists, often giving them a significant career boost through collaborations or features on his projects. He has a reputation for having 'put many rappers on' and is considered a 'cheat code for success' in the music industry.
How has Drake's collaboration with Lil Durk impacted his career?
-Lil Durk's career received a significant boost after being featured on Drake's hit 'Laugh Now Cry Later'. The song went straight to the top of the charts during the pandemic, and it was a major milestone for Lil Durk, who credited Drake for the exposure.
What are some criticisms leveled against Drake regarding his collaborations?
-Critics accuse Drake of being self-serving and leveraging the hype of other artists for his own benefit. There are claims that he capitalizes on others' sounds and uses his features with various artists as a way to be more accepted by the culture.
How did Blockboy JB's career fare after his collaboration with Drake?
-Blockboy JB's career hit a high point with the collaboration 'Look Alive' with Drake, which became a major hit. However, his debut album 'Fat Boy' failed to chart, and he has struggled to maintain the momentum he had after the collaboration.
What is the 'Drake stimulus package' and how does it affect artists?
-The 'Drake stimulus package' refers to the perceived boost an artist's career gets from a collaboration with Drake. While it can initially catapult an artist to fame, some artists struggle to replicate the success or maintain their relevance after the collaboration's hype dies down.
Why did artists like Blackboy JB and Smiley struggle to maintain their careers post-Drake collaboration?
-Artists like Blackboy JB and Smiley faced difficulties in maintaining their careers after collaborating with Drake due to high expectations and the pressure to follow up on the success of their collaborations. They also faced challenges in stepping out of Drake's shadow and establishing their own unique identities.
What is the general sentiment among artists who have had a 'Drake cosign'?
-While some artists appreciate the exposure and initial success that comes with a 'Drake cosign', others feel overshadowed or used, suggesting that the collaboration might not always lead to long-term benefits for the artists involved.
How has the public's perception of Drake's collaborations changed over time?
-Initially, Drake's collaborations were seen as a significant career boost for emerging artists. However, over time, there has been a shift in perception, with some critics viewing his collaborations as opportunistic and suggesting that he might be capitalizing on the artists' success.
What are the implications of a 'Drake feature' for an artist's future success?
-A 'Drake feature' can provide an immediate boost in popularity and chart positions, but it may not guarantee long-term success. Artists need to capitalize on the exposure effectively and create a distinct identity to sustain their careers beyond the initial hype.
How does Drake respond to accusations of being a 'vulture' in the music industry?
-Drake dismisses these accusations, stating that his interest in collaborating with other artists stems from his love for music and a desire to support and acknowledge the work of up-and-coming artists.
What are the common challenges faced by artists who have been part of Drake's label, OVO Sound?
-Artists on Drake's label have reported feeling pressured to produce hits and experiencing a boot camp-like studio environment. Some have expressed frustration with the lack of creative freedom and the feeling that they are merely fueling Drake's success rather than building their own careers.
What is the general advice given to new artists who are considering a collaboration with Drake?
-New artists are advised to be cautious about the implications of a 'Drake feature'. While it can offer immediate exposure, it's essential to have a long-term strategy for career development and to ensure that the collaboration does not overshadow their unique artistry.
Outlines
🎵 Drake's Impact on New Artists' Careers
Drake is known for significantly boosting the careers of new artists through collaborations or features on their songs. This has led to a sense of indebtedness among many artists. The video discusses the mixed outcomes of such collaborations, highlighting the success stories of artists like Lil Baby and 21 Savage, but also pointing out instances where the 'Drake cosign' has backfired, leading to a lack of sustained success. The video also touches on accusations against Drake, such as Kendrick Lamar's claim that Drake uses features to gain cultural acceptance and the potential negative impact on artists who are unable to escape his shadow.
📉 The Aftermath of a Drake Feature
The script delves into the case of Blockboy JB, who achieved significant success with the Drake collaboration 'Look Alive' but later struggled to maintain his career momentum. Despite a strong initial following and a record deal, Blockboy's debut album failed to chart, and his subsequent work did not achieve the same level of success. The video also discusses the experiences of other artists like Smiley, who despite being championed by Drake, did not see a lasting impact on their career. It raises questions about the intentions behind Drake's collaborations and whether they are truly beneficial for the artists involved.
🔄 The Cycle of Collaboration and Its Consequences
The narrative explores the experiences of artists who have had a hit after collaborating with Drake but then faced challenges in replicating that success. It mentions artists like Young Blue, who gained leverage and a better record deal after a feature with Drake, but also struggled to achieve a similar hit. The video addresses the criticism that Drake does not maintain long-term relationships with the artists he collaborates with and suggests that his features may be self-serving. It also discusses the pressures and expectations that come with being associated with Drake and the potential for artists to be used and then discarded.
🤔 The Drake Effect: A Double-Edged Sword
The final paragraph questions the true nature of Drake's collaborations, addressing the accusations of him being a 'vulture' and exploiting upcoming artists. It contrasts this with Drake's own perspective, where he claims his intentions are purely driven by a love for music. The video also highlights the experiences of artists signed to Drake's label, OVO Sound, and the challenges they face, including a rigorous and isolating studio environment. It concludes by acknowledging that while a collaboration with Drake can provide an initial boost, it is not a guarantee for a sustainable career, and the responsibility for lasting success ultimately lies with the artist.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Drake
💡Co-sign
💡Feature
💡Vulture
💡Billboard Charts
💡Spotify
💡OVO Sound
💡Cultural Appropriation
💡Musical Sweatshop
💡Collaboration
💡Artistic Independence
Highlights
Drake is known for giving new artists a significant boost by featuring them on his songs, which many artists feel indebted to him for.
Drake has assisted 32 artists to their highest Hot 100 position by 2020, including major artists like Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Lil Baby.
On average, artists climbed up 19 spots from their previous highest position after a feature with Drake.
18 out of the 32 artists featured with Drake had never made it onto the charts before his feature.
Drake's peak moment of helping other artists was in 2017 when he brought seven fellow rappers onto the Billboard charts.
By 2021, Drake appeared on 41 projects as a guest, with his track having the highest streams on Spotify and YouTube for the entire project 30 times.
Despite the success, some artists like Rod Wave have turned down features from Drake, indicating a shift in perception.
Kendrick Lamar accused Drake of using his features with rappers to be more accepted by the culture, highlighting a deeper issue.
Blockboy JB's career peaked after a feature with Drake on 'Look Alive', but he struggled to maintain the momentum.
Smiley, a Toronto-based rapper, got initial exposure through Drake but failed to replicate the success of their collaboration 'Over The Top'.
MCC Conan's life changed after a remix with Drake, but he later felt betrayed by Drake's camp and claimed they were scared of his ability to create hits.
PartyNextDoor, despite signing with Drake's label, has faced criticism for sharing his hits with Drake and has expressed frustration with his role at OVO.
Young Thug's collaboration with Drake on 'The Bigger Picture' significantly boosted his leverage and popularity in the industry.
Drake's critics suggest that he capitalizes on others' sounds or leverages their hype for his own benefit, with Earl Sweatshirt calling him a vulture.
Drake has been accused of not maintaining long-term working relationships with the artists he collaborates with, leading to the perception of a 'vampire'-like behavior.
Drake has described himself as a music lover who enjoys and supports up-and-coming artists, rejecting the 'culture vulture' label.
Some artists feel that the 'Drake stimulus package' comes with negative effects, as they struggle to maintain success after their collaboration with him.
Drake's label, OVO, has been compared to a musical sweatshop, with artists claiming they were secluded and overworked on projects.
Despite the criticisms and challenges faced by artists post-collaboration with Drake, it's ultimately up to the artists to capitalize on the exposure and build a sustainable career.
Transcripts
for years people have talked about Drake
giving new artists a major boost with a
feature either on one of their songs or
guesting on his projects because he's
seen as putting so many rappers on over
the years it's no surprise that a lot of
them feel indebted to him I miss Dr like
you're a cool dude you know what I'm
saying he like he real observant so this
has been in a long time told like like
2018 we going to make it happen but we
made it happen for real but while we all
know the success stories of people like
Lil Baby and 21 Savage what happens when
the Dr cosign backfires and becomes the
high light of your career and does that
feature from Drizzy come with strings
attached that means you can never Escape
his shadow from kenick Lamar accusing
Drake of quote running to Atlanta when
he needs a few dollars and specifically
mentioning how he uses his features with
rappers like future 21 Savage low baby
and two chains as a way to be more
accepted by the culture it highlights a
deeper point that I want to dive more
into later in the video cuz these days
we have rappers like Rod wave a top
selling rapper with a DieHard fan base
and the ability to sell out huge venues
worldwide even going as far as to turn
down a feature from Drake so it's clear
that something fishy is going on but
before we get into how things went so
wrong I first need to explain how Drizzy
got this reputation as a cheat code for
success by the year 2020 Drake assisted
32 artists to their highest Hot 100
position at the time this included major
stats like Kendrick Lamar Future Lil
Baby and many many more on average the
artist climbed up 19 spots from their
previous highest position plus 18 of
these artists had never even made it
onto the charts in the first place
before they got that Drake stimmy his
Peak moment of helping other artists
came in 2017 when he brought seven
fellow rappers onto the Billboards or at
least gave them a boost by 2021 he'd
appear on 41 projects as a guest since
2015 and 30 times out of those 41 his
track had the highest streams on Spotify
in YouTube for the entire project and of
course Drake didn't just let those
numbers speak for themselves eles he's
constantly boasted about these
accomplishments on songs like mob
ties and now that Drake is facing
opposition from artists like Future Rick
Ross the weekend and Kendrick Lamar
during the wraps of award that's taken a
hold of the game his track push-ups also
hinted towards those who benefited from
the stimulus package with shots like
every song that made it onto the charts
he got from Drizzy and your first number
one I had to put it in your hand because
of the reputation as a hit maker who can
uplift an artist's career it's meant
that getting the guest spot from Drake
outshines co-signs from Legends in the
industry a Jay-Z feature is still is
still considered one of the most
important features you can
get to this day Dr this was especially
true for someone like Lil Durk who was
famously featured on Drake's absolute
Smash Hit laugh now cry later we in the
studio right this motherfcker Drake come
through the DM like I'm see on number
REM you he told me this before I supped
to been on that comilation he did like
he draw like four songs we didn't get on
it so when he said give me his number
I'm like he sent the song through I
called everybody you rich it's over with
like [ __ ] he got that he got that touch
for real you hear me we I turned to a
fan that [ __ ] day I call
everybody Mama it's over with I'm going
to do this [ __ ] we going to [ __ ]
him up on it and we F to go then when we
came out and the song was during the
pandemic yeah went straight to 100 m and
then it just shout out to Drizzy man
yeah shout out Drake though he
definitely helped the [ __ ] praised
by so many who got that first taste of
the billboard through him it's one of
the few things that until recently at
least most of his fellow MC's were happy
to salute Drizzy 4 I'm the only person
that put on for me when I ain't have
nobody was Drake I'm talking about Drake
was the first person to put on like
before anybody he didn't want to sign me
he didn't want to it was like yo that's
Roy Talent yo like you got to shine yo
I'm I'm a see to it I forever forever ow
Drake well that's a little awkward now
considering the recent events that's
taken the game by storm but as much as
Drake fans like to talk about how he can
basically give exposure or even revive
their careers this is only one side of
the story because for every success for
people like Flo savage or the weekend
there are people like blackboy JB Sosa
geek oio SES division in the UK gigs who
haven't returned to the Billboard charts
ever since as for others who kept their
place in the game the problem is that
they just failed to replicate the early
Rush of publicity that came from the
Drizzy feature that's why when the new
artist forbat got a collab with Drake
which debuted with 3 million streams in
its opening 2 4 hours on Spotify not
everyone saw it as a good thing for his
future so who are the artists whose
career is capsized after getting the
call from Drake and how much is he to
blame when you think of an artist who
fell off after getting the Drake feature
they don't come much bigger than
blockboy JB a Memphis MC who initially
garnered attention with tracks like
shoot Rover featuring 21 Savage and the
dance that fortnite would later steal
blockboy JB found himself getting the
fame DM from Drizzy where he claimed he
was his favorite rapper they would
eventually collab on a hit song titled
look alive and it went crazy when it
debuted as it basically took over the
game and quickly landed blockboy in the
double XO freshman list for 2018 as well
as a record deal with inner scope peing
at number five on the Billboard charts
the tracks official video now has over
390 million views on YouTube alone but
for all the momentum he had it's all
just evaporated once Drizzy did what he
always does and moved on to the next hot
thing when his debut album fat boy
dropped in 2020 it failed to chart and
the same unfortunately goes for 2022 is
back to the blog although he still has
his loyal core fans resulting in 2.4
million listeners on Spotify he
struggled to come to terms with the
negative impact that look alive had on
his career even when people pointed out
to him do you feel like you in some ways
you kind of blew up so fast that it gave
people weird expectations of what was
supposed to be coming from you now to be
honest I feel like it I didn't even blow
up that fight it just like [ __ ]
wouldn't even on me so I just when I had
this song it blew up I didn't blew up
the song blew up so like people didn't
even just know that I had like [ __ ]
four mixtes out before this this [ __ ] so
I always had a grind anyway so I feel
like people just don't understand it
even though things aren't in his favor
block boy is confident that good things
are coming his way he still believes
he'll rise to the top again and will
eventually step out of Drake's Shadow
yeah they tuned out and guess what
they're going to come back again if I
see like it it's just time it just take
time and like the longer you keep
rapping and the more like the more you
keep going it's the bigger your fan base
get like you I know when I first dropped
them with my real fans like I already
knew that cuz I every time I look at my
comments what you see something about
Drake or some [ __ ] but now like the
comments change what's interesting is
that these days BL boy is trying to ride
the same wave by reaching out to Drake
for another collaboration this time he
didn't just slide into Drake's DMS but
he made it public on his Instagram story
saying I think it's time for another one
at champagne poppy this time around even
Drake's fans recognize that there wasn't
much for the six God to game from
teaming up with blockboy ever again some
even have gone far as to comment things
like Drake probably avoiding watching
that story right now and black boy fell
off no waves to ride there for the boy
rather than being the mega star that
look alive set him up to be block boy is
now left in obscurity and his Fallout is
even being mocked by fellow rappers like
bandman Kevo yeah fell
[Laughter]
out I don't care I don't care he
shouldn't have said nothing about me he
fell off he do not got no money like me
he shouldn't have came at me he fell off
you all that dancing and doing this with
the leg [ __ ] is over
with it's over with bro you don't got it
once riding a wave that Drake hopped on
only to jump off before it faded block
boy isn't alone and briefly benefit
fting from Drake's neack for recognizing
what's hot in the culture sometimes this
phenomenon even extends to rappers from
Drake's own city which was the case for
a rapper by the name of smiley an
underground MC from Toronto Smiley
started his career rhyming with the
guarden gang click after a 2015 stin in
jail derailed his momentum Smiley got
his initial exposure through tracks like
nine on me and soon Drake could be seen
wrapping his track from the pool my
dance my pants well that's a label she
CH with no cable now I'm annoying wow
join officially on Drake's radar since
2017 he soon signed to Drake's OV label
and to him it seemed like the perfect
scenario at that point Drake really
started pushing him heavily on social
media I seen a picture with you and Ross
and Drake captions the [ __ ] that you're
his favorite rapper oh yeah yeah right
what that felt like when you seen that
it's love so I already like he's already
said things like that too already so I
was like I was just surprised he posted
that like that you know right right
right yeah with that kind of cosign he
started to believe that he was the one
sure it's like I've finally got to
embrace everything like you know I
understand it but like I've been like
that I've been asking myself like why me
why me but I'mma keep asking myself that
for how long now like you
know you know but real [ __ ] what I mean
but it's just it's love like that's
what's crazy cuz now I even see what he
sees real [ __ ] like you know it's crazy
it's say it's I do believe like but
unfortunately for Smiley no one else saw
it and when he finally got the Drake
cosign on 2021s over the top his flow
got clowned by the masses and everyone
pretty much thought he fumbled his
[Music]
opportunity what am I listening to I'm
going to get mad bro cuz this [ __ ] bro
this [ __ ] bro it getting me hot bro I
ain't going to lie bro the comments were
just as ruthless one of the hardest
verses from in a long time and smiley
does this Smiley sounds like he has
tickle battles with his homeboy despite
the fact that the track got number 57 on
the chart his 2021 album buy or buy two
sold abysmally clocking in at just 1.5k
units in its first week since then he's
barely been a factor but has denied
falling off without any real evidence to
back it up aside from the fact that he
was chilling on a boat F
you
see but Falling by the wayside and Dr
priorities after he hit isn't exactly
anything new I mean just look at what
happened to I love monean another artist
who acquired Drake's attention from a
self-released project MCC Conan's debut
EP popped off courtesy of tracks like
Tuesday and I don't sell Molly no more
after putting in a call to producer
Sunny digital driz got his hands on the
track and suddenly MCC Conan's life
changed now when Drake got on it what
did you say oh man I fainted in the
house you saw that little video I was
like I was like what the hell happened
you just tripping with my friends you
know what I'm saying smoking weed
hanging out somebody tweeted me a link
like oh that new Drake and IA MCC is
fire and I just favored it like oh yeah
that would be dope he must mean like if
me and Drake made a track that would be
hot I was like yeah that would be hot
the official OVO page tweeted me and was
like Drake I love M featuring Drake
Tuesday remix I was like what the hell I
was like no way I met Drake after the
show after watching the show and [ __ ]
and then uh he came up to me singing
some more lyrics I'm like I don't sell
Molly and all that and I was like what
how do you know my music you know what
I'm saying soon after that mccon signed
to OVO and thought he won the music
industry Lottery but just a year after
he got signed the Californian was
lifting the lid on the experience and
even claimed that Drake threatened to
put hands on him at one point in a
lengthy interview with the fader McAn
expressed how he felt like Drake and his
crew were quote scared when they saw how
easily he could cook up some bangers
before expressing how he felt betrayed
by Drake's camp for the way he was
treated when he entered their orbit why
y'all want to play games why didn't
y'all just tell me you didn't want to
[ __ ] with me anymore and just let me go
about my own way why did y'all make me
Chase you all the way the [ __ ] around
and make me look like a [ __ ] fool why
would you do this I was threatened by
others someone I so-called look up to
saying we going to [ __ ] you up the next
time we see you believing that oovo only
signed him because they needed a hot
song mcconnan has stayed on his
independent grind but nothing's ever hit
the same since he had this misadventure
with oovo but while there might have
always been a ceiling on mcan's success
anyways one person who many think has
been held back by his association with
Drake is party next door an R&B pioneer
in the eyes of the fans the fellow
Canadian has been clicked up with Drake
since 2014 and while the weekend refused
to sign to OVO party next door was happy
to sign his name on the dotted line I
could go to a label where they don't
know how to handle me and they don't
care he said of his decision or I'll
have a mentor who's been through it who
knows exactly what I want to mean to my
city and what I want to achieve they
know how to handle your emotions I'll
have freedom and guidance even though he
claimed to have all this Freedom he
later revealed in an interview that he
had to give Drake the track Wednesday
night and interlude for one of his
projects even though he wanted it for
himself but there's no denying that
Drake made a really big impact for him
in 2016 come and seei got him onto the
charts and in 2019 loyal became his
biggest commercial success so far but
there's times where P and's frustration
with his role at OVO has boiled over
particularly when it comes to writing
for other artists I'm 23 back I feel 43
you know what I mean that I I'm a to
write for these other people PD has
faced criticism for either sharing his
hits with Drake or finding his biggest
success as is alongside him he once
tweeted then deleted his plans to leave
the label after one more album in
November of 2020 when he wrote One More
album then I'll tell youall what it's
like but now that so much time has
passed it's hard to imagine that even as
talented as he is that he could ever
reach the full potential he had before
wasting valuable time on the Shelf at
oio as for others the Drake cosign
seemed to come at the perfect time only
to be unable to capitalize this was
definitely the case for young blue an
Alabama artist who initially made waves
back in 2017 with mishit blue has always
had clear star power but when his buzz
started to take a little dip having
Drizzy hop on 2020s your mind still
changed everything for him before that
he was battling to get a fair deal from
record labels and almost signed his life
away on what would have been a terrible
contract but the minute that he was
seeing next to Drizzy he suddenly had
leverage the deal they was offering me