The "Drake Feature" Curse

Louaista

12 May 202418:51

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

00:00

🎵 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.

05:00

📉 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.

10:01

🔄 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.

15:03

🤔 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

Drake is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor known for his influence in the music industry. In the context of the video, he is portrayed as a figure who can significantly boost the careers of new artists through collaborations, but also as someone whose collaborations can sometimes overshadow the artists he works with.

💡Co-sign

A 'co-sign' in the music industry refers to an endorsement or recommendation from a more established artist, which can help to elevate the status of a newer or less well-known artist. The video discusses how a co-sign from Drake can lead to a significant increase in an artist's popularity and success.

💡Feature

In music, a 'feature' is when an artist is invited to contribute to another artist's song, often providing a verse or chorus. The script highlights how features with Drake can propel artists to new heights of fame and chart success, but also how they can struggle to maintain this momentum after the collaboration.

💡Vulture

The term 'vulture' is used metaphorically in the video to describe accusations against Drake of exploiting the popularity or talent of other artists for his own benefit. It suggests that Drake is seen by some as taking advantage of emerging artists' success to boost his own profile.

💡Billboard Charts

The Billboard Charts are a widely recognized ranking of music popularity in the United States. They are used in the video to illustrate the impact of a Drake feature, as it often leads to artists reaching their highest positions on these charts.

💡Spotify

Spotify is a digital music streaming service that is frequently mentioned in the context of music consumption and popularity. The video uses Spotify streams as a metric to measure the success of a song or artist, particularly in relation to collaborations with Drake.

💡OVO Sound

OVO Sound is the record label founded by Drake, which has signed and developed several artists. The video discusses the experiences of artists signed to OVO, including the pressures and expectations that come with being associated with Drake's label.

💡Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture, typically in a way that is seen as disrespectful or exploitative. The term is relevant to the video's discussion of Drake's collaborations with artists from various cultural backgrounds and the accusations of 'vulture' behavior.

💡Musical Sweatshop

The term 'musical sweatshop' is used in the video to describe a perception that Drake's label, OVO Sound, operates in a way that is demanding and exploitative of its artists. It suggests that artists are made to work hard on music with little creative freedom or recognition.

💡Collaboration

Collaboration in music refers to the process where two or more artists work together to create a song. The video explores both the benefits and potential pitfalls of collaborations with Drake, emphasizing how they can significantly impact an artist's career.

💡Artistic Independence

Artistic independence is the concept of an artist having the freedom to create and release music without external influence or control. The video touches on this concept in relation to artists who have worked with Drake, discussing the challenges of maintaining individuality and creative control after high-profile collaborations.

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.