Drake's new single 'Started from the Bottom' drops a week early: Listen
Rapper posts open letter to fans, hype machine revs up
- Critic's Rating B-
- Readers' Rating B
Local man starts from bottom
Drake told the world he'd be dropping a new single on the weekend of the Grammys, but it appears "Started from the Bottom" wished to make itself known a few days early.
The Young Money MC and singer hatched the song on his OVO website, along with an open letter supporting the song's claims that he "started from the bottom."
"I feel sometimes that people don't have enough information about my beginnings and therefore they make up a life story for me that isn't consistent with actual events," Drake said. "My family and my second family (consisting of the best friends anybody could ever have) all struggled and worked extremely hard to make all this happen. I did not buy my way into this spot and it was the furthest thing from easy to achieve."
Perhaps he ought to clarify the main differences between the struggle becoming a worldwide rapping phenom and what exactly qualifies as the "bottom." In the track, it seems all that requires is to fight with your mom and your uncle asking for the keys to his car back early.
And gone is the sing-songy vocals, and in its place Drakes best "hardened rapper" monotone. The production behind it helps the sentiment, with its teeth-rattling low end and single-tear-drop piano line. That, at least, is very Drizzian. It's the sound of the Drake hype machine warming up, but it's certainly not at full-tilt: "Started from the Bottom" is certainly a cool record, but it's not what made "Take Care" what it was to the rap community. The chip is still firmly yet tenuously on his shoulder, even as he celebrates that his whole crew's made it.
If former child acting star Drake aka "the first rapper who could also sing" (megaLOL) wants to help out on clarifying his upbringing, then this does little to quash the mythology. It's a cool record for sure, still with plenty of ego, but nothing of substance. Guess the second single will be the stronger launch pad.
No word when an album will arrive, but I expect another strongly worded web post soon.
News From Our Partners
-
Hear This: “Second Best” reflects a pivotal moment all serious bands face
Watch This: The wages and the fear remain high in William Friedkin’s Sorcerer
Cannes Film Festival: Cannes 2013, Day Nine: James Gray and Joaquin Phoenix reteam for a compelling period drama
-
"Fast & Furious 6" vs. "The Hangover: Part III": Which Movie Should You See? (VIDEO)
'Fast and Furious 6' Review: 10 Things You Should Know About the Action-Packed Sequel
'After Earth' Unscripted: Will and Jaden Smith on Filming With Deadly Snakes & On-Set Parenting (VIDEO)
-
'Fast & Furious 6': The Reviews Are In!
'Return Of The Jedi' Turns 30: Secrets Of Ewok Language Revealed!
'Fast & Furious 6' Expected To Lap 'Hangover III' At Box Office
-
Why He Fell Asleep During That Interview
Alex Trebek Has Gone Completely Insane
Arrested Development Could Really Teach Politicians A Thing Or Two
-
Critics Consensus: Fast & Furious 6 is Certified Fresh
Red Carpet Photos with Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Gina Carano and More
Video: The Hangover Part III Cast Interviews
-
What to Watch This Weekend: Orphan Black, Behind the Candelabra, and Arrested Development's Netflix Debut
Arrested Development Q&A: Alia Shawkat on Maeby, the Return of the Show, and the Canonization of Mitch Hurwitz
What to Watch Tonight: The Season Premiere of Rookie Blue and the Series Premieres of Save Me, Showville, and Does Someone Have to Go?
-
The Telefile - The Most Heinous Person on Reality TV This Week
The Telefile - Does Someone Have to Go?: Work Sucks.... If You Are On This Show
The Telefile - Save Me: Lightning Strikes NBC
-
EA Teases Possible Star Wars: Battlefront Return
Tom Cruise Leaves 'Man From U.N.C.L.E.' to Focus on 'Mission: Impossible 5′
Black Ops 2 Revolution DLC Free This Weekend
Latest Posts
-
DJ Jazzy Jeff and Carlton stop by the 'Graham Norton' show: FabulousFriday, May 24, 2013
-
A history lesson and a 'Lucky' startFriday, May 24, 2013
-
Human time-lapseThursday, May 23, 2013
-
Ball's in your court, Bruce DickinsonThursday, May 23, 2013


Comments
Option 1
Comment instantly as a guest GuestOption 2
Option 3
Login or create a HitFix account Login Signupchris
February 4, 2013 at 6:59PM EST Reply to Commenttrash, he better come withs omething better then this, his Take Care album was to hard for this wack hook and corny shit!
Dboy
February 14, 2013 at 4:06AM EST Reply to CommentThis was ok.
nsuku mongwe
February 28, 2013 at 2:56PM EST Reply to CommentMxm drake keep it al up 4 yo niggers,we damn proud of u:)