So Far Gone

It’s Valentine’s Day, So obviously let’s talk about Drake

I think it’s fitting the most anguished rapper that has talked so explicitly about his introspective complications with women and his relationships is set to re- release his acclaimed third mixtape from 2009 on Valentine’s Day. A mixtape that would go on to impact a new era of hip-hop. An era on the backs of many influential rappers, singers, and producers of the time and late 90s, produced the most recent example of a rapper balancing his ability to sing and rap on two equally tall and distinct piers.

I have unique perspective on hip-hop, maybe few have that claim that it’s a genre of music they love now.

My perspective on hip-hop pre 2009 was completely in hindsight.

Growing up in my house we played gospel , listened to an extensive variety of jazz, R&B , soul, and funk music. Every so often my dad would sprinkle an occasional rap song from the early 80s or 90s he thought had the least amount of questionable lyrics.

I knew hip hop had existed and often heard on a radio, in passing, or in conversation with someone else — outside of that the music just wasn’t of interest to me. I had grown up without it.

2008–2009 all of that changed for me.