Future & Drake: What a Time to be Alive

On Sunday, September 20, artists Future and Drake released their first collaboration mixtape. The project is entitled “What a Time to be Alive,” and features eleven songs of today’s hottest mixes and melodies produced by the competent Metro Boomin. The two recently ended the global tour, “Would you like a Tour?” in March of this year, which featured artist Miguel, PartyNextDoor, The Weeknd, Jhené Aiko, Joey Bada$$, and 2 Chainz. Created in a six day recording period, the artists released the joint project with high expectations that it would do well in sells. To create a little of their own buzz for listeners, fans, and critics they posted pictures of themselves, the album art, as well as the mixtape’s track list, to keep us all on the edge of our seats. Prior to the release, the two were already being compared to Jay-Z and Kayne West, whose joint album, “Watch the Throne,” sold over two million copies. What causes this particular mixtape to be so popular? For some it may be the distinctive sounds of rapper Future. It seems as if Future was in one of every five songs that were released this year. Debuting his first album Pluto in 2012, Future has seemed to always remain at a high level of success. Despite his recent breakup with singer/songwriter, dancer, and mother of his youngest son Future Wilburn, Ciara, Future seems to prevail and continue to break boundaries. His sound is impeccable and even if you don’t know all the words, there is a dance move, or a head nod involved in the listening. Grammy award winning artist Drake, is a pretty big reason to add to the attraction. Beginning his career as an actor in the sitcom Degrassi: The Next Generation, Drake’s fan base is incredible and increases steadily. Drake’s signature flow in his raps, and the smooth stylings of the songs that he sings are like no other. Combining the two was probably just a cause of two friends trying to put their craft together to make great music, or was it much more? If not anything else this was a great business decision. Drake’s complications with rapper Meek Mill already has put him in the lime light, especially focusing on Future being called Mill’s “Favorite Rapper”. Another story that circles revolves on Drake and his contract with Young Money. It is said that the mixtapes he has released in this past year, are to serve as fulfillments of his contract, and his upcoming album “Views from the 6” will be his first album without the control of the record label. Whatever the reason may be, the mixtape itself is really a classic. Personally some of my favorites are “Digital Dash,” “I’m the Plug,” and “30 for 30 freestyle”. If you are a fan of either one, I guarantee that you will be satisfied with at least one song. The project is available on Spotify, ITunes, and Apple Music.