Music Review: Scary Hours EP
This Saturday, Drake released two new songs after teasing the new music on his Instagram account. The quadruple platinum-selling rapper from Toronto has spent the last few months out of the public eye. Yet, last year, he did promise his many fans that he would release new music in his song “Do Not Disturb” by rapping, “I’ll be back in 2018 to give you the summary.”
As of midnight on January 20, Drake kept his promise by releasing two singles: “God’s Plan” and “Diplomatic Immunity.” The songs are both part of his upcoming “Scary Hours” extended play (EP) record. Though they are by the same artist, the two songs could not be more different. This is partly because Boi-1da and Nick Brongers produced “Diplomatic Immunity,” and Cardo, Yung Exclusive and Boi-1da produced the other single, “God’s Plan.”
Yet, last year, he did promise his many fans that he would release new music in his song “Do Not Disturb” by rapping, “I’ll be back in 2018 to give you the summary.”
From the very cover of his upcoming album, one can instantly tell that it’s going to be a bop. The thick white text with a layer of thinner red letters spelling out “Scary Hours” in a black background match perfectly with the tone of the song. Recently, an underground rapper by the name of Rabit accused Drake of stealing his style of his former tour poster. While this may or may not be addressed by Drake in the near future, it is also important to not let the allegations stray from the quality of Drake’s two new songs and how this cover adds to the nature of his album.
In addition, “God’s Plan” is a bouncier song, fitting with Drake’s usual upbeat style full of beats that one can instantly dance to. It is clearly the better of the two songs, given its overall melody and beat. In the song, Drake incorporates playful lyrics and speaks of his various accomplishments from last year. One of his largest accomplishments being the fact that he was the second most streamed artist of 2017. One of the best lyrics in his song is “Don’t pull up at 6 a.m. to cuddle with me.” It’s not only funny, it’s also the type of line that sticks with you. This song contains catchier bass and a stronger beat that the listener can instantly vibe with. From the very beginning, the song is energetic and electric, especially due to Drake’s repetition of the title “God’s Plan.”
“Diplomatic Immunity,” on the other hand, is a refreshing change from the same “6 God” songs we are used to listening to. The song provides Drake with a platform to respond to his haters both in the present and the past. He even speaks of breaking up with Jennifer Lopez, referencing the rumors and drama from last year. By far one of the best lines of the song is when he sings, “I’ve seen budding careers turn to sit around and talk about other careers / Judging their peers.” This is a direct diss to the people who judge Drake and his career but do not have one of their own. Its rhyming bars enhance this message. He is honest with all his listeners and talks about being in “better company with [his] own reflection” than with these haters. This particular line resonates with all of his fans familiar with people who belittle their accomplishments. It also teaches them not to be afraid to talk back to the haters not only through words, but through actions. Drake is a wonderful example of how accomplishments can shut some haters down.
Drake has done it again. Both his songs are incredible and sure to be hits. “God’s Plan” is catchier and lighter in content than “Diplomatic Immunity,” but both are equally great. These two songs show Drake’s versatility in rapping and style-bending. Like many of his fans, I’m excited to hear the other songs off his newest EP, “Scary Hours”. Hopefully, it comes out soon. But, for now, his fans will just have to play his two new singles on a loop while awaiting the rest of “Scary Hours.”