Drake - "So Far Gone" - EP

[StevePulaski]

So Far Gone - EP (2009)
By: Drake

Rating: ★★★½

The story of Aubrey "Drake" Graham is such an unlikely one that it ultimately defines the unpredictable patterns of the music business while simultaneously reinforcing them. Starting as a regular on Degrassi: The Next Generation, Drake found success through music thanks to his ability to be a charismatic presence, a seriously talented lyricist who could flow on any song, including the works of others, and his low-key, nuanced production. Pairing up with Lil Wayne and his Young Money moniker in addition to signing with Universal Motown when everyone seemed to want a piece of the young, Toronto-born rapper, Drake was well on his way to certain success right before the turn of the decade in 2009.

So Far Gone, Drake's debut EP and official release, assembles a clean roster of seven songs from Drake's mixtape of the same name, including his biggest hits at the time, like the soulful and deeply personal "Successful" and the hypnotic, somewhat hyphy "Best I Ever Had." Drake's vocals here are velvety smooth, whether he's spitting with intensity or showing you his crooner ways, giving him a "bro" image for the guys and a tender, romantic-at-heart image for the ladies. The former personality finds itself on the anthemic "I'm Goin' In," with the likes of Young Jeezy and Wayne boasting cocky, assured flows with Drake chiming in and proving he can party along with the rowdier crowd.

It's when Drake is largely alone, not sharing his verse-count with other artists that he finds his strengths. "Successful," while featuring Trey Songz on the addicting chorus, has Drake recognizing all that TV didn't give him that he hopes music will: money, cars, clothes, and women, which, in today's entertainment industry, are all perceived as measures of success and affirmations of a high net-worth. Drake concludes So Far Gone with two very deep, cloud rap tracks that stun in their ability to be mesmerizing, particularly "Fear," which closes the album for a reason, showing the vulnerability behind the undeniable swag and power Drake so confidently possesses.

So Far Gone is a wonderfully composed EP, rich in lyricism and strong in it ability to bedazzle a new talent whilst showing he is deeper (and better) than a handful of other mainstream rappers who do not share the multiple talents he does.

Recommended tracks (in order): "Best I Ever Had," "Successful," "Fear," and "Houstatlantavegas."