Drake - 'Nothing Was The Same'

After a season of ups and downs--beginning with more than impressive opening sales for J. Cole (297k), Kanye (327k), Jay-Z (Platinum), and Wale (152k) and ending with very lackluster openings for 2 Chainz (55-65k projected), Big Sean (72k), and Juicy J (64k)-- summer is officially coming to an end.
While things have been looking surprisingly dreary lately, the new season brings a new hope that Hip Hop will hit another high. With Drake's Nothing Was The Same is set for release on September 24th, odds are pretty great that hip hop will dominate Billboard yet again.

Boasting hit singles "Hold On We're Going Home" and "Started From The Bottom," along with highly  controversial "Wu Tang Forever,"  Nothing Was The Same seems to have the makings of another polarizing yet Grammy award winning project.

Update: Now that the album's in stores, hit the comments with your thoughts on NWTS!

Sales figures & Projections via HNHH

Previously: Drake Drops 4 New Tracks & Reveals 'Nothing Was The Same' Release Date

Drake Drops 4 New Tracks & Reveals 'Nothing Was The Same' Release Date

With J. Cole and Yeezus going head to head with amazing results; Jay-Z's revolutionary announcement of his album Magna Carta Holy Grail; Wale's The Gifted on deck; and Drake's Nothing Was The Same officially slated for a September 17th release, there's no doubt that this summer will be the best one Hip Hop music's seen in a while.

In a move similar to the concurrent release of "Girls Love Beyoncé" and "No New Friends," Drake released four new tracks: the J. Cole featured "Jodeci Freestyle," Party Next Door's "Over Here," Migos' "Versace," and the Sampha featured "The Motion."  Stream + download them all below.

Drake ft. James Fauntleroy - "Girls Love Beyonce"

Drake wasn't kidding when he said this would be a very good week for his fans. After giving Khaled the okay to drop "Started From The Bottom" remix "No New Friends," he sneaks in a new track using Fauntleroy's Cocaine 80s strategy. Looks like the road to Drake's forthcoming effort Nothing Was The Same is officially in sight.

Stream the "Say My Name" sampled "Girls Love Beyonce" below, which capitalizes on a scientifically proven fact. We DO love her!

 
[illRoots]

Previously:

• DJ Khaled ft. Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne - "No New Friends" (SFTB Remix)
• Common ft. Cocaine 80s - "Congratulations"

[Music Video] Drake - "5AM In Toronto"

Drake's latest vent "5AM In Toronto" was so nice lyrically, even his biggest and most hilarious naysayer Big Ghost couldn't find much to hate on. Now the OVO general releases a visual to accompany the unofficial single, which shows him out with his team at what looks like... 5AM in Toronto.



Previously: Drake - "5AM In Toronto"

Drake - "5AM In Toronto"

Drake can probably coast off of his hit "Started From The Bottom" until his album Nothing Was The Same drops, but it looks like he's got something to prove as he rips into Boi-1da & Vinylz's production "5AM In Toronto."

Stream/download the venting session below as Drake takes a few subliminals addressing the MTV Hottest MCs list, Rihanna, The Weeknd and a few others.

Download: Drake - 5AM In Toronto

Previously: [Music Video] Kendrick Lamar ft. Drake - "Poetic Justice"

[Music Video] Drake - "Started From The Bottom"

This video dropped before Drake took home the Grammy for Rap Album of the Year, but the honor makes "Started From The Bottom" even more fitting. "HYFR" was a pretty hilarious video, but this may take the cake as Drake gets upgraded from a stockboy to night manager to superstar while bringing his friends up with him.


Directed by X & Drake

Previously: Drake - "Started From The Bottom" (Prod. by Mike Zombie)

Drake - "Started From The Bottom" (Prod. by Mike Zombie)

It was originally rumored that Drake would be releasing this track on Grammy night, but it seems like there's been enough waiting. Stream his new single "Started From The Bottom" below, and check out his letter to his fans that coincided with the release:

My good friends,

It has truly been too long. I assume you're all keeping well and making the most of this year that has been given to us. Today is the day to begin sharing my newest work with you. This is the first single off of my upcoming album. 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. 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. I am proud of every part of my past and I'm excited for this song to find a place in your life as well. I didn't feel I needed any interviews or radio or press to launch this song. It felt right to come back to the site that I started on and release it to the people that started here with me. Judging by this post, the tour that we've been planning, the conversations about new songs and album artwork...I think it's safe to say we're back together again. Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

"You don't have to ask me how I'm doing...just listen to the music" - K.Samir

Drake's trademark dark formula blended with a west coast sound and a club ready hook. Sounds like a hit to me.

[OVO]

Previously: Future ft. Drake - "Fo Real"