#47 of 100
· Apple Music
“Take Care absolutely belongs here, though I'd argue it lands lower than its cultural weight deserves. Drake's debut proper is a masterclass in mood—that breathy, half-sung delivery over 40's production became the template for a decade of rap. "Marvin's Room" and "Successful" hit different on vinyl, with the reverb and layering really opening up on a quality pressing. It's the album that proved Drake wasn't just a features guy; he was rewriting what a rap album could sound like. Might be recency bias keeping it outside the top 25, but the influence radiates from this one.”
Aubrey Drake Graham (born 1986) emerged from Toronto's hip-hop scene in the late 2000s, initially gaining recognition as an actor on Degrassi before pivoting to music. His 2009 debut mixtape So Far Gone introduced his signature blend of introspective rap and singing, establishing the Toronto sound that would influence mainstream hip-hop throughout the 2010s. Drake's major-label debut Thank Me Later (2010) and subsequent albums Take Care (2011), Nothing Was the Same (2013), Views (2016), and Scorpion (2018) consistently topped charts and dominated streaming platforms. His meticulous production choices and collaborations with producers like Noah "40" Shebib have defined his sonic evolution from moody, introspective rap to more pop-influenced trap and R&B hybrid sounds.
Style
Drake pioneered a melodic rap style blending introspective lyricism, sung hooks, and atmospheric production. His music incorporates elements of trap, R&B, and pop with an emphasis on emotional vulnerability and accessible hooks.
Significance
As one of the best-selling artists of the 2010s, Drake's cultural dominance shaped contemporary hip-hop and streaming-era record consumption. For vinyl collectors, his albums represent the modern era of hip-hop production, with Take Care and Views particularly valued for their cohesive sonic vision and cultural impact on the format's resurgence.
Take Care, Drake's second studio album, was recorded over an extended period from 2011 to 2013, with contributions from a stellar lineup of producers including The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, Boi-1da, PartyNextDoor, and 40 (Drake's longtime collaborator). The album represents a more introspective and melancholic departure from Thank Me Later, exploring themes of relationships, vulnerability, and emotional complexity. Drake worked extensively with The Weeknd, whose atmospheric production and vocals shaped the album's darker, nocturnal sonic landscape. The creative process emphasized mood and cohesion, with Drake refining his singing voice and lyrical depth throughout the project.
Historical Context
Released in November 2013, Take Care arrived during a pivotal moment in hip-hop when melodic rap and introspection were gaining mainstream prominence. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and became a commercial juggernaut, introducing Drake's more vulnerable persona to millions. It influenced the industry's shift toward singing rappers and atmospheric production, while the album's success cemented Drake's position as one of the biggest artists globally. Critically, it was praised for its cohesive production and emotional depth, launching multiple hit singles including 'Started from the Bottom' and 'Headlines.'
Pressing Notes
Take Care received multiple vinyl pressings on Young Money Entertainment/Cash Money Records. The original 2013 pressing is a 2LP set and is highly sought after by collectors. Subsequent reissues and variants exist, including 180-gram audiophile pressings released in later years. Collectors should verify pressing plant information (typically printed on the runout grooves) and check for any manufacturing defects, as earlier pressings can vary in quality. The album's intricate production translates well to vinyl, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection despite its relative availability compared to rarer hip-hop albums.
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
Features similarly cinematic production and introspective storytelling with a focus on melody and emotional depth over pure rap bravado.
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Offers the same blend of R&B, soul, and rap with lush production and vulnerable, contemplative lyricism across an expansive sonic palette.
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