Debating whether to submit his final cut or not, Drake's preferred release date that motivated him to created a 'Birthday edition', much like a deluxe edition to be released on the iTunes Store. Drake also revealed that the album was recorded mainly in Toronto. That’s why my new album is called Take Care because I get to take my time this go-round.' Drake mentioned after OVO Fest 2011 that Take Care could have up to 18 songs on it, and added that Stevie Wonder contributed to the creative direction of the album and will be featured on the album as well. I rushed a lot of the songs and sonically I didn’t get to sit with the record and say, 'I should change this verse.' 'Once it was done, it was done. In comparison to his debut album Drake revealed to Y.C Radio 1 that Thank Me Later was a rushed album, stating, 'I didn’t get to take the time that I wanted to on that record.

In November 2010, Drake revealed the title of his next studio album will be Take Care. For the album, he intended to have Shebib handle most of the production and record a more cohesive sound than on Thank Me Later, which featured disparate production duties by Shebib and others. Thank Me Later became a commercial success and was well received by music critics and also Prior to Take Care, Drake also expanded his repertoire as a live performer. In 2010, Drake released his debut album Thank Me Later, continuing his creative partnership with record producer and audio engineer Noah '40' Shebib, who had first introduced his distinct sound on Drake's breakthrough mixtape So Far Gone (2009).

In 2020, the album was ranked 95th on Rolling Stone 's updated list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.ĭrake broadened his concert performances in between albums. It won Drake his first Grammy Award, winning Best Rap Album at the 2013 Grammy Awards. It was named one of 2011's best albums, and subsequently one of the best albums of the 2010s, by several publications. The album received critical acclaim from critics, with praise for its expansive production and emotional themes. Four of the album's singles peaked in the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100: ' Headlines', ' Make Me Proud', ' The Motto' and ' Take Care'. It has been certified six times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album also highlights other topics, such as Drake's relationships with friends and family, as well as touching on sex and narcissism.ĭespite leaking online nine days before its scheduled release, Take Care debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 631,000 copies in its first week. It features a mixture of braggadocio and emotional lyrics, exploring themes of fame, romance, and wealth. It incorporates several elements that have come to define Drake's sound, including minimalist R&B influences, existential subject matter, and alternately sung and rapped vocals.

The album also expands on the low-tempo, sensuous, and dark sonic aesthetic of Thank Me Later. In comparison to his debut album, Drake revealed that the album is called Take Care because 'I get to take my time this go-round '. Drake's vocals on the album feature emotional crooning, alto vocals, a guttural cadence, a melodic flow, and a larger emphasis on singing than on Thank Me Later. Expressing a desire to reunite with 40, his long-time producer who featured in parts on Thank Me Later, the duo worked extensively on the new album once recording sessions began in 2010.

Prior to Take Care, Drake released Thank Me Later, which experienced positive critical success, but left him feeling disjointed about the album's musical content. Alongside prominent production from the album's executive producers Drake and 40, further contributors include T-Minus, Chantal Kreviazuk, Boi-1da, Illangelo, Jamie xx, Supa Dups, Just Blaze, Chase N. The album features guest appearances from The Weeknd, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Birdman, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and André 3000. It was released on November 15, 2011, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. Take Care is the second studio album by Canadian rapper Drake.

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