Drake
Thank Me Later (Universal)

It’s hard to imagine an album more hyped than Drake’s official debut, Thank Me Later. Seriously, who the hell gets nominated for two Grammys before even dropping an album? Or dominates the Billboard charts with a mix tape song? While we’re at it, what young artist can boast that Jay-Z swung by their hometown, called them out on stage, and then proceeded to back them on their biggest hit? Come on.

The Toronto rapper’s meteoric rise to fame is so spectacular, it’s almost inconceivable. The 23-year-old has achieved more in the past year than many rap artists will in a lifetime—and he’s Canadian, damn it, doubly impressive considering that being from north of the border used to be the kiss of death in hip-hop.

All told, Drake really didn’t have a prayer. His debut couldn’t possibly live up to the surreal level of buzz.

Except, of course, that it does. With Thank Me Later, Drizzy shows the world what made him famous in the first place: raw, refreshing, uninhibited individuality. Drake is not trying to be something he’s not. He’s not a thugged-out rapper, nor is he an earnest underground emcee. He’s a crazy-talented, often conflicted, always commercially viable, sometimes reluctant rapper. And it works for him.

With his mesmerizing downtempo beats, smooth flow and singsong hooks, the Lil Wayne protégé lulls listeners into a moody, whimsical coma throughout his debut. But it’s not just the delivery that proves so utterly compelling—it’s the content. Drake has a rare gift for melancholy that manifests in some of the most honest, introspective lyrics in hip-hop to date. The former Degrassi: The Next Generation star delves into subjects rarely addressed in rap: the loneliness of fame (“While all my closest friends out partying/I’m just here making the music that they party to”), the heart-wrenching complexity of relationships (“Don’t be fooled by the money/I’m still young and unlucky/I’m surprised you couldn’t tell”), and even the futility of groupie love (“I don’t judge her but I could never love her/’Cause to her I’m just a rapper and soon she’ll have met another”).

During his short time in the limelight, Drake has already proved himself one of rap’s great innovators. We could wait til later, but we may as well just thank him now.

Download This: “Karaoke”