Drake, a five-time Grammy Award winner and renowned MC, released a surprise set of files in a 100 GB folder, containing unreleased music and behind-the-scenes archives. This release follows a period of silence after his prominent rap feud with Kendrick Lamar. Opinions on the release have been mixed: some said it put the Dull in Self-Indulgent, while others were filled with nostalgia and excitement. This kind of controversy is nothing new for Drake; without it, he likely wouldn't be the international star he is today.
If the Hip-Hop scene isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry—I’m not here to debate something meant to be subjective, nor am I here to tear down people who follow their dreams. As someone dedicated to promoting self-growth, I see important takeaways from Drake’s “silent era” that can inspire all of us.
With Mercury in retrograde, the school year approaching, and fall beginning to take shape, it’s a perfect time to look back on the summer and set new goals for this upcoming phase. Drake’s quiet period sparked creativity, leading him to do something innovative and exciting. From this, we can learn the value of taking a step back, reflecting, and using that time to reignite our own creative endeavors and personal growth.
Three New Songs!
“Without Solitude, No Serious Work is Possible,” a popular quote from Picasso, rings true here. Inside the file are three new and currently unreleased songs, likely hinting at an upcoming album. When we take time for ourselves, we can tune into our spirit, which is the source of all creativity and fulfillment.
Activity: Whether it’s meditation, a vacation, or just a moment of silence in the car before you walk into work, take a few moments to recharge. Schedule in a block, doesn’t matter how much time, dedicate it to yourself and stick to it. You are important, so treat this time as a priority. You will quickly reap the benefits whether it’s being less frustrated or coming up with new ideas!
Reaction to His Album “Honestly, Nevermind”
Before delving into the spiritual analysis of these clips, it’s important to consider the backstory of this album. "Honestly, Nevermind" was a soul-pumping, heartbreaking, and synchronistic album with House, Electronic, and Baltimore Club styles of music, making it unique in the Hip-Hop world until Beyoncé’s "Renaissance." Its distinct blend received both criticism and praise, significantly impacting the Hip-Hop industry.
In the clips, Drake listens to the album on his phone, sitting in a living room with a friend napping nearby, likely after a long day of working on the masterpiece. Revisiting old work or habits with an open and encouraging heart is crucial for growth. In therapy, this is called “playing back your tape,” which means looking back on your life not with resentment or regret, but with curiosity and motivation.
Activity: Make a circle with six sections labeled Work, Play, Relationships, Adventure,Spirituality, and Exercise. Draw a dot where you think you are in this aspect of your life, the outer side being “Doing amazing, wouldn’t change a thing!” and the Inner being “I don’t even consider this part of my life”. This reflection helps you put it on paper and see your life for what it is. The more you do it, the more improvement will be on the forefront of your mind, & the circle will begin to balance out.
Meeting with Engineers About Album “Scorpion”
The third folder contains videos of Drake meeting with his producers and team to discuss changes made to his 2018 album, "Scorpion." They talk about what they edited, what else they could do, and how to better execute his vision.
When we take time for ourselves, it’s also important to evaluate our relationships and how they benefit us. Just like we are what we eat, we are also who we choose to spend time with. Holding onto people who no longer serve us can hold us back, even if we’re not aware of it.
Activity: Make a list of the people you spend the most time with. Reflect on how each relationship impacts your life and whether it supports your growth. Consider whether new boundaries need to be set in place or if some relationships are simply easier to release.
“Things Just Evolve” – The Power of Synergy
My favorite clip from the entire collection is a cameraman interviewing one of Drake’s engineers as he sets up in a house in Barbados. The cameraman asks, “How have things changed since you started working with Drake?”
Producer: “Not much. They’ve just evolved. And when the main people [we are around] evolve, it creates a lot of synergy.”
The producer's words carry a profound message: surrounding yourself with people who support and inspire you creates a harmonious and fulfilling life.
Activity: Identify the people who inspire you and support your dreams. Reach out to them and express your gratitude. Consider how you can spend more time with these individuals to create positive synergy in your life.
Conclusion
Drake’s recent release is more than just a treasure trove for fans; it’s a reminder of the power of reflection and creativity. By taking time for ourselves, evaluating our relationships, and surrounding ourselves with supportive people, we can spark our own innovation and growth. As we transition into the new season, let’s take these lessons to heart and set new goals that inspire and uplift us.
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