On the morning of Friday, October 6, fans and music enthusiasts worldwide rejoiced as Drake’s long-awaited eighth studio album, “For All The Dogs,” finally graced streaming platforms. The album’s release marked the end of weeks of eager anticipation and speculations.
This latest offering from Drake, his first solo album since 2022’s “Honestly Nevermind,” includes the chart-topping sensation “Slime You Out,” featuring SZA. Notably, this track secured the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 chart, marking Drake’s 12th chart-topping single on the Hot 100. This accomplishment placed him in a tie for fifth place on the all-time list of artists with the most No. 1 singles, inching him closer to surpassing the legendary Michael Jackson, who holds the record with 13 chart-toppers.
Building up to the album’s release, Drake had already stirred excitement by dropping “8 AM in Charlotte” on Thursday, October 5. This track, spanning six minutes and featuring his son Adonis, emerged in the early hours of the morning, captivating fans and stirring discussions on social media.
However, it was the lyrics of “8 AM in Charlotte” that ignited a fervor of speculation. Drake’s references and wordplay prompted intense debates about who he might be addressing in his verses. The internet erupted with theories, with several names surfacing, including Metro Boomin, YoungBoy NBA, Charlamagne Tha God, and Kanye West.
Among these names, Kanye West stood out prominently, particularly after Drake’s third verse in “Charlotte,” where he rapped, “You n-ggas obsessed with me and it’s not on no hetero vibe/ Handle beef so quiet you think that I’m letting it slide/ Next thing you know we tip-toeing past enemy lines/ Diss me so long ago we making your memories fly/ Conspiracy theories start floating around like the Kennedy guy/ I’ll probably hold a grudge against you guys ’til I’m 75.”
Drake’s penchant for lyrical jabs at Kanye West is not new, as he has previously taken swipes at the fellow artist in songs like Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” and French Montana’s “No Stylist.”
The release of “For All The Dogs” has reignited the age-old debate surrounding Drake’s cryptic lyrics and their intended targets. It has also sparked renewed curiosity and intrigue among music enthusiasts who eagerly dissect his verses and contemplate the layers of meaning in his music.
As fans delve deeper into the tracks of Drake’s latest album, the anticipation for his forthcoming lyrical revelations and musical journeys continues to mount, ensuring that “For All The Dogs” will remain a topic of fervent discussion in the weeks and months to come.
