Drake’s $exy $ongs 4 U Moving Past Kendrick Lamar Feud or Just More Subtle Jabs?
From Beyoncé finally securing a long-overdue Grammy to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show dominance, the industry has been delivering back-to-back headlines. Meanwhile, the triple j Hottest 100 solidified the unstoppable rise of women in pop, proving that the cultural landscape continues to evolve in exciting ways.
Among all this, a wave of new albums has surfaced—some remarkable, others forgettable, but each contributing to the defining soundtrack of 2025.
One release, however, stands out for more than just its music.
Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR Drop ‘$exy $ongs 4’ U’—A New Direction or More of the Same?
Drake, known for his chart-topping dominance, has returned with his latest album, Exy Songs 4 U, a collaboration with longtime OVO signee PARTYNEXTDOOR. But with the Kendrick Lamar feud still looming in the background, can this project carve out its own identity, or does it remain overshadowed by past drama?
From Rap Feud to R&B Vibes: Drake’s Strategic Shift
Following Kendrick Lamar’s scathing track ‘Not Like Us’, which not only won five Grammy Awards but also became a Super Bowl victory anthem, many wondered how Drake would respond.
Instead of diving back into the diss track arena, Drake takes a detour—opting for low-tempo, sensual R&B, reminiscent of his 2009 breakout mixtape ‘So Far Gone’.
But does it work?
“F* a Rap Beef, I’m Tryna Get the Party Lit”—A” Hollow Promise?**
On the album’s standout track, ‘Gimme A Hug’, Drake boldly declares,
“F** a rap beef, I’m tryna get the party lit.”*
However, despite this sentiment, the project doesn’t fully commit to the energy it promises. Instead, much of $exy $ongs 4 U feels sedated, leaning heavily on recycled R&B formulas and uninspired beats.
Auto-Tune Overload and a Lack of Identity
Auto-Tune has always been a staple in Drake’s sound, but here, it’s so overpowering that casual listeners might struggle to differentiate between Drake’s and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s vocals. The result? A lack of distinction between the two artists on what should have been a dynamic, collaborative effort.
For fans expecting sharp lyricism or hard-hitting beats, this album might feel like a letdown.
The Highlights: When Drake Actually Delivers
Not all is lost, though.
Some tracks break through the monotony and capture Drake’s signature playfulness:
- ‘Meet Your Padre’—a’ track with a hypnotic, corridor-lilt rhythm that adds a fresh touch to the album.
- ‘Nokia’: A playful, nostalgic nod featuring ringtone samples that create an unexpectedly fun soundscape.
These moments show that Drake still has creative sparks, even if they’re buried beneath a bloated tracklist.
$exy $ongs 4 U: A Bloated Playlist or a Curated Experience?
With 21 tracks spanning 73 minutes, the album is relatively restrained compared to some of Drake’s previous releases, which have often been criticized for unnecessary bloat.
However, even at this length, the project could benefit from serious trimming.
For those looking to build a streamlined playlist, here’s a cheat sheet of the most replay-worthy tracks:
‘Gimme A Hug’—the’ album’s most memorable track, despite still carrying subliminal jabs at Lamar.
‘Meet Your Padre’—a’ rare creative standout in an otherwise repetitive album.
‘Nokia’ – Brings an experimental, fun-loving energy.
‘Greedy’ is one of the few tracks where Drake’s delivery feels sharp and intentional.
‘Small Town Fame’: While the name drops of Charli XCX and Tate McRae feel forced, the track manages to stand out.
The Kendrick Lamar Shadow: Has Drake Truly Moved On?
Despite the album’s attempt to pivot away from hip-hop beef, Drake can’t seem to resist taking shots at his rivals.
Subtle (and not-so-subtle) jabs at Kendrick Lamar are sprinkled throughout, proving that while he claims to be moving on, the ghost of ‘Not Like Us’ still lingers.
For some fans, this adds a layer of intrigue, but for others, it reinforces the notion that Drake’s best days might be behind him.
Chart Success: A Hollow Victory?
One undeniable win for Drake is that $exy $ongs 4 U has managed to dethrone Kendrick Lamar from the top of the Billboard 200 charts.
However, is this true dominance, or just a momentary triumph?
With Kendrick’s album GNX experiencing a post-Super Bowl surge, it remains to be seen whether Drake’s latest effort will have the staying power to remain at the top—or if it’s simply a fleeting moment in an ongoing rivalry.
Drake’s Formula: Is It Losing Its Magic?
For over a decade, Drake has dominated the charts, effortlessly blending rap, R&B, and pop into a sound uniquely his own. But with $exy $ongs 4 U, a growing question emerges—is the formula starting to wear thin?
While the album still carries Drake’s signature touch, it lacks the hunger and reinvention that made his earlier work so compelling. Tracks like ‘Marvins Room’ and ‘Passionfruit’ felt deeply personal, emotionally raw, and effortlessly cool. By contrast, much of $exy $ongs 4 U feels mechanical, as if Drake is relying on past tricks rather than pushing himself artistically.
One of the biggest criticisms of modern Drake projects is their tendency to drag on without purpose. This album, while shorter than some of his past releases, still falls into the trap of feeling bloated. Too many songs lack a distinct identity, blending into each other without leaving a lasting impact. Even with its stronger moments, there’s a lingering sense that Drake is playing it safe, unwilling to take the risks that once defined his career.
A Fading Legacy or Just a Mid-Career Slump?
Drake’s influence on hip-hop and R&B is undeniable. He’s one of the most streamed artists of all time, and even his most underwhelming projects still command massive attention. But as the industry evolves and new artists push boundaries, Drake risks falling into irrelevance if he continues to rely on the same old formula.
At this point, fans are split. Some believe $exy $ongs 4 U is just a minor misstep, a temporary dip in an otherwise legendary career. Others argue that Drake’s peak has passed, and he’s now coasting on legacy rather than innovation.
But if there’s one thing we know about Drake, it’s that he’s a master strategist. Whether it’s another surprise album, a new business move, or a shift in sound, it wouldn’t be surprising if he finds a way to bounce back.
For now, $exy $ongs 4 U stands as a mixed bag—a project that delivers just enough to satisfy die-hard fans but falls short of the greatness that once defined Drake’s reign. Whether this marks the beginning of his decline or just another chapter in his evolving career remains to be seen.
Final Verdict: A Forgettable Entry in Drake’s Catalog?
At this point in his career, Drake’s biggest challenge isn’t competition—it’s himself.
With $exy $ongs 4 U, he leans heavily on familiar formulas, delivering a project that, while not unlistenable, fails to feel essential.
For day-one Drake fans, there’s enough here to enjoy—especially if you’re a fan of his R&B side.
But for those hoping for growth, innovation, or a definitive artistic statement, this album might not deliver.
