7 Underrated Drake Tracks That Deserve More Attention

Drake may have “more slaps than The Beatles” but his catalog runs so deep, that some songs go under the radar. In the past decade, he's turned into a household name with a plethora of massive hit records. Still, some of his best work often deserve more recognition.

When discussing the most underrated Drake tracks, the standard differs from listener to listener. His least-streamed songs are bigger than many artists’ most popular songs. However, the records that we consider "underrated" is based on their comparisons to his chart-topping anthems. Below, we've ranked seven songs from Drake's catalog that deserve more love.

Drake and Rick Ross have a collaborative history that runs deep. They have a spotless track record of bangers like “No New Friends,” “I’m On One,” “Lord Knows,” and “Stay Schemin.” However, their most underrated collaboration is “Free Spirit,” a promotional song released ahead of Take Care. 40's reversed and filtered production style bring out the best in Drake. Despite the hook's overall toxic nature, the catchy and moody track stands as one of the most underrated in Drake's catalog. The song is among the examples that spurred demand for a potential collaborative project.

On Nothing Was The Same, “Connect” follows the hit song that is “Hold On We’re Going Home.” “Connect” is not only the most underrated song on the album but is one of the Drake songs that deserves more attention. Drake creates music that perfectly soundtracks those late-night vibes. “Connect” slow and moody instrumental pairs with Drake's signature sing/rap flow for a definitive song in his catalog. In addition, the lyrics about a dysfunctional relationship make it a quintessential Drake song that is worthy of more attention.

2015’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late ranks high in Drake’s catalog. However, it also contains a few cuts that have been criminally overlooked. "Madonna"'s hypnotic instrumental and Drake’s slurred inflections make the song one of the most special songs on the album. The incorporation of a Ginuwine sample also adds to the song’s brilliance.

Drake’s “timestamp” songs counter any doubts the masses have about his ability to drop bars. “6PM In New York'' has arguably one of Drake’s best verses ever. He solidifies his place as a rap legend and even prophesied his future success. He raps, “‘Best I Ever Had’ seems like a decade ago / Decadent flow and I still got a decade to go.” The song is a testament to his accomplishments and consistency as an MC, putting his lyrical skills on full display and even sending some subliminal jabs. “6PM In New York” is among Drake’s best verses and most underrated songs.

Drake’s solo track that closes the Future collab album What A Time To Be Alive, is a contemplative departure from the rest of the album. The 40-produced beat is minimal yet gorgeous, allowing Drake to remind his fans and the industry at large of all that he's accomplished in his career. In a sense, “30 For 30 Freestyle” also serves as a victory lap for his 2015 run, where he released two successful albums and triumphed in a beef with Meek Mill. He even throws in the lyric, “the pen is working if you n****s need some ghost lines.” On an album full of hits like “Jumpman,” “30 For 30 Freestyle” is an underrated track of declaration that Drake’s jersey is forever in the rafters. 

The response to Certified Lover Boy may have been mixed, but there are plenty of gems on that album. In between the gimmicky songs (i.e. "Way 2 Sexy) are some quality songs that deserve more attention, like “Get Along Better.” While Drake and Ty Dolla $ign have worked together on a few records, “Get Along Better” might just be the best one. The instrumental brings the best R&B qualities out of Drake. However, it's Ty Dolla $ign's harmonies that elevates the song to the next level. Certified Lover Boy gets a lot of hate but “Get Along Better” is an album highlight and also one of Drake’s most underrated songs.

The immediate reaction from the masses to Drake’s dance/R&B-infused Honestly, Nevermind was overwhelmingly negative. The album deserves more credit and has aged incredibly well in the year since its release. The album’s production was phenomenal. It consisted of some of Drake’s best vocal performances, and he was experimenting at a time when fans wanted him to try something new. The production on "Texts Go Green" from Black Coffee is groovy yet subdued. Drake’s vocal performance is so smooth as he sings about a failed relationship that ended in blocked phone numbers. “Texts Go Green” is a clear highlight that deserves more attention from an underrated album.

[Via]