Drake – Crew Love (featuring The Weeknd) [stream]

So the new Drake album, ‘Take Care’, has leaked online a week before its official release. Drake seems to be taking the news in his stride however; taking to Twitter, he initially responded to the news saying “I’m not sure if the album has leaked but, if it did, thank god it doesn’t happen a month early anymore. Listen, enjoy it, buy it if you like it… and take care until next time.” As much as any artist at the very least privately laments their tracks being leaked online, it is doubtful that Drake will have much worrying to do about his sophomore work.

‘Take Care’ is sure to be one of the biggest selling rap releases of the year, and the tracks that have appeared online so far are nothing short of great, but what is interesting is the stylistic breadth of the tracks and the less-than-obvious collaborations on offer. Sure, there is Rihanna and Rick Ross as you might expect, but it is Drakes efforts with Jamie xx and – most stunningly – The Weeknd that have been raising eyebrows. Crew Love is a blissful exploration of Drakes pop sensibilities with his stylistic brother-from-another-mother, and manages to feel sensual, anthemic and touching all at once.