So, is the “iceman” no longer “nice man”, as he raps?
Drake’s three new albums are a mixture of musical styles.
Iceman is more rap and hip-hop focused, Habibti leans more towards R&B, while Maid of Honour is dance music-inspired.
The big question about the heavily hyped new release was whether Drake would use his new music to reignite his bitter feud with Lamar.
He appears to take aim at his rival with some lyrics, accusing him of using his birthplace of Compton, Los Angeles as a backdrop for acts of charity, while escaping to a celebrity life elsewhere.
“Handin’ out turkeys on camera inside of your hood, then you go back to the hills,” he raps on one track.
And on Iceman album opener, Make Them Cry, it looks like Drake has given a glimpse into his feelings at the height of the rap beef.
“Tell us how it felt to meet the grim reaper / This album better have some big features / Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but I’m all alone for my mental [health],” he raps.
In the same track, he reveals his father has been diagnosed with cancer.
Drake also appears to call out other rappers and stars who were seen to take Lamar’s side.
On one track, he appears to target LA Lakers basketballer LeBron James, who attended a Lamar gig when the beef was at its peak.
Elsewhere, he names DJ Khaled, referring to criticism of the rapper and producer – who is of Palestinian descent – for not speaking out on the war in Gaza.
Most critics have yet to share reviews of the new releases, but reports suggest that streaming services were hit with crashes and slowdowns as fans rushed to hear his new music.
Spittin’ fire? Critics have been slow to weigh in on Drake’s bumper music drop
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