Anyone who knows me knows I love Drake to the moon and back. Now, I’ve been a Drake fan since his “Degrassi” days, but what really made me fall in love with him was his mixtape, So Far Gone which really put him on the map music-wise. This past week marked the 10-year anniversary of So Far Gone. In honor of its anniversary, Drake released the mixtape in its entirety onto streaming all streaming services like Spotify. So, here are my top SIX (see what I did there lol), favorite tracks from the mixtape. (Along with my favorite Drake gifs that fit the vibe of the song lol).
“The Calm”
GIPHY
On this track, Drake opens up about the stress and realities of fame. He cites his guilt for living the high life, while his father was struggling, and the beginning of his complications with women. I like this track because it’s one of the first times I could really hear passion in his verses and how well he could actually rap.
10/10
“Little Bit”
GIPHY
This song is toward the top of the list of my faves because even though the meaning of the song is all too familiar to listeners, (he’s in love with a girl but scared to admit his feelings) it’s a different sound than what you would expect to hear from Drake. His collaboration with Swedish artist Lykke Li, turns his song from the typical, brooding, “Drake-like” vibe, to a dynamic track with very soft undertones of EDM.
7/10
“Brand New”
GIPHY
This song is one my faves because it gives me an old-school R&B, nostalgic feel, from the melody, all the way to the lyrics. It’s pretty much a simple, “Does he do it better than me?” ballad. If you really listen to the lyrics you’ll realize it’s essentially how his infamous “I miss my ex” song “Marvin’s Room” would sound if we went back to 1995. Either way I stan.
9/10
“Best I Ever Had”
GIPHY
I know people who don’t even really like Drake that fw this song heavy. Originally this was released as a single, and it was the smash hit that captured the attention of the world and got him nominated for two Grammy Awards. It’s produced well, upbeat, and the lyrics are flawless. “Best I Ever Had” will remain a crowd favorite (and mine) for many years to come. After listening to this song, whether he’s your favorite or not, no one can really deny how well he transcends the world of Hip-Hop/Rap and R&B.
10/10
“Bria’s Interlude”
GIPHY
The song itself is an entire vibe. Drake collaborates with singer/rapper Omarion, and drops the one song that actually gets me in my feelings (no pun intended). Seriously, this song is the reason I have to be careful when putting this tape on shuffle. This is the song you listen to during a rainy day in your dorm, while laying up with your boo thang. (Warning: this song might make you text your ex tho, so listen with extreme caution).
9.5/10
“Congratulations”
GIPHY
How can you not love this one! This is one of the Drake hops on the track with Lil Wayne, samples “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay, and celebrates his successes as an artist thus far. This is the perfect song to add onto your workout playlist, or if you need something to lift your mood up a little bit.
9/10
These are just six of the 17 amazing songs on the So Far Gone mixtape. Comparing this tape to all of his subsequent hit albums like “Take Care” (my favorite of all time) all the way to his most recent album “Scorpion,” you can see how he’s grown as an artist. Don’t just take my word for it! Head on over to Spotify or Apple Music, and YOU be the judge!
GIPHY