NEW RELEASES
Drake nailed it with "NOKIA." The instrumental, the self-effacing approach, and undeniably catchy hook made for the rapper's biggest hit since the Kendrick Lamar battle. It feels like a spiritual successor to the "Hotline Bling" single that dominated pop culture in 2015. So, what did Drake do? He made sure to drop a music video that harkened back to "Hotline Bling." The two feel very much in conversation with each other, from the dancing to the simple, surreal backdrops.
As advertised in the promo, "NOKIA" was shot with IMAX cameras. The image quality definitely comes through on the finished product. The video has a rich black-and-white texture that pops given the black outfits that Drake and his female dancers sport throughout. There's an undeniable eye-catching moment when the camera is overhead, and dancers sporting black outfits dance atop an all white surface. Drake, of course, keeps a NOKIA phone in hand for most of the video. The outdated tech adds to the charm, as does the fun the rapper seems to be having. It's been a while the 6 God has leaned into his goofy side, and as evidenced by his most popular videos, it always translates.
Theo Skudra directed "NOKIA," and proves that he has versatility to spare. He's the man responsible for the lo-fi charm of "Toosie Slide" and gritty bravado of "Family Matters." This video is worlds apart from both, but may actually be more fun. It feels expensive and luxurious while still feeling like a party, which isn't always the case. There's also something to be said for the fact that "NOKIA" is the first Drake video to feature the rapper's new hairstyle. "Family Matters" and the For All the Dogs period was defined by 6 God's braids. Drake's newer, shorter cut ties "NOKIA" even closer to the glory days of "Hotline Bling."
The promo for the song seems to be having an impact on the charts. "NOKIA" originally peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. It then fell out of the top ten. The anticipation for the video, has pushed it up to a new peak of number seven. It's safe to assume that the virality of the music video will help drive it up the charts even further. Drake has a bona fide smash on his hands. Champagne Papi is back.
NEW RELEASES
Kevin Abstract, like his stage name suggests, is back with another creative record. "GEEZER" is the name, and it sports a feature from singer, rapper, and actor, Dominic Fike. This now makes this their second ever collaboration, with the first being 2019's "Peach" from Kevin's ARIZONA BABY.
This track is also kind of special as it serves as the lead single for the former BROCKHAMPTON member's next solo LP, Blush. Per Hypebeast, fans should expect it to drop on June 27. Per Genius, its shaping up to be a stacked project too with potential features from JPEGMAFIA, The Kid LAROI, Danny Brown, Quadeca, and more.
Of course, this will be Kevin Abstract's fourth solo LP with American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story, ARIZONA BABY, and 2023's Blanket being the predecessors.
On "GEEZER," him and Fike have some great chemistry over this indie instrumental, which shouldn't be a surprise. The duo has some great humor about them too. They cheekily rap about being afraid of not chasing their dreams.
The parent element goes a long way in urging listeners to not feel like you are bound to one path in life. "I said, "Damn, back then you used to be my right hand" / What happened? / She said, "Dad, you got old and then you ruined my plans," Fike raps.
Check out the track below.
Quotable Lyrics:
She ain't get accepted where the teacher recommended (Uh-oh)
She still makin' coffee at the age of thirty-seven (Uh-oh)
I know it's a small town, but the mall now looks small now
I guess the lesson is never let your guard down
Banks put up the buildings and your parents build the fences
Please don't stay behind them in your mid-twenties
