Take Care is Drake's 2nd studio album, following the success of his first album through his record labels Young Money, Cash Money, and Republic. Released on November 15, 2011, Take Care shot straight to the top of the charts, with hit singles like Take Care featuring Rihanna, The Motto featuring Lil Wayne, Make Me Proud featuring Nicki Minaj, HYFR featuring Lil Wayne, Crew Love featuring The Weeknd, Headlines, and Marvin Room. The album was immediately met with critical acclaim with four of the album's singles peaking top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album follows the commercial success of Drake's first studio album, Thank Me Later, combining Drake's heartfelt lyricism with Noah '40' Shebib's impeccable production to create a dark, emotional, and sensual album. Take Care has since won Best Rap Album at the 55th Grammy Awards and been certified six times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).^[1]

Background

The album's braggadocious and emotional lyrics cover past relationships, the consequences of newfound fame, and the wealth that comes with it.^[2] Carefully orchestrating a phenomenal album rollout, the album sold over 600,000 copies despite leaking online nine days before the official release date. It became an instant hit, soaring to top one on the Billboard 200. In fact, Take Care charted on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip Hop Album's list for over 194 (roughly 3.5 years), usurping Kenny G's Breathless.^[3] This album helped Drake cement his signature sound that switches between singing and rapping, and received critical acclaim for its expansive production and emotional themes. Drake also covers his relationships with family and friends, and reflects on his life after the success of Thank Me Later. Billboard has even deemed it among the top twenty best albums of the 2010's.^[4]

Production and Influences

Drake continued to pursue his creative partnership with Noah "'40" Shebib, who helped him manifest his sound in his breakthrough mixtape So Far Gone, with the rollout of his sophomore album. While Thank Me Later helped Drake reach new levels of commercial success, he still wanted to capture the energy and perfect the sound of that first mixtape. ^[5] While 40 was the main producer, Drake also elicited the help of T-Minus, The xx's, and Boi-1da. The album stands out because of its mixture of smooth and slow tempos with Drake's aggressive boasts and come-ons.^[6]

Tracklist And Samples

References

1. ↑ https://archive.vn/20120909160844/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Take+Care%22
2. ↑ https://www.yahoo.com/?err=404&err_url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.yahoo.com%2fentertainment%2fblogs%2famplifier%2fdrake-handled-care-leak-extremely-well-175712445.html
3. ↑ https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8502760/drake-take-care-record-most-weeks-top-rb-hip-hop-albums-chart
4. ↑ https://www.billboard.com/photos/6436436/20-best-albums-2010s-half-decade?i=541727
5. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/zvpn/
6. ↑ https://www.allmusic.com/album/take-care-mw0002222795