$ome $exy $ongs 4 U, shortened to $$$4U, came out on February 14, 2025 credited to
OVO Sound. A collaboration album between Drake and PartyNextDoor; this record features
diverse artists like Chino Pacas, Yebba and Pim, along with R&B and Regional Mexicano. The
release has sparked interest all over the world; after the Kendrick Vs. Drake rap beef, Drake has
been shunned and not deemed a good artist in the rap industry.
Amid release, Drake was suing his own Record Label UMG, for the distribution of “Not
Like Us” A record by Kendrick Lamar. Previously, Lamar performed at the Super Bowl, and
most importantly singing the infamous Drake diss. Many fans wondered about Drake’s reaction,
for Kendrick Lamar openly named him during the show. Saying, “I want to perform their
favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” Implying, Drake was going to sue Kendrick for
the release. Regardless, only 18 days after Drake released $$$4U.
The record has 21 tracks, all alongside different artists and songwriters. One question
many fans and listeners had, if Drake was going to release a diss towards Kendrick in his new
album. In the song, “Gimme a Hug” sung by Drake, one part of the song says, “F— a rap beef,
I’m tryna get the party lit.” Suggesting he has gotten over the rap beef, and the title of the song
implies peace between the two. A big listener of both Kendrick and Drake, Alex Hernandez, a
8th grader at Fairgrove, says “I hope they fix whatever they have between them, they’re both
good artists.”
The record itself has gained mixed criticism, many say that this is a return to Drake’s
original music. Critics have rated this Album 5.5/10, receiving a weighted average of 5.5 based
on 6 reviews, all which have been indicating that this record is average. Rolling Stone, a famous
magazine, gave this Album a 3.5/10. These scores have not been good for Drake and
PartyNextDoor, fans are disappointed with the advertisement behind the release, being surprised
with 21 songs which have all been considered average. The lowest score this album has received
is a 1.5 by Sputnikmusic, which is a music website dedicated to reviewing indie music.
Apart from the beef, this album has become very popular on the platform, TikTok. Not
because of the album, but because of one specific song. “Meet Your Padre” is sung by Drake and
Chino Pacas. A famous singer in the Mexican genre, many are surprised that this song even
made the album. Jasmine Andrade, fan of Chino Pacas and listener of Drake, says “Personally,
this song seems like a joke. Both artists sound extremely autotuned, and it’s a disappointment to
the Mexican community.” Drake begins the song by singing in Spanish, “I want to meet your
madre, pay my respects to your padre, mi amor” which has become a meme on TikTok and the
most disliked song on the album.
Overall, the album has been a mix of many genres and artists; Drake and PartyNextDoor
have definitely been the talk of TikTok and many critics. Fans and listeners of both artist’s have
stuck by them and enjoy the new music, it is definitely a hit or miss album. Everyone has
different viewpoints and beliefs over two artists and the album. Hernandez feels passionate about
the album, “Although the album could be considered okay, it still feels nice to receive new music
and more new activity from both artists.” Hernandez said.