Nothing was the same, and that includes Drake’s approach to hip-hop with his new album.

Nothing Was The Same is the story of Aubrey Graham, Drake’s given name, recollecting his thoughts and actions between now and from the time of Take Care, and even further into his past. By combining his unique sound along with a new repertoire of lyricism, samples, and artists, his work creates a mellow hip-hop vibe that is not expressed anywhere else.

The album has an everlasting run through that makes it sound like the previous song is connected with the next. The similar sounding melodies and 808’s in the album make it sound like it is one continuous song. In addition, the album has the ability to shift from an R&B; sound to a rap sound simultaneously.

Drake finds ways to grab the audience’s attention by briefly mentioning phrases that take them back to his old songs. For instance, in his first song “Tuscan Leather,” Drake connects his audience back with his popular phrase YOLO (You Only Live Once), reminding them that even to this day, one still only lives once. However, by reminding his audience through a mellow instrumental, Drake is emphasizing that his message is still surviving, but rather in a different way.

Within each song there is a moment in which Drake grabs a hip-hop audience, as well as an R&B; audience. Although this has always been Drake’s style of music, he is able to combine both genres in nearly all his songs for this album, switching moods and thoughts for his audience.

Repetitiveness in his lyrics is both the success and downfall of Nothing Was The Same. The repetition makes his songs catchy and easy to sing along with, but can easily get old through multiple listens. However, the album is used to connect with his audience at a level that surpasses his previous works.

Connection is one of the major themes of this album, not only through storytelling, but also within the songs themselves. From start to finish, Drake speaks about his current status, from where he originated, to his influences that brought him to where he is today, and finally to where originated again. The easier songs to spot his connects would be between “Wu-Tang Forever” and “Own It,” as well as “The Language” and “305 To My City.”

Overall, Drake makes a statement with this album; life continues to change. Throughout one’s experiences, there will be recollections, reoccurring scenarios and moments, but ultimately it is the person that can change the outcome. It is the same person with a different mentality.