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Zaytoven says that a Drake and Gucci Mane album is a possibility. This idea is one thatÔÇÖs been brewing for many years. When I interviewed DJ Drama in 2011 he revealed that they almost did a Gangsta Grillz tape together but their schedules conflicted too much. YouÔÇÖd think theyÔÇÖd be even busier now and way past any chance. Yet here we are discussing the potential again.
LetÔÇÖs ask the questions on everyoneÔÇÖs mind.
Do we need a Drake-Gucci Mane collab project?
The short answer says no. This isnÔÇÖt a Jay Z-Kanye West pairing, nor even one that makes sense like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. Maybe the collaboration results in some good songs, but overall itÔÇÖs a stretch.
What A Time to Be Alive only sparked a few memorable tracks. Future and Drake proved that chemistry exists over the years, but Gucci and Drake havenÔÇÖt. A few songs on Gucci tapesÔÇèÔÇöÔÇèÔÇ£Street Cred,ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Believe It Or NotÔÇØ and ÔÇ£In My BusinessÔÇØÔÇèÔÇöÔÇèand the recently released ÔÇ£Back on RoadÔÇØ hardly sound convincing enough to warrant a joint album.
Who benefits more: Drake or Gucci Mane?
This is hard to call, because we know the intentions behind Drake using Gucci Mane. ItÔÇÖs less about music and more about relevancy. ThereÔÇÖs not a whole lot of artists that are worth DrakeÔÇÖs time. HeÔÇÖs looking to utilize GuwopÔÇÖs life force in order to keep himself at the top of the industry. Gucci continues to add legitimacy to him in the same way that Future did. The internet loves both, and Drake, a silent user of said ‘net, knows this.
On the other hand, look where Future got by working with Drake. HeÔÇÖs about to go on the Summer Sixteen tour and IÔÇÖm sure he gained more fans because of it. WATTBA has gone Gold. Make no mistake, though, that Future didnÔÇÖt need Drake at all. Gucci Mane can reap similar benefits. A spot on DrakeÔÇÖs Winter Solstice Extravaganza Victory Lap tour — okay, I made that up, and a plaque for his clones to hang up in their office.
How could this idea work then?
By not being another result of two weeks of work. When you heard thatÔÇÖs how long Drake and Future needed to create their album, it made perfect sense. The time is reflected in the quality. If Gucci and Drake do go forward, then we need to see some serious work on this. Everybody Looking is coming out soon and Views been out, so we donÔÇÖt need more for a while.
Another thing would be to take risks. Was there a single risk on WATTBA? None. It was Future featuring Drake instead of a true collaboration album. Do I want to hear Drake over a Zaytoven beat made for Gucci? Maybe once, twice at most. Drake needs to put himself into the directorÔÇÖs chair. A dash of 40 here, sprinkle some Boi-1da over there. Even some producer crossovers between the two artistÔÇÖs go-to beatmakers. Also, it would help for the two to not be so stuck in their ways that they canÔÇÖt use anybody else. Who knows what could happen.
When is the right time to release it?
Whenever you see Drake begin to look skinny, you know hes ready to absorb the essence of.Im kidding. We might have to step back for a minute and ponder if a 2016 release is even the right way to go. Both artists have albums out that are doing well. Views is supposed to be Drakes biggest moment, so moving on from it so soon would be a tragedy. Its breaking records left and right, but theres still so much to go with it. If I had to speculate, keep this album in the stash until 2017.
The stars will have to align for Drake and Gucci Mane to cook up a classic. ItÔÇÖs an album that could be appreciated for an entire year or forgotten in a monthÔÇÖs time. ThereÔÇÖs no guarantee these talks go anywhere. WeÔÇÖve watched many artists discuss collaboration projects that have never went further than a spark in the brain. Drake might just be excited that Gucci is home but, with a tour on the way, will he feel that way months from now?
Asking The Important Questions For A Potential Drake-Gucci Mane Album : UPROXX
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