Certified Lover Boy

Canadian rapper Drake released his sixth studio album, Certified Lover Boy, on September 3, 2021. The project arrived through OVO Sound and Republic Records after a long period of anticipation. Drake described the record as an exploration of "toxic masculinity and acceptance of truth which is inevitably heartbreaking." The cover art features a row of pregnant emojis designed by artist Damien Hirst.

The standard edition contains 21 tracks running for approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes. Production relies heavily on Noah Shebib, known professionally as 40, who maintains the hazy, atmospheric sound characteristic of Drake's recent work. Other producers like Nineteen85 contributed to the mix. The music blends hip-hop with crunk and trap elements while maintaining melodic flows.

Commercial performance was immediate and dominant. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, marking Drake's seventh consecutive chart-topper. It broke streaming records on both Apple Music and Spotify within its first week of release. Nine singles from the project reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, including the number-one hit "Way 2 Sexy." The album eventually earned multi-platinum certification from the RIAA.

Critics offered mixed reactions upon release. Some praised the production quality and Drake's consistent themes regarding fame and relationships. Others found the tracklist too long and the lyrics underdeveloped. Publications like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone noted that the album refined Drake's existing style rather than evolving it significantly. At the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022, the album received a nomination for Best Rap Album before Drake withdrew it from consideration. [edit]