Alongside two other albums, HABITI and MAID OF HONOR, Drake released ICEMAN on May 15. The album consists of 18 tracks, with a focus on traditional rap and hip-hop styles, along with influences of genres such as ‘90s R&B and pop. Since its release, ICEMAN has quickly risen to number 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 despite its mixed reviews.
“Make Them Cry” opens the album with a bang, but in an unexpected way. In the opener, Drake explores new themes of loneliness and self-doubt. Lyrics such as “I came here to turn a new leaf and maybe finally get some sleep” reveal Drake’s vulnerabilities, setting a more emotional stage for the album and making the track feel more relatable, reminding listeners that achievement does not erase insecurity.
While “B’s On The Table,” in collaboration with 21 Savage, continues the tone set by “Make Them Cry,” it features a more detached, cold vibe. Rather than relying on flashy or high-energy production, the song takes a more subdued approach, allowing both artists to focus on themes of pressure and loyalty.
On the contrary, “Shabang,” “Plot Twist” and “What Did I Miss?” disrupt that mood and stand out from the rest of the album with their high-energy, playful production. All three tracks rely on upbeat production and catchy melodies, prioritizing entertainment over lyrical depth.
“Janice STFU” is a balance of energy and substance. Though toned down compared to “Shabang” and “Plot Twist,” its moody synths have more drive than other tracks like “Make Them Cry.” This production allows Drake to showcase his genuine emotions and vocals, making the track the highlight of the album.
Numerous tracks on ICEMAN share a similar theme of Drake responding to his rival artists and dismissing their success. The repetition of the lyric “Go blow the dust off your plaques” in “Dust” signifies Drake telling his rivals in the music industry that they are no longer relevant and their previous achievements have been forgotten.
In “Firm Friends” and “Burning Bridges,” Drake continues his feud with A$AP Rocky. Lyrics like “KYS ASAP, that’s some shit you could do for me” highlight the aggressive tone of the song. Similarly, “Make Them Remember” sets the stage for Drake to respond to Kendrick Lamar’s attacks. He raps, “Pedo bars going Number One, and y’all trying to tell me who’s grooming who?” These disses are direct, but feel lazy and suffer in comparison to the earlier lyrical complexity found in “Make Them Cry.”
On the other hand, “2 Hard 4 The Radio” continues the album’s diss-heavy direction with a more polished sound. Although Drake aims at DJ Mustard, the song delivers a sharper sound that feels stronger than the majority of ICEMAN’s other tracks.
Much of ICEMAN relies on familiar themes, but “Little Birdie” offers a change of pace. Although Drake’s use of a chipmunk voice filter may not appeal to everyone, it gives the track an experimental feel and showcases his versatility.
Likewise, “Whisper My Name” and “Don’t Worry” stand out from the rap-heavy lean of the album with their softer and more emotional style. Both songs gravitate towards an R&B feel due to the more emotional and harmonic lyrics. While a few songs on ICEMAN share this sound, it suits Drake well and allows him to venture away from his typical rap style.
“Ran To Atlanta,” featuring Future & Molly Santana, aims to bring both catchy and upbeat energy to the album; however, the heavy production and excess sound effects feel overwhelming. While it showcases Drake’s willingness to experiment with new styles outside his comfort zone, the repetitive beats and unnecessary sound mix make the song come across as chaotic and not energetic.
Unlike the carefully crafted and well-thought-out lyrics of “Make Them Cry”, the lyrics of “Make Them Pay” lack that same depth and emotional complexity. Lines such as “I’m greater than everybody like shredded cheese” rely on simple, almost cheesy wordplay that feels more forced than impactful. “National Treasures” follows a similar theme, with Drake boasting about his fame and comparing himself to Kobe Bryant. Both songs rely on predictable, surface-level flexes, making them one of the weaker lyrical moments from the album.
“Make Them Know” closes the album and ties it all together as Drake reflects on his fame and the struggles it has come with. He discusses the intense pressure he faces in the music industry as one of its most renowned yet scrutinized figures. Lyrics such as “What happened to Drake from 2009” and “What happened to Drake with the innocence,” symbolize his maturity and loss of purity.
Although Drake tries to bring back 2016, he can’t turn back time. ICEMAN may feature traces of his old, classic R&B sound, but they are drowned out by his childish, shallow and repetitive lyrics. Overall, the album succeeded in capturing nostalgia, but struggles to match the depth and quality of his previous, stronger works.
