5 Takeaways From Drake’s Iceman, Habibti, and Maid of Honour
Pitchfork • • general
Key Points:
- Drake surprised fans with a triple album release— Iceman, Habibti, and Maid of Honour—totaling 43 new tracks and showcasing a range of styles from heavy rap beats to R&B and club music.
- Iceman serves as the rap centerpiece, Habibti explores classic R&B themes, and Maid of Honour delivers a house-electro club vibe, positioning itself as a strong contender for summer playlists.
- The albums contain several pointed disses aimed at Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, A$AP Rocky, Rihanna, DJ Khaled, and others, reflecting ongoing feuds and Drake’s frustrations with industry peers and his label, UMG.
- Drake’s conflict with UMG is highlighted throughout the albums, with lyrics expressing a desire for independence despite his recent $400 million contract and lawsuit against the label.
- The cover art and some tracks pay homage to Michael Jackson, emphasizing Drake’s ambition to align himself with the legacy of the King of Pop, though some comparisons feel uncomfortable given recent controversies.