“I’m only sayin’, can somebody just be happy for me?”

Every conversation I’ve ever had with anyone who isn’t exactly a “fan” of Drake has resulted in basically the same agreement. His insistence on singing can go overboard, but at the end of the day, he is – without a doubt – one of the most talented musicians in the current musical landscape. And that’s all I’ve ever said about buddy. He’s emotional. He’s sensitive. He’s whatever his detractors claim he is, but he makes damn good music to simply ride out to and appreciate because it is him – for better or worse. In a sense, Drake’s music grows with Drake in sort of a musical photosynthesis-type arrangement. 

“You Know, You Know” dropped shortly after Thank Me Later impacted the game in 2010 and was left off the album for what I believe were sample issues. The first verse was dope in its own right. However, the second is the highlight. Still learning to deal with pressures of success and topping his own catalog, Aubrey strung together one of his most braggadocios, yet memorable verses to date.

I’m always left wishin’ I could have done it in person
My apologies to all of the ones I was hurtin’
I got new girls but none of they love is for certain
And call old girls but none of they numbers are workin’
Damn, what happened to us?
Life can always change, you have to adjust
How come when I got a party you stare at me in disgust?
They pay us just to have fun you should see that as a plus

As a song which has largely been lumped into the rest of his evolving catalog and one that never found a true home, “You Know, You Know” often gets swept under the rug whenever the topic of Drake’s best songs arrises. And while it isn’t his career’s magnum opus, it’s also one worth running back more than a few times.