February 3rd, 2013 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Drake
Song: “Started From The Bottom”
Album: TBA
Just under fifteen months have passed since Drake released Take Care, and in that time the Canadian-born rapper has only grown in popularity. From his successful tours, to appearances on some of the biggest singles of the year, 2012 proved Drake has become a full blown hip hop brand that seemingly can do no wrong. By sticking to a release plan that includes singles stretching from street anthems to heartfelt ballads, Drake has carved a niche in the urban market that few ever find success in, and even less manage to keep going for more than an album or two. It’s an exquisitely executed balancing act of appealing to all genre-specific fans, while continuing to push himself into new territory, and it seems he is once again challenging audiences to embrace a new side of his art with his latest single, “Started From The Bottom.”
If Take Care is a tall glass of wine to be enjoyed over conversations about life and friends, “Started From The Bottom” is Drake’s forgettable attempt to be a stiff shot of liquor from a dirty glass. Backed by a percussion heavy beat almost void of his usual pop sensibilities, Drake forgoes his usual croon-rap for a gruff delivery that feels more forced than sincere, with lyrics that do little to expand upon the overly simplistic chorus. Drake has kickstarted the promotion for nearly every album with a single about his ability to rise above the hardships presented, but this time around his ego-driven reflection on hard times long gone feels a bit too familiar to inspire much of a reaction. He’s written far smarter material, and while everyone is allowed a simple song for the sake of making a hit, this song lacks both the originality and catchiness needed to hit marks anywhere near his previous efforts.
At its best, “Started From The Bottom” serves as a reminder that Drake is an above average lyricist who isn’t afraid to talk about the hard times he’s faced. That said, now that he’s essentially four albums into his career the gimmick of being the greatest rapper to ever rise above the hurdles of life is beginning to wear a bit thin. There is no doubt in my mind that Drake has another great record in him (or five), but material of like this is only going to result in an average release at best.
As a fan, it hurts me to have to write such a thing, but after more than a dozen listens there is still not more than a few bars that stick out as anything more than forgettable.
Written by: James Shotwell
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You are absolutely correct. It hurts me as well. That being said, I don’t know if this is a legit single, he had done this with “Dreams Money Can Buy” months prior before Take Care had an official single. Then again I could be completely wrong. Either way, this song fails.