Chart News’ projection that “What A Time To Be Alive” would sell 500,000 copies in its first week showed just how excited hip-hop fanatics were over this collaboration project with rap heavyweights Drake and Future. Although it sold 375,000 and not 500,000, that number is still an impressive feat, squaring up right with The Weeknd's and Drake’s solo efforts this year. But does it really live up to its hype? Is this collaboration project by two of the top rappers in the game truly a groundbreaking project?
Well, yes and no.
This mixtape doesn’t break any new ground for hip-hop, but that’s the beauty of it. “What A Time To Be Alive” is the kind of mixtape to play at parties and clubs, to play at a concert or to blast in your car with a bunch of friends until your subwoofer starts on fire. It leaves you satisfied, but not much more.
This issue may arise from the fact that Drake’s role in the mixtape feels somewhat less so than Future’s, making the 50/50 collaboration not as evident. Most of Future’s producers were on many of the songs, and Drake’s main producer, Noah “40” Shebib, barely feels present. It’s obvious that the beats fit Future’s flow much better.
The introductory track, “Digital Dash,” sets the tone for the mixtape very well. From its techno-styled beat to Future’s opening verse, it’s a solid intro, going along with Future’s style. However, transitioning into “Big Rings,” Drake butchers the chorus. Choppy and hastily thrown together, the only thing that saves this song is Future’s verses; again, it fits Future much better.
Three of the best songs all come right in a row, as listening to “Diamonds Dancing,” “Scholarships,” and “Plastic Bag” left me nearly speechless. Everything from the stellar production to Drake’s and Future’s verses are on point. The mixtape feels like it really picks up here, both verse and production-wise. The chorus to “Diamonds Dancing” sends chills down your spine; the verses in “Scholarships” are some of the best on the mixtape; and the ethereal, almost depressing, production of “Plastic Bag” is unmatched on the album.
“I’m The Plug” is one of Drake’s more impressive songs for him on the mixtape. It goes back to its heavy party beats while Drake’s fast, furious rapping is something that was missing in the mixtape until this point.That being said, “Jumpman” and “Change Locations” aren’t very impressive or standout on the album at all. “Change Locations” and Drake’s chorus feel awkward and out of place—his singing feels as though it belongs on another song than what Future and the producer are trying to do. “Jumpman” will be a great party or club song, but besides that, the verses aren’t great, and again, the chorus “Jump man, jump man, jump man” is mundane and not catchy.
The last two songs on the mixtape, solo productions done by each rapper, really show how different their styles are. “Jersey” features Future with his main producer Metro. The beat is solid, but familiar, and Future’s verses aren’t his best on the album. Overall, it’s an average song. But then there’s Drake’s solo, finally featuring him with producer 40. It tops off the album in a way that left my mouth hanging open. Everything from the piano, to the subtle bass and ghost-like background noise is chilling. Drake’s verses are on point: five minutes of bars that completely match its subtle beat, highlighting just how well Drake and 40 click with each other.
Overall, “What A Time To Be Alive” accomplishes exactly what it set out to do: be a mixtape you can play at a party and go hard to at concerts. It isn’t a groundbreaking mixtape, but seeing two of the best rappers of the year go back-to-back with each other is still satisfying to hear. But this feels more like Future’s project than Drake’s, as Future raps more of the time, more of his producers and beats are relatable to him and, for the most part, his verses fit the mixtape better. That isn’t to say that Drake doesn’t have his shining moments on the mixtape, and his outro, “30 for 30 Freestyle,” is the best song on the mixtape. “What A Time To Be Alive”leaves with a satisfied smile, and sometimes, that’s all we really need.
