In a thrilling episode of Billboard Unfiltered aired on February 26, 2025, the music industry buzzed with excitement as Drake celebrated another monumental achievement, securing his 14th No. 1 album with $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, a collaborative effort with PartyNextDoor. The album debuted atop the Billboard 200, earning an impressive 246,000 first-week units. This latest success ties Drake for the most No. 1 albums among solo artists, further solidifying his status as a hip-hop heavyweight.
The episode featured insightful commentary from Billboard’s core four, who delved into the implications of Drake’s latest chart-topping feat. Deputy Director Damien Scott highlighted how Drake has mastered the art of album sequencing in the streaming era, crediting his earlier work Views for setting the standard. “Views, to me, is where Drake figured it out,” Scott noted, emphasizing how the artist has consistently crafted albums that resonate with listeners in an ever-evolving music landscape.
However, not all feedback was entirely celebratory. Staff Writer Kyle Denis pointed out that while tying the record for most No. 1 albums is an impressive milestone, the first-week sales figures could be perceived as “soft” in comparison to Drake’s previous releases. He remarked on the surprise of not surpassing 300,000 units, especially considering that this album falls more squarely within Drake’s typical style, yet still lags behind collaborative projects with artists like Future and 21 Savage.
Looking ahead, Billboard charts expert Trevor Anderson raised the intriguing question of whether future Drake albums will continue to be events or if they will settle into a more typical release pattern. The anticipation for Drake’s next solo project is palpable, especially with rumors suggesting a summer release to coincide with his three-night headline performance at the Wireless Festival in the UK.
In addition to Drake’s triumph, J. Cole made headlines with the release of his new track “Clouds,” which has sparked speculation about a potential feud with Freddie Gibbs. After previously sidestepping a conflict with Kendrick Lamar, fans are curious if Cole will engage in this new lyrical rivalry. Scott noted, “If he were to go at Cole, I don’t have any inside information, but I don’t think Cole would be like, ‘I’m alright, man.’ Gibbs is basically calling him a b—h,” suggesting that the stakes are high for both rappers.
Meanwhile, the episode also touched on the antics of industry veterans Ye and The Game, who recently reunited amid creative discussions surrounding Game’s upcoming album, The Documentary 3. Critics, however, expressed concern over the duo’s behavior, questioning the appropriateness of their antics given their ages. Denis remarked, “It’s just so desperate and so pathetic,” highlighting the ongoing tension and drama that often accompanies their public personas.
As the episode wrapped up, the conversation around Drake, J. Cole, and the antics of Ye and The Game underscored the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the hip-hop landscape. With Drake’s latest album making waves and the potential for further feuds on the horizon, fans can expect an exciting year ahead in the world of music. Stay tuned as these narratives continue to unfold, shaping the future of hip-hop and beyond.
