Special Addendum; Oct 2023:

==>> Despite my steadfast support of his overall career and work ethic, musical and cultural contributions–etc., please note that I hereby categorically CONDEMN all the blatantly misogynistic songs and lyrics of his new album, “For All the Dogs” !

==>> They are so unncessary, and honestly, inexcusable! No, he is not the first artiste–in hip-hop, pop, and other music genres–to express misogyny. But “two wrongs don’t make a right“! 

😐 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Related:

Critics Review By The Guardian:

Stars: 3 / 5

Introduction: 

Full Disclosure (!): Yes, I am Both a Drake Scholar, and a Die-Hard Fan! 

(And I have to admit some bitter truths...)

 Project's Raison D'etre

Related YouTube Page: 

Link

Starting around 2009--with his "Best I Ever Had" breakout hit, the rapper/artiste Aubrey Drake Graham (commonly known by his stage name, "Drake"), has arguably revolutionized the worlds of hip-hop and pop music. 

---E.g., per Wikipedia's description: 

Among the world's best-selling music artists, with over 170 million records sold, Drake is ranked as the highest-certified digital singles artist in the United States by the RIAA.[14] He has won five Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, a record 34 Billboard Music Awards, two Brit Awards, and three Juno Awards. Drake has achieved 11 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 (12 counting "Sicko Mode") and holds further Hot 100 records, including the most top 10 singles (68), most charted songs (294),[15] the most simultaneously charted songs in one week (27), the most Hot 100 debuts in one week (22), and the most continuous time on the Hot 100 (431 weeks). He additionally has the most number-one singles on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs, and Rhythmic Airplay charts.

--Source: Wikipedia [_ link: https://rb.gy/1pvq1 _], June 2023 .

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And a response from ChatGPT about the query "Influence of artiste Drake" states:

The influence of the artist Drake is significant and far-reaching. Drake has had a profound impact on the music industry and popular culture as a whole. Some of the key aspects of Drake's influence include:

1. Musical Influence: Drake's unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop has redefined the sound of contemporary music. His melodic rap style, introspective lyrics, and catchy hooks have inspired a new generation of artists and reshaped the landscape of popular music.

2. Chart Success: Drake has achieved remarkable chart success throughout his career, consistently breaking records and dominating the Billboard charts. His ability to consistently produce hit songs and albums has set a new standard of success in the industry.

3. Cultural Relevance: Drake's impact extends beyond music. He has become a cultural icon and trendsetter, influencing fashion, slang, and overall popular culture. His image and brand have resonated with audiences worldwide, making him a significant cultural force.

4. Pioneering the "Toronto Sound": As a Toronto native, Drake played a crucial role in popularizing the "Toronto Sound" in hip-hop. He showcased the city's unique musical style and put it on the map as a hub for creative talent, leading to increased recognition and opportunities for Canadian artists.

5. Collaborations and Co-Signs: Drake's collaborations with other artists have helped elevate their careers and expose them to wider audiences. His co-signs and features have provided a platform for emerging artists, contributing to their success and influencing the direction of the music industry.

6. Impact on Streaming and Digital Era: Drake's strategic use of streaming platforms and social media has been instrumental in shaping the music industry's transition into the digital era. He leveraged these platforms to release music directly to his fans, bypassing traditional distribution channels and setting new records for streaming numbers.

Overall, Drake's influence as an artist extends beyond his musical contributions. He has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring countless artists and reshaping the way music is consumed and promoted in the digital age.

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Given that iconic public profile, has Drake been studied enough by music and pop-culture media scholars? IMHO, the answer is no. Moreover, one can argue that some of the best positioned scholars for such a project are those with both an earnest appreciation of his artistry, as well as a good faith intention vis-a-vis studying the artiste in an intellectually honest manner. For instance, one can reasonably judge much of Drake's music as having misogynistic overtones. 

Regardless (--IMHO), Drake's general persona, artistry, and pop-culture influence ought to be studied much more earnestly. Hence this project. Yes indeed, YOLO--as a scholar, and a Drake fan! :-)