When
Drake discovered, then hired, L.A.-based MC and singer
iLoveMakonnen, it was like he brought forth an exaggerated version of himself. On
Drink More Water 6, a mixtape distributed by a major label, this has never been more evident, as heartache tunes over indie production bump next to swaggering singalongs like "Big Gucci" and "Solo" (the latter track laying out
Makonnen's release schedule for 2016 within its lyrics). It's the kind of stuff that made
Drake a superstar, and yet "Sellin'" is a reminder that this MC came up the ski-mask way, even when the song sounds like an endearing and clumsy
G-Unit track and
Biz Markie just joined the crew. It's weird, but wonderful, as is the closing "Where I'm At" ("We be hangin with Jamaicans and takin' all their jerk") where the dreamy music builds crystal cathedrals before it all tumbles into a screwed and chopped outro. Shroomers in love will undoubtedly drop "I Only Trip with U" at their wedding, but don't think this is the daisy age, as
De La Soul never talked so tough and street. When it comes to heartache, this MC/singer is a wallower, making "Want You" and "Back Again" both hard goes for casual fans, although fan club members will want to throw the man a hug. Complaints are tempered by the fact that this is a mixtape, where casual segues and half-finished cuts are the thing, and with so many compelling moments,
Drink More Water 6 offers much wider appeal than the usual sideline release. ~ David Jeffries