Drake’s new poetry book Titles Ruin Everything sees the rapper embrace his soft side
If you thought Drake’s ‘extra-curricular’ activities were limited to his slightly controversial part as Degrassi’s Jimmy Brooks and video games, think again because the Canadian rapper has just released a poetry book. Yep, you read that right. On Friday 23 June 2023, Titles Ruin Everything: A Stream of Consciousness was officially announced on Drake’s Instagram Story. The book of poems, co-authored by the talented Kenza Samir, who has co-writing credits on some of Drizzy’s songs, is now available for purchase on Phaidon Press’ website for $19.95 (£14.95).
We never thought it would be the 36-year-old showing up with poetry but all the Drake memes online should have made us realise it was coming sooner. Drake is the type of guy to release a book of poems, apparently.
All this being said, it seems like Drizzy isn’t going for a full embrace, as the title drop for his new album For All the Dogs seems to harken back to the days of a harder Drake, more serious Drake.
Drake took his big reveal to the next level by literally plastering newspapers with full-page ads. Talk about making a statement. With QR codes that lead to the mysterious TitlesRuinEverything.com website, we couldn’t resist the urge to dive into the madness. And boy, were we in for a treat.
Drake supporting print media and poetry simultaneously with full cover ads in the NY Post and NY Times… mid-30s af pic.twitter.com/WzFH2oBakk
— Joe Coscarelli (@joecoscarelli) June 24, 2023
On the website’s homepage, the rapper wrote: “I made an album to go with the book. They say they miss the old Drake, girl doesn’t tempt me. FOR ALL THE DOGS.” You heard that right, it seems that Drake is bringing back those classic vibes we know and love.
This exciting album comes hot on the heels of Drake’s collaboration with 21 Savage on ‘Her Loss’ and the chart-topping 2021 album Certified Lover Boy. Drake unveiled this poetic masterpiece on Instagram, teasing us with the captivating blue book adorned with the title text from back to front.
Posting on his page, Drake wrote: “I don’t know if I have ever wanted people to buy or support something more in my life.” The artist teased the project back in 2022, during the first episode of his radio show Table For One.
Drake is continuing to push the boundaries of his creativity with these latest ventures. Following his previous album’s mixed reception, it’s clear that the Canadian rapper is keen to recentre attention on his lyrical skills—whether that be in music or poetry form. All this to be said, fans should expect to see Drake perusing the Shakespeare aisles and making guest appearances at slam poetry nights very soon.
