Lace Code Readers we are back!!!
Today, it is a cold one because we are here to talk about Drake and Iceman.
One of the most highly anticipated albums of the year finally dropped, but on top of that, Drake also gave us Maid of Honour and Habibti alongside it. I thoroughly enjoyed all three projects, and I think he did a really good job catering to different sections of his fanbase. Instead of mixing all those vibes into one bloated project, he separated them into their own albums so fans could really sit with the sound they wanted most.
Now, there are rumors he dropped all three because he supposedly had three albums left on his deal with Universal Music Group, so we’ll see if there’s truth to that. But today, we’re here to talk about Iceman.
And no, this is not going to be a full track-by-track review. I just wanted to give my overall thoughts on the project.
Now obviously, I’m a Drake fan, so there’s probably some bias there, but I’m trying to keep it as objective as possible.
So let’s get into it.
This is some of Drake’s best rapping in a while.
Now, I don’t think he ever “lost it” lyrically like some people try to claim. He’s always had moments and records where the pen showed up, but this project felt different. This felt focused.
He was rapping rapping.
Of course, he addressed the beef. We all expected that. This was his first solo project after everything that happened, but I don’t think he spent the whole album dwelling on it or making “victim music” like some people online are trying to say.
One thing that’s always made Drake dangerous is how calculated he is with subliminals. Kanye West has even talked before about how good Drake is at throwing subs where only the person it’s intended for fully understands it.
But on Iceman, I actually think he was a little more direct.
And honestly? I liked that.
Like on “Whisper My Name” when he says:
“I’ll take the 500K not the dinner, I could never learn shit from y’all.”
That felt like a direct shot at Jay-Z to me. And throughout the album, it definitely feels like Drake has smoke for multiple people.
Of course, there are shots at Kendrick Lamar. That was expected.
There are also shots at Rick Ross and A$AP Rocky.
And people are speculating that he addressed what happened with J. Cole too, which honestly I think is true. I don’t necessarily think he was dissing Cole, but more so saying he still has love for him while also feeling weird about how everything played out.
Drake also mentions not hearing from Cole.
And I’m not gonna lie—I hope they eventually piece things up because they’re two of my favorite artists, and I’ve always loved when they collaborate.
One thing I really appreciated about Iceman is that even though it’s a heavier rap-focused project, Drake still gave us some slaps.
I think that balance was important.
Drake has always been able to make records that knock while still rapping at a high level, and this project reminded me of that version of him.
The song that’s absolutely stuck in my head right now is “Shabang.”
That beat is ridiculous and Drake just knows how to make records that stick with you. The Quavo ad-libs on there were also a perfect touch. Peak Migos-era ad-libs are honestly elite and hearing that energy again was fire.
“2 Hard 4 The Radio” is another standout for me, though I’ll admit I kinda wish he didn’t do the beat switch. I really loved the first half of that record and could’ve sat in that pocket longer.
“Janice STFU” is another one that’s been in rotation heavy for me too.
I also liked how he opened on “Dust.”
It felt like Drake was directly talking to the fans that really love the Honestly, Nevermind / melodic / $$$ side of his music and basically telling them:
“I know y’all love that sound, and I’ll get back there eventually, but I needed to make this first.”
And honestly? I respected that.
I love the melodic Drake too, but I also needed a project like Iceman from him. I needed to hear him rap like this again.
I also think he was more introspective on this project than people are giving him credit for. There were definitely moments where he acknowledged taking a loss in the beef and how everything affected him.
One record that really stood out lyrically to me was “Make Them Know.”
When he says:
“The lawsuit I got is fried, ’til the R switched place with the I
They’ll frame it as people retired
But we know what’s the truth and a lie
And they’ll act like we signing’ a deal
When they pay me for wasting’ my time.”
That definitely felt like him addressing the situation with Universal Music Group.
To me, it sounds like he’s hinting that things are going to get settled behind closed doors, and that certain higher-ups may quietly get pushed out while it gets framed publicly as “retirement.”
Then later when he says:
“Victory always been mine.”
It feels like he’s basically telling us he believes he already won in some form.
I’ll also say this because I think it gets overlooked too much:
People really underrate Drake as a writer.
I think too many people automatically associate him with being a pop star instead of a rapper, but to me, Drake is absolutely a rapper first. Yes, he experiments with other sounds and genres, but when he wants to rap, he can RAP.
Even Ye has publicly praised Drake’s pen multiple times.
And yes, Drake has collaborated with writers and reference tracks have existed—we know that. Even Drake himself has talked about music being collaborative.
But when it comes to the actual bars, the punchlines, the direct records?
I truly believe Drake is writing that.
I’ve also been debating doing a full album review format where I go song by song and give thoughts on each track. I wasn’t sure if people would actually enjoy reading that, so let me know if that’s something y’all would want.
But overall?
After sitting with Iceman for a week…
I think it’s fire.
The replay value has been really strong for me and I keep finding myself going back to certain records.
Also, one of my favorite artists, 6lack, dropped Love Is Gangster today, so make sure y’all check that out too. One of my personal goats for real.
– Jett Garden
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