1. Kill everybody in the game (Over My Dead Body)
Strive to be the ‘best’ designer you can. The industry can be extremely competitive so in order to stand out you must create new and exciting work in comparison to your peers (competition). In relation to Drake, the lyric means that although he rushed his previous album it was still considered to be one of the best albums that year, hence beating everybody in the rap game.
2. I don’t ever be tripping off of what ain’t mine (Over My Dead Body)
Don’t compare your work to other peoples, take inspiration but don’t let it hold you back/ destroy your confidence. In relation to Drake ‘be humble not greedy’ appreciate other people’s styles and efforts but consider your work may be viewed in the same way. This should make you strive to work better as an artist when you see the quality and potential your peers have.
3. Different way of viewing things (Shot For Me)
Always think outside the box, meaning to think, work and view art in different and unconventional ways or from a different perspective. Aviation Week & Space Technology (July 1975) quotes that: "We must step back and see if the solutions to our problems lie outside the box." However in relation to Drake he is addressing his breakup with ex-girlfriend Alisha Phillips. (Look into David Hockney- the secret Knowledge)
4. I’m just saying you could do better (Marvin’s Room)
You can always improve and develop your work and practice. Nothing is ever a finished piece at this stage. Even finished products at the end of a project or for a client can be developed further. In relation to Drake he is implying that he himself is better in connection to an ex’s new boyfriend suggesting he isn’t bad but he’s better.
5. I’ll compromise if I have to (Tuscan Leather)
When something isn’t possible within a deadline or project, don’t stop, compromise and find ways to do it differently. Sometimes these limitations can create work you might not of imagined. You will always come up against problems and restrictions in your practice so compromise is a key factor in being able to move on and develop as a better artist. In relation to Drake, the lyric referring to his contract with Young Money that he was rumoured to be getting out of, suggesting that he’ll compromise and continue to stay signed to his old family YMCMB, if it means him and his OVO family can still do their thing with their new label, OVO label.
6. Started from the bottom, now we here (Started From The Bottom)
Whether getting an internship or any kind of experience, you’ll most likely start from the bottom. This is a great opportunity to gather as much experience as possible and work your way up the ladder. In relation to Drake, he released a statement on his own blog explaining the songs meaning stating that ‘I feel sometimes that people don't have enough information about my beginnings and therefore they make up a life story for me that isn't consistent with actual events’ This is in relation to people’s judgments of him having a good childhood but how he had to work extremely hard to get in the position he is.
7. Own it, it’s yours (Own it)
Take ownership of your work and be proud of the work you produce. Confidence is key to get far. In relation to Drake, it is the transition for his song ‘Wu-Tang Forever’ and how he continues to borrow the phrase from the Wu-Tang classic “It’s Yourz.”
8. It’s hard to do these things alone (Hold On We’re Going Home)
Sometimes working in a group can be more beneficial to a project. There are different points of views and work can be done more quickly and efficiently. After university you’ll often work in collaborations so it’s good practice now to experience working in a team“A community of practice (CoP) is, according to cognitive anthropologists Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger, a group of people who share a craft and/or a profession. The group can evolve naturally because of the members' common interest in a particular domain or area, or it can be created specifically with the goal of gaining knowledge related to their field. It is through the process of sharing information and experiences with the group that the members learn from each other, and have an opportunity to develop themselves personally and professionally (Lave & Wenger 1991).” In relation to Drake, he is referring to being/sleeping alone and how many of his relationships have not worked out in the past but it’s looking to settle down in a way as mentioned in other songs.
9. Now you’re talking my language (The Language)
Always ask if you’re unsure of what your lecturer/client might be talking about or asking of you or what a brief might mean. It’s better to ask than do something wrong or to be unsure. Begin to learn the correct terminology (language) used within the graphic industry. Once you understand things will make much more sense and you can develop. For clients you should always ask as many questions as possible to be sure you’re meeting the brief and it’s beneficial if they can pick your brains about projects and ideas In relation to Drake, it refers to a girl getting to the point and saying what she wants from him and how she should know how to speak Drizzy’s language
10. Don’t think about it too much (Too Much)
Don’t overthink an idea too much. Go with gut instincts. Often you won’t have time to mull over different ideas due to the deadlines so just go with your initial ideas and expand on them. Time keeping is a key factor for an artist. In relation to Drake, Over-thinking ends up perpetuating a problem rather than solving it. In a sense, just let it all work out… Like most troubled artists, Drake has a burning sense of anxiety—a perfectionist with the need to control everything. This is a reminder to himself to go with the flow.