Scary Hours 2

by Drake

Released March 5, 2021 via OVO / Republic Records

Reviewed March 15, 2021

Top tracks (based on community voting)

Lemon Pepper Freestyle (35%), Wants and Needs (35%), What’s Next (35%)

Scary Hours 2 is a far and away an upgrade over the original and most of his recent work, shying away from lifeless (albeit successful) attempts at pop hits in favor of showcasing his potential as a lyricist. It can be argued that “What’s Next” is a clear-cut attempt at a #1 hit, but there’s so much more energy in it than in songs like “God’s Plan” and “Toosie Slide,” that comparing it to those borders on being an insult. Drake holds his own on “Wants & Needs,” but Lil Baby proves himself the MVP of that song, keeping his two-year-long hot streak going. But Drake’s true career-defining performance is on “Lemon Pepper Freestyle,” rapping for 4 minutes, and in turn, overshadowing Rick Ross to the point that you might forget he was even featured. If nothing else, this preview of what’s to come further proves Drake is here to stay and that he can rap with the best of them. Based off this project, the expectations for Certified Lover Boy may not be so lofty after all. – Alan (8.6/10)

In preparation of the highly anticipated Certified Lover Boy, Drake drops a three-song pack to hold the people over. Scary Hours 2 brings us Drake the rapper instead of Drake the pop star. The more bar-focused sequel features an always solid Rick Ross feature and an outstanding performance from Lil Baby. At this stage in his career, Drake can drop anything and sit pretty at the top of the charts, but if this is the energy Drake is bringing into his next major release, then we’re all in for a treat. It’s been a while since Drake has proved he’s able to match the quality of his discography pre-Views. If Scary Hours 2 taught us anything, it’s that Drake intends to solidify his spot in the GOAT conversation. – Daniel (7.5/10)

“Drake SZN” is a real thing, and at the time there’s nothing quite like it. With a long-awaited album in its rollout phase, Drake is stoking the flames to keep excitement for Certified Lover Boy fresh ahead of summer. Scary Hours 2 is artistically decent and consists mostly of Drake’s most repeated tendencies. While giving credit to the limitations of such a short “project,” the personality behind the microphone is doing business as usual and offering very little outside of what fans usually see. It’s to such a point with these three songs that the two features stand out quite a lot. Ultimately, Drake’s latest EP experiences a bit of give and take and comes out fine in the end. – DeVán (7/10)

Alan: 8.6/10 | Dominick: 7.5/10 | Daniel: 7/10 | DeVán: 7/10 | Jared: 6.5/10