CHAPTER 3: 'A.M. 2 P.M.'

(Originally Published Monday November 17, 2014)

It was after finding the song Special I was introduced to Drake’s first mixtape, Room for Improvement, released in 2006. What I liked about the mixtape before even hearing it, I have to admit, was the title. The words “Room for Improvement” struck a cord with me because I was very much into personal growth and self-development at the time. Spirituality was a very big deal to me back then, as well as how much I grew as a person, and I liked that Drake came off the bat clarifying that there was always more to improve on; that nobody was perfect.   

            I took my time to listen to the mixtape so as to give it a fair analysis with no preconceived notions as to what it should sound like, and I found myself connecting with not only the truth and practicality of Drake’s writing, but his verbal delivery as well. He was—and still is—very honest and straight to the point, so you know exactly where he’s coming from on a whole and within each song.

Although there were/are many a great and significant song on Room for Improvement such as “Do What You Do,” “City is Mine,” “Bad Meaning Good,” “Thrill is Gone,” “Video Girl,” “Try Harder,” and “Come Winter,” I can’t help but favour the record “A.M. 2 P.M.” featuring Nickelus F., which starts with a FIRE verse from Mr. Nickelus F. himself. Now, I had never heard of this rapper out of Virginia pre-Room for Improvement, but I couldn’t have liked him more than I did in this song right here! His legit lyrical ability compounded by the mellow beat and Drake’s multilayered verse, make it something reminiscent of Nas and AZ back in the 1990’s—and who didn’t love them? The song is real, meaningful, and just feels good, and although Nickelus F. had two other features on Room for Improvement (“Money (Remix)” and “Scorpio’s Mind”) I remember kicking back to A.M. 2 P.M. the most and just vibing as the music took me over.

DRAKE - AM 2 PM (FT. NICKELUS F.)            

What was your favourite song on 'Room for Improvement?'

Chapter 3: A.M. to P.M. 
Written By: Jae Antoinette

KENDRA:

Today I woke up with a smile on my mind—and it wasn’t my boyfriend’s …

I get out of bed, shower, brush my teeth and dress, and all to the memories of last night’s affair: Affion tickling me as I trash-talk during 2K; feeding him from my fork as we eat dinner; the love-making that lasted about four hours … It would all seem as if I were living someone else’s life; a life where I was free to do as I pleased … And now my actions are catching up with me—emotionally.

I almost forget that I have plans with my boyfriend until I receive a text from him at lunch, and I’ve never been one for guilt, but by the end of the day, I can’t deny that Boyfriend #2 is starting to worm his way into places I’d rather him not be. I always did say that if things got too personal and I started to get lost in any sort of fantasy I would ‘abort-mission’ so that reality could remind me of where I’m supposed to be. And I don’t know how I let these feelings in, but now that it’s happening, I might have to jump-ship to avoid it getting any worse …

                                         TO BE CONTINUED …