CHAPTER 23: 'HOUSTALANTAVEGAS'

(Originally Posted Monday February 2, 2015)

If I’m going to do things right, the next featured song from off of So Far Gone is going to have to be “Houstalantavegas.” This song made quite the stir when it first came out because of Drake’s reference to the “lost girls” of Houtatlantavegas, as on article put it; but I feel the song is more about Drake and the role he plays in that world on an emotional level. It could be one girl in particular or his personification of a common theme, but the song ultimately comes from Drake’s perspective where he is exploiting a more detailed side to his human experience.

            Based off of Drake’s music and certain videos, I would say it is a known fact that Drake likes strippers. But it seems he has a conflicted sense of morality where they are concerned as well. In songs like “Video Girl” (from off of Room For Improvement), Drake talks about not wanting girls to feel they have to shake their asses in video’s for attention or material gain; and in ‘Houstatlantavegas’ the line, “Young girls envy the life ya’ll leading,” shows a certain awareness to the type of examples he feels these girls are setting. So, with those two realities combined, it makes sense that he would feel obligated to “help” these so-called “lost” girls—even in the midst of enjoying what they do.

            On a musical note, though, ‘Houstatlantavegas’ was very different from what we had gotten from Drake up to that point. It was a lot more mature and suggested something atypical of what is normally garnished on Hip Hop tracks and with Hip Hop artists. Drake came in singing, and – like a remixed old school R&B song – made the third verse a rap verse featuring himself! The beat – produced by 40 and Keshown Cassel – is a haunting but sexual slow grind that pulls you into a moment in time where you’re living it all out every time you listen. The song in its entirety reminds me of blue light in a black room and has an eerie undertone perfectly crafted for a late night lap dance with a stripper who is crying.

            It still has that element of capture now, and because of the way he introduced it at his 2010 Kool Haus concert, R. Kelly's “Feelin’ On Yo Booty” will forever be in the back of my mind …! ;)

(http://drake.wikia.com/wiki/Houstatlantavegas)

DRAKE- HOUSTATLANTAVEGAS

Chapter 23: Houstatlantavegas. / Written By: Jae Antoinette

DAUNTE:

My cousin’s getting married this weekend; and after doing an extensive bachelor-party-tour of Houstatlantavegas—not specifically in that order—we’re settled here in Sin City until the day after tomorrow when my cousin proceeds with his nuptials.

            It’s been a great trip. From making it rain in Georgia to watching booty’s clap in Texas, it’s been nothing short of a wild experience, made even more wild after a rival bachelorette party invited us to their hotel suite! Bananas! I’ve never partied this much in my life! But since closing off with Kendra it seems to keep coming nonstop! 
            I’ve been slurring words for four nights straight and we still have one more night to go! I don’t know how I’m going to make it. But the fellah’s are holding strong, so I’m sure I’ll be able to pull through. Five groomsmen in a city full of women on one of the last nights one of them will be single? No better time to live it up. And I'm going to do just that, even though my phone won’t stop vibrating. I can only guess who it is; but I’m out here in fancy hotels, eating good and drinking better, so I won’t even look at it to answer. I’m doing me right now, and this is what I’ll be doing until it’s over—but it’s far from over …

TO BE CONTINUED ...

***BONUS VIDEOS***

DRAKE- VIDEO GIRL

R. KELLY - FEELIN' ON YO BOOTY

SEE YOU AGAIN THURSDAY!!!