>
> Cold Truth laid out a strong resume for LL in another post.
>
> Of course Drake has been big for a long while. He's probably
>moved a ton of units, made millions of dollars and maintained
>a permanent spot on the charts.
>
> But what is his impact? Did he establish trends? Did he
>define a sound? Does he have classic albums or just a strong
>run of singles? How has he influenced the next generation of
>rappers?
>

Things Drake has impacted:

- The entire sound of hip hop - Drake's sonic palette has permeated multiple generations at this point. Drake & 40 even changed the way rap records and pop records are mixed. Forward present vocals with top end rolled off on the instruments + popping drums.

- Voice - Drake's actual tone and voice are a blueprint for an generation of rappers (especially white rappers). Much like the Beastie Boys or Eminem in the past his tone and style have become a gateway for rappers who aren't specifically from the hood.

- Globalism - Drake has aided bringing global hip hop cultures to the US Hip Hop mainstream. From Caribbean influence in his music to Toronto's to the Uk Grime and Afro beat scene etc. On "So Far Gone" Drake was rapping on Lykke Li and santigold records. He took that "blog era" diversification of instrumentals and made them mainstream "Take Care" (Jamie XX, Rihanna, Gil Scot Heron) or One Dance (Wizkid, Kyla).


- Creating Stars - The Weeknd being the most notable but there was a run where (similar to 50cent) Drake was putting everyone on (Migos, Kendrick, Asap Rocky, Majid Jordan, PND, Jhene Aiko)