>Ye, Hov, Drake and others on top are all
>backpackers who use that as their foundation and find ways to
>make their sound bigger.

to not hear an artist "water down" themselves by going out of their way to reach out to people who may not even be listening is a refreshing change.

for example, I'm very happy with Lupe's album for a similar reason. it sounds like he made the album he wanted for once. and it's high quality. no record label pressure/interference. that's really what makes these albums good.

I came in thinking that Joey might mess around and "Wale" it up for a full-length but he stayed true, stepped a little outside when he needed.

when Joey wants to go and do that stuff, he will. but because he wants to make an album that sounds like the stuff -he- likes ain't a bad thing.