Drake’s catalog has sparked debate in recent years, but one thing remains clear: his early work continues to hold a remarkable position in modern hip-hop. His run throughout the 2010s, anchored by Take Care, Nothing Was the Same, and If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, established him as a dominant figure capable of shaping both rap and mainstream music. Among those albums, his 2011 sophomore release stands out as the most celebrated and arguably the most influential. Its blend of vulnerability, melodic experimentation, and lyrical sharpness laid a blueprint for new artists who are expected to be more than traditional rappers.
That long-term impact is still visible in 2025. Fourteen years after its release, Take Care continues generating significant sales. According to recent tracking cited by Hip Hop All Day, the album moved 21,000 units in the week of December 6. That figure surpasses multiple 2025 releases, including Cardi B’s Am I the Drama?, Playboi Carti’s MUSIC, and others that have struggled to sustain consistent numbers. Drake’s catalog presence isn’t limited to one title either. Certified Lover Boy, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, and For All the Dogs all remain on the list of top-performing hip-hop albums this cycle.
This performance follows another milestone earlier in the fall. In October, Take Care re-entered the Billboard 200’s top 20 for the first time in roughly thirteen years, a reflection of continued fan engagement rather than a resurgence driven by external events. The album currently sits at No. 34, underscoring its durable position in the streaming and sales landscape.
These achievements also highlight a broader pattern in 2025, where major rap releases have had difficulty dominating the charts. While the year has produced quality projects across the genre, mainstream traction has been inconsistent, creating a climate in which older catalog albums outperform new material.
Attention now turns to Drake’s next move. His upcoming album ICEMAN remains without a confirmed release date. Johnny Manziel, a close friend of Drake’s, previously suggested a fall release, but winter has already arrived without further confirmation. Occasional snippets and brief posts from Drake indicate that the album is progressing, though the timeline remains unclear. As 2026 approaches, fans hope that his next project could re-energize the landscape and influence the direction of the new year.
