On Friday, Jan. 19, critically-acclaimed artist Aubrey Drake Graham — better known by his alias, Drake — released “Scary Hours,” an unexpected EP dropped in the dead of night. Despite the project only containing two songs, it blasted the music-making industry away, while rocketing to the top of the charts: reaffirming Drake’s place as one of rap’s leading artists.

Leading the way for the EP’s success is the hit track, “God’s Plan,” which reflects Drake’s ability to stay relevant by adopting current hip-hop trends, while maintaining his unique style and voice. His lyrics are woven into the beat with impact, creating a melodic experience that is almost meant to be heard, not listened to. But for those who do listen, Drake delivers another impactful performance on his deepest thoughts. He reveals his current griefs and anxieties, elaborates on his relationship with death, and continues his ongoing struggle to bolster his legacy.

A tribute to his dead friend and member of the OVO family — Fif, who was murdered in September of 2017 — highlights the hopelessness and doubt Drake feels for the future. “I hope I got some brothers that outlive me // They gon’ tell the story, it was different to me”  (Verse 1, Line 7&8). The bars could also be a reference to Lil Wayne, a frequent collaborator whom Drake considers a big brother, who has had many brushes with death due to drug related seizures.

Drake has always seemed fixated on the idea that death will immortalize him, clearly indicated in his 2015 hit, “Legend.”: “If I die, I’m a legend” (Hook, Line 1). However, with the death of his close OVO family member and the recent splur tragedies he has experienced, The 6 God (Drake) desires to be cemented as a rap legend now, rather than posthumously like many previous cultural icons. “I don’t wanna die for them to miss me.” (Verse 1, Line 5). The passing of monumental artists such as Prince and David Bowie last year, and the huge amount of attention they garnered via social media, likely sparked this stark change in mentality; they were stars in life, but legends in death.

The instrumental — a heavy-synth, almost techno inspired beat — coincides perfectly with Drake’s lyrical ebb and flow; the drop halfway into the 2nd verse is a highlight of the piece and is a hallmark of Drake’s chemistry with his producers: Yung Exclusive, Noah “40” Shebib, Cardo, and Boi-1da. Laden with minor chords, the track has a unique vibe when paired with its heavy 808’s and uptempo nature. In addition, a digitized, flute-sounding counter melody adds a level of depth to the sound which makes it extremely catchy.

“God’s Plan” is an example of Drake’s uncanny ability to stay at the top. He constructed a high-quality song with mainstream appeal, while interweaving expressive lyrics and thoughtful bars through it all. If you haven’t already heard “God’s Plan,” give it a listen, and check out the music video where Drake gives away 1 million dollars (the production budget) to Miami’s local communities.