On this day, seven years ago, the music world witnessed a seismic moment in hip-hop and R&B history—Drake released his fifth studio album, Scorpion. Dropped on June 29, 2018, the double album was not just another chart-topping project; it was a cultural milestone that helped solidify Drake’s status as a global music titan.
A Double-Sided Statement
Scorpion was ambitious from the start. Split into Side A and Side B, the album showcased Drake’s dual identity: the rapper and the singer. Side A was heavy with rap bars, introspection, and bravado. Side B leaned into melodic R&B, emotional confessions, and vulnerability. This duality allowed fans to experience both the raw and the refined versions of Drake.
Tracks like “Survival,” “Nonstop,” and “Mob Ties” displayed his lyrical confidence, while songs like “Jaded,” “After Dark,” and “Peak” offered smooth, moody ballads that resonated with his core R&B fanbase.
The Elephant in the Room: Pusha T and Fatherhood
The album’s most talked-about moment wasn’t even in the lyrics—it was the context surrounding it. Just weeks before the release, Pusha T had dropped the diss track “The Story of Adidon,” exposing that Drake had a secret child. Instead of ignoring it, Drake addressed the revelation head-on in Scorpion. On the track “March 14,” he confirmed the existence of his son, rapping about the emotional weight of fatherhood and broken relationships.
It was a bold, vulnerable move that turned a scandal into a narrative of growth and acceptance. Drake didn’t just take control of the story—he redefined it on his own terms.
Breaking Records and Streaming the Game
Scorpion wasn’t just critically dissected—it was historically dominant. The album shattered streaming records, becoming the first album to hit one billion streams in a single week across all platforms. Nearly every song charted on the Billboard Hot 100. At one point, Drake held seven out of the top ten spots simultaneously—a feat never before achieved in the modern era.
The album also delivered iconic chart-toppers like:
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“God’s Plan” – a viral sensation with a charitable music video that melted the internet.
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“Nice For What” – an upbeat anthem celebrating women, built on a Lauryn Hill sample.
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“In My Feelings” – a viral hit that exploded thanks to the “Kiki Challenge.”
These singles didn’t just chart—they became moments in pop culture.
Criticism and Complexity
Despite the success, Scorpion was not without critique. Some fans and critics felt the album’s 25-song length made it bloated and inconsistent. Others believed that the second half dragged compared to the high-octane energy of Side A.
But even critics couldn’t deny the weight of its impact. Drake delivered a personal, moody, and era-defining album that mirrored the chaos of his life at the time.
The Long Shadow of Scorpion
Seven years later, Scorpion stands as a crucial chapter in the Drake saga. It was the moment he leaned fully into both personas—the chart-dominating rap king and the emotionally torn crooner. It was also the album where he embraced maturity, vulnerability, and real-life responsibilities.
More than just a commercial success, Scorpion is a portrait of a man standing at a crossroads, navigating fame, family, and public scrutiny. In retrospect, it wasn’t just an album—it was a turning point.
And seven years later, the echoes of Scorpion still ripple through music, social media, and the legacy of Drake himself.