There’s an interesting undercurrent happening alongside the main buzz surrounding Drake’s latest album, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.
Some industry insiders say the surprise album just may be the Toronto native’s last for Cash Money Records.
While some fans were initially were confused as to whether the project was a mixtape or an official release, it has recently come to light that the project is indeed an official album and will count toward Drake’s contractual obligation with the Louisiana based label, though that may not have been the initial intention.
According to Kyle “KP” Reilly of free mixtape website Datpiff, IYRTITL was going to be a freebie.
“Originally we were in talks to release it for free and have DJ Drama host and even make it an official Gangsta Grillz, however the label was not in favor of that and they struck an agreement to release the project the retail route and it would count towards one of his albums,” Reilly says. “It was a mutual decision since he wanted to give it away. They [the label] said, ‘Hell no,’ not in those words, so they ‘agreed’ to do it this way as a middle ground and it would count toward his Cash Money deal album total. The label had zero input or creative control over If Youre Reading This It’s Too Late.”
Others are speculating that with all that is going on behind the scenes at Cash Money, the album’s title could be construed as a subtle shot at the label’s higher-ups as Drake solidifies a label deal for his OVO Sound with Warner Bros. Records.
Controversy aside, IYRTITL appears to be a hit with fans as the album is expected to top this week’s Billboard 200 chart after selling about 495,000 units in its opening week.
