If You're Reading This It's Too Late [Mixtape]
by Drake
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 517 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 433 out of 517
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 517
  3. Negative: 43 out of 517

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  1. ZachKendall
    May 23, 2021
    10
    The most confident and melodic Drake has ever been in his career. For sure setting his fans up for the evolution of his sound on his next album. On this mixtape, there is a good mixture of aggression with sensitivity which has separated Drake from the rest of the rappers in the game. Just a warm-up for Views!
  2. cameronhisey
    Oct 1, 2015
    9
    This mixtape was very good. I enjoyed the majority of the songs. My favorite songs on this were "Wednesday Night Interlude," and "Company." My least favorite songs were "Madonna," "You & the 6," and "6PM in New York." It kind of puzzles me why so many songs have to do with the number 6, but the mixtape was very good overall.
  3. lisiak
    Jan 6, 2016
    9
    In my opinion absolutely amazing album. Every track is great. This is how music should made in XXI century! :) Best trakcs: 6god, 6man, Legend, Ain't no telling', 10bands, Know Yourself, Star67, Used to
  4. Connorcox1997
    Mar 17, 2019
    9
    Back in 2015 Drake Surprise fan by releasing a mixtape outta nowhere called If your Reading This It's Too Late. And this mixtape is pretty good. The production on this mixtape has a darker tone than his previous projects, but I thought it was dope. I love all the songs on the mixtape. Drake's mixtape may have been the most surprising project to date and its defiantly worth a listen. 9/10
  5. Neilluj
    Mar 13, 2015
    9
    Drake jeune prodige torontois fait paraitre If You're Reading This, It's Too Late. Ce mixtape est produit indépendamment. La sortie de cet album est directement liée au litige qui fait rage entre Drake et son label Cash Money Records (CMR) rendant, du fait même, le contexte de cette oeuvre particulièrement intéressant. Apparament, ce projet serait articulé autour du fait que DrakeDrake jeune prodige torontois fait paraitre If You're Reading This, It's Too Late. Ce mixtape est produit indépendamment. La sortie de cet album est directement liée au litige qui fait rage entre Drake et son label Cash Money Records (CMR) rendant, du fait même, le contexte de cette oeuvre particulièrement intéressant. Apparament, ce projet serait articulé autour du fait que Drake voudrait mettre un terme à sa collaboration avec son label ainsi que ses patrons incluant Brian ''Birdman'' Williams. La sortie surprise et l'absence totale de promotion seraient explicables de par le fait qu'il est frustré des manoeuvres de son actuel label. En effet, une importante lutte juridique prend place, en janvier dernier lorsque Lil Wayne accuse (pour 51 millions de dollars) ses producteurs de l'effacer, lui Drake et Niki Minaj, des revenus découlant des royautés. Par le fait même, CMR retient la sortie de l'album The Carter 5 de Wayne. Certaines sources du milieu affirment que le prochain album de Drake “Views From the 6” sera son dernier d'un contrat de 5 albums avec son employeur ce qui mettra un point définitif entre les deux parties.
    If Youre Reading This est donc empreint d'un réalisme désavoué face à l'industrie qui, soulignons-le, l'a mené au plus haute sphère du Hip-Hop. D'une part, la première moitié de l'album est caractérisé par des textes revendicateurs et songés sur la réalité qui frappe Drake - “Envelopes coming in the mail/Hoping for a check again/Ain’t no telling.” ou même - '' Igot lot of ennemies/ got a lot of poeple tryna drain me of my energie/They tryna take de wave from a **** En sommes, c'est comme si cette chicane offrait à Drake de un moyen de vraiment, librement, prendre le contrôle de son avenir et de son art en plus de remettre sérieusement en question l'industrie. Il met en évidence les tensions qui existent présentement dans le milieu.
    Sur la forme, la production est assez audacieuse. Drake pousse dans une direction qui ne lui ai pas familier faisant usage de beat hypnotisant, plus sombre, et définitivement à l'avant garde de ce qu'il n'a jamais fait. Il s'agit carrément d'un essai, d'une expérience. Comme s’il avait été délivrer d'une image qu'on lui avait collé à la peau dès son premier verset avec CMR. Rappelons que l'album est sous la supervision de Noah "40" Shebib. Sans surprise, le jeune homme issu de la ville reine offre quelques chansons plus axées vers le R'n'B du type PARTYNEXTDOOR avec qui il collabore sur une piste teintée de refrain sensuel, non pas sans rappeler ses anciennes productions. Le mix des genres créer un album d'une heure équilibré et franchement solide. C'est la fin de chapitre et le début d'un autre.    … Expand
  6. adrianmarino
    Mar 27, 2017
    10
    LIT, hard ass tracks, very drake. I honestly like every single song. This is the drake the people want and have been searching for. This drake is better than any active rapper right now.
  7. MadMananForever
    Mar 24, 2022
    10
    This album was just legendary for me. Not even 1 bad song. Like literally the contrast in this album by the beats and by drake himself were just perfect.
  8. samuelmirands
    Jun 21, 2022
    10
    The best Drake project ever. It's impossible to get over it. We are in 2022 and people still wants a part 2 for this.
  9. swagkonyjohnson
    Feb 14, 2015
    7
    Overall I thought it was a pretty good mixtape. The production is amazing. There are a lot of unique experimental beats that sound incredible. Boi-1da I'd say has won producer of the year after this one, and 40 and PND made some nice beats too. Drake delivers on his verses like he has for a while now, and his mix of rap and r&b is nice. One mistake Drake made on this was the artists heOverall I thought it was a pretty good mixtape. The production is amazing. There are a lot of unique experimental beats that sound incredible. Boi-1da I'd say has won producer of the year after this one, and 40 and PND made some nice beats too. Drake delivers on his verses like he has for a while now, and his mix of rap and r&b is nice. One mistake Drake made on this was the artists he featured; this mixtape is way better without them. Also, the mixtape didn't flow maybe a nicely between the tracks as a lot of good albums do, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. But overall it's a good effort. If anything this raises the standards for his Views from the 6… Expand
  10. maxeome
    Feb 13, 2015
    9
    It's only a mixtape and it's the scary part about it . No Hip-Hop artist can say that they are superior from drake right now !! Kendrick Lamar is the rapper with the greatest delivery right now but Drake will stay the hottest.
  11. tylergnc
    Feb 17, 2015
    10
    The biggest & best rapper in the game comes back harder than ever with a moody album that proves he is Gods darkest angel, & raps greatest gem. Even if you hate Drake, you should like this.
  12. davidofgraft
    Feb 15, 2015
    10
    At first listen, I didn't know how to feel about this, because there aren't many memorable hooks or verses on here. Upon more listens, though, I truly understand this project. Drake put focus on putting out a raw, unpolished body of work. Sure, he may have done this just to satisfy a label contract. Sure, this may not be his best project. However, Drake still has an ear for beats and knowsAt first listen, I didn't know how to feel about this, because there aren't many memorable hooks or verses on here. Upon more listens, though, I truly understand this project. Drake put focus on putting out a raw, unpolished body of work. Sure, he may have done this just to satisfy a label contract. Sure, this may not be his best project. However, Drake still has an ear for beats and knows how to rap (no matter how sporadic or unfocused his lyrics may occasionally be). It's one for the record books.… Expand
  13. TylerKennedy
    Feb 14, 2015
    9
    What can I say, everything Aubrey Drake Graham does is a success, a success everyone will buzz about for days, months even years. Love him or hate him, there's no way of escaping drake, he seems to be at every turn in the music industry. Even if this album, mixtape or project is just a half assed attempt to get out of his four album contract with Cash money, it's a half assed attempt thatWhat can I say, everything Aubrey Drake Graham does is a success, a success everyone will buzz about for days, months even years. Love him or hate him, there's no way of escaping drake, he seems to be at every turn in the music industry. Even if this album, mixtape or project is just a half assed attempt to get out of his four album contract with Cash money, it's a half assed attempt that managed to be pure fire, and this is the reason why he's one of the biggest emcees in the game right now, and some scary competition for other rappers. Lyrics on this project, although differ from his more recent albums, are incredible, production as always handled by the likes of Noah 40 and Boi 1da is fire. The only downside to this album may have been the features, though drake did make a good decision in keeping them limited. Overall, this is another album/mixtape that is fire all over, a seemingly recurring convention with drake. Makes me proud to rep the 6ix… Expand
  14. AlFelix
    Feb 16, 2015
    9
    Overall i felt the album was really good, Drake's rapping and singing mix delivered on this album or mixtape what ever it is. The record could of been much better without Partynextdoor though. Production on the record was great , hooks etc. were also great like usual dreezy. Drake though needs better punch lines and needs to put in a lil more rap and a lil less singing but flow was amazingOverall i felt the album was really good, Drake's rapping and singing mix delivered on this album or mixtape what ever it is. The record could of been much better without Partynextdoor though. Production on the record was great , hooks etc. were also great like usual dreezy. Drake though needs better punch lines and needs to put in a lil more rap and a lil less singing but flow was amazing throughout the album. And lastly i really enjoyed the hidden shots… Expand
  15. BrandonTrotter
    Feb 13, 2015
    9
    Drake comes with this great flow through the album and what else can I say about the production it's something you would not expect from Drake great album and kept the features limited which was smart on Drake's behalf
  16. daelfishdevil
    Feb 18, 2015
    10
    really good. definitely his most raw body of work. it grows on you with every listen. pretty much every song is good.. 6pm in new york is a favorite. so is legend.
  17. kalijente
    Feb 14, 2015
    8
    Pretty dope for a mixtape. But, I kind of think that collaborations ruined the album. It would have been better without that PARTYNEXTDOOR features. Nevertheless, another very good record.
  18. amrit
    Feb 13, 2015
    9
    Drake killed this. Whole project is filled with hits, amazing production, lyrics are great has well. I feel Drake is one of the best artists the game right now, whenever he drops something the world shuts down and gets astonished by his work.
  19. Kilovani
    Feb 14, 2015
    9
    Pros:
    This is one of Drake's best works to date. It honestly makes you think and proves his amazing lyrical skills and self-awareness, it proves there's more to him than the radio hits he puts out. This is actually my favorite Drake project since Take Care, and though its only been a day or two i can suffice this is his second greatest project if not number one. Though most of his fans do    Pros:
    This is one of Drake's best works to date. It honestly makes you think and proves his amazing lyrical skills and self-awareness, it proves there's more to him than the radio hits he puts out. This is actually my favorite Drake project since Take Care, and though its only been a day or two i can suffice this is his second greatest project if not number one. Though most of his fans do put So Far Gone as his greatest personally i enjoyed Take Care more. The music is incredible from production, to lyrics, and all in between. The flow switch and melodies are incredible and honestly Drake will have a hard time topping this with Views From the 6 if he's still planning to drop it.

    Cons:
    However nothing is without flaws so i have to point at a minor one at best. The only stump is upon initial hearing, the songs sound similar. They have a common ambiance about them that is similar, so some of you may be disgruntled by the first hearing. But i assure you after a second and third intake you'll really notice the difference. This is a work to be dissected with open ears and an open mind. I haven't yet found a favorite song only because their that good, not trying to sound cliche, there are maybe 4 tracks that aren't great but aren't poor either. Listen for words as they go a lot further in this mixtape than the average track. A solid 10 for me for sure. if anyone scores this lower than a 7 then their just a hater lol    … Expand
  20. YPree
    Feb 14, 2015
    10
    Very nice production, Drake really outdid himself on this mixtape. From songs like 6pm in New York which was very lyrical to Jungle which is more laid back. Amazing project from an amazing artist.
  21. lilgnzlo
    Feb 15, 2015
    10
    if you doesn't listen to Drake before, this is not the best work to get started.

    but for the people who are fans, i guess this mixtape is perfect. It's clearly not an studio album, there's isn't any song too commercial on this, but i really whink, if this it's only a mixtape then my expectations for the official album are really high!.

    10/10 for a mixtape!
  22. Rnprozac
    Feb 16, 2015
    9
    So glad I started watching despite thinking I'd hate.
    Such a fantastic show. Great cast/writers/cinema photography!
    Hope it's on for many more seasons
  23. OVOsound
    Apr 14, 2015
    10
    As a Drake fan, from way, way, way..... back, there is room for bias in this review. That being said this Albu-tape (that is hat I am calling it) was a freebee, and ose to the fans, the hungry ones. This makes it hard to compare, and even review. Drake's A-tape is well written, but not too deep, it is Deep, but not too personal, it's personal but not overly introspective, yet exciting yetAs a Drake fan, from way, way, way..... back, there is room for bias in this review. That being said this Albu-tape (that is hat I am calling it) was a freebee, and ose to the fans, the hungry ones. This makes it hard to compare, and even review. Drake's A-tape is well written, but not too deep, it is Deep, but not too personal, it's personal but not overly introspective, yet exciting yet not eccentric. Nonetheless, Drake never puts anything our half stepping... The component of this 17 track composition that I found most commendable is its Replay value, in large due to its production quality; that and there is NOTHING else happening in Hip-Hop, besides you're unexpected Samurai slash here and there from Kendrick. In total I've, and still am, am enjoying this remarkable, impulse driven, out of the blue Albu-tape... This is Album worthy content, like So Far Gone. It's a solid 10 given its timing, longevity, and context. Oh.. and he" took "he summer off just to get it right" -Drake… Expand
  24. razoredwardo
    Feb 24, 2015
    6
    The album/mixtape itself isn't much of an album! But I think the highlight here is that we've never seen Drake like this before. The rap flow was new and that's just all.
  25. jesseurbancsik
    Mar 23, 2015
    7
    Everyone should drop surprise albums, because that's how the game is being played now. Drake sounds more fierce and aggressive than ever and that's the Drake we need to see more of. Songs like "Star67" and "Used To" make the album for what it is, even though "Madonna" and "Preach" fall flat towards high expectations. Drake's 4th OFFICIAL album will be released at the end of this year,Everyone should drop surprise albums, because that's how the game is being played now. Drake sounds more fierce and aggressive than ever and that's the Drake we need to see more of. Songs like "Star67" and "Used To" make the album for what it is, even though "Madonna" and "Preach" fall flat towards high expectations. Drake's 4th OFFICIAL album will be released at the end of this year, hopefully to the same quality or beyond.… Expand
  26. bhooks
    Dec 29, 2015
    10
    This is Drake best at his best, his goat, the best to do it, to be honest, Drake is the best MC right now, hes versatile and very skilled nobody does what he does, everybody wants to take his crown, but hes not worried about it, cause hes indestructible hes the god rapper himself, 6 God.
  27. MrLahey
    Feb 16, 2015
    10
    This is Drake's darkest most raw piece of work yet, His rapping is more agressive and confiident than before, the production from boi1da and 40 is simply amazing. Drake is the greatest rapper right now and this mixtape proves it. Just pure greatness.
  28. restful
    Feb 17, 2015
    9
    This is an incredible album that gets better the more you listen to it. Almost every song on this album is well produced and a great artistic achievement. Highlights are, "You & The 6", "Know Yourself", "Preach" ft PartyNextDoor....actually too many to list.
  29. Bleat0124
    Feb 18, 2015
    1
    That this album get a 80 and JCole FHD gets a 67 is the reason why I do not respect Rap critics. This mixtape is completely thoughtless. Every time somebody criticize Drake music, he/she is said be to be "hating." I do not hate Drake. I do not know the man, and his personal life mean nothing to me. If you are grading this album by the standards of good hip hop music, this album fails onThat this album get a 80 and JCole FHD gets a 67 is the reason why I do not respect Rap critics. This mixtape is completely thoughtless. Every time somebody criticize Drake music, he/she is said be to be "hating." I do not hate Drake. I do not know the man, and his personal life mean nothing to me. If you are grading this album by the standards of good hip hop music, this album fails on every level.… Expand
  30. geedup
    Feb 15, 2015
    7
    Drake keeps it real, meaning he expresses himself well. I can respect that. But mostly, if you hear one of his songs on this mixtape yo'e heard them all. Similiar tempos, similair beats, similair styles...period. These songs deserve to be on a mixtape-not an album. Of course it wouldn't be a Drake album with his "singing." That ain't hip hop
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Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Most Discussed Album of 2015
51
#51 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. The Wire
    May 15, 2015
    70
    His music has an airless, contrived and over-polished quality. However, the production style developed by his team of collaborators is glacially impressive, if gloomy. [Apr 2015, p.66]
  2. Q Magazine
    Apr 13, 2015
    80
    This enthralling, enigmatic statement conjures a mood that's all its own. [May 2015, p.108]
  3. AllMusic
    Mar 18, 2015
    70
    It makes for an album that's hard to love right away, but if you stick with it, is a rewarding listen.
    Read full review
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