Drake has been the hottest thing in the international music industry since the release of his third mixtape So Far Gone last year. The hype around him has ceased to die down because of his music's popularity, especially the hit tracks Best I Ever Had and Successful featuring the sultry Trey Songs.

The majority of those who had an encounter with the 2009 collection have been anticipating his debut album ever since. Understandable, considering that no other artist has ever topped the Billboard chart with a mixtape — already making Drake an artist in a league of his own. To top it off he's got the respect and skills of the likes of DJ Khaled, Young Money, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Young Jeezy, Mary J. Blige, Timbaland, Birdman, Trey Songz, and Jamie Foxx on his side.

So after many a postponement Thank Me Later is finally here and already setting social networks ablaze, with every second person quoting his musical wisdom.

Particularly popular is: "What am I doing, what am I doing? Oh yeah that's right I'm doing me, I'm doing me. I'm living life right now man and this what I'ma do till it's over, till it's over" from Over, his 'arrival' track. On it he preaches about his success, staying true to himself, and how this is just the beginning. It's a catchy track, especially since it begins with the chorus which is rich in beats — although, during the rap verses, the drums, keys, and strings make way for him to be heard.

On the darker Up All Night he features fellow Young Money artist and the hottest female rapper around at the moment, Nicki Minaj who stands testament to why the likes of Lil Kim are hating on her at the moment. She almost reduces every female rapper there ever was with what's termed the 'sickest' or 'illest' flow in the business. Beyond articulate, she's also naturally not afraid to speak her mind. She aptly adds a line in a rap giving Drake the respect he deserves for his success: "Which bitch you know made a million off a mixtape?" she proclaims, with the song preaching solidarity among the Young Money team.

Although Drake himself is somewhat extraordinary at the moment, his album still contains ordinary elements like sampling on the tracks Fancy and Unforgettable which contain elements from I Don't Want to Play Around and Aaliyah's At Your Best (You Are Love).

And like any other artist, he ropes in guest appearances from the likes of Alicia Keys (on the opening track Fireworks), The Dream (slow jam Shut It Down) and Jay-Z (Light Up). Only the A-list.

But even they don't detract from Drake's talent as a rapper. Able to vividly portray a story through his verses, he isn't merely one of those rappers filled with anger, protesting against societal ills, the police and the government. In fact, he leans more towards the regular, shallow side of the hip-hop industry: materialism in the form of success, women and 'popping bottles' (expensive alcohol).

His real strength is that, unlike his rivals, he's not afraid to show his emotions. He admits his mistakes, confesses his regrets and acknowledges his heartbreak. All of this through skillfully laid out rap verses, hooks, and even singing — the album is laden with heartwarming R&B hip-hop jams in which he also breaks into equally sultry rap verses.

In essence then Drake is doing something that no rapper has ever been brave enough to do before and isn't getting judged for it. He truly deserves the hype because he's started a trend with his talent.