Everybody Likes Drake Again. That Means We’re Healing

The resurgence of Drake's popularity may seem like a simple case of an artist's career ups and downs, but it actually speaks to a larger cultural phenomenon. For a brief moment, Drake's music was closely tied to a particular moral stance, with some fans and critics praising his authenticity and others criticizing his perceived hypocrisy. As a result, listening to his music became a way to signal one's values. However, with his recent chart comeback and the anticipation surrounding his upcoming album, Fear of Missing Out, it seems that fans are now able to separate their appreciation for his music from their moral judgments.

This shift is significant because it suggests that the music industry is moving away from the era of artist-as-activist and towards a more nuanced understanding of an artist's work. In the past, artists were often expected to take a stand on social issues and be vocal about their politics. While this can still be the case, Drake's comeback indicates that fans are now more willing to evaluate an artist's music on its own merits, rather than solely on their perceived moral character. This change has implications for how artists are marketed, promoted, and critiqued.

As the music industry continues to evolve, it's worth watching how other artists who have faced similar scrutiny will fare. Will they be able to recover from past controversies and regain their footing in the public eye? How will the industry respond to the changing attitudes towards artist activism and moral accountability? With Drake's resurgence, it's clear that fans are hungry for great music, regardless of the artist's personal narrative. The success of Fear of Missing Out will likely provide further insight into the current state of the music industry and the values of its fans.

Originally reported by rollingstone.com. MusicNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.