BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR are once again proving why they’re one of the most dynamic duos in modern R&B and hip-hop. The two OVO Sound artists have officially announced their upcoming collaborative album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, set for release on February 14, 2025. With their rich history of hits and undeniable chemistry, this project is already shaping up to be a major moment in music–and it’s on Valentine’s Day too. Oh joy.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting a full-length project from Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, whose creative synergy dates back to 2013 with songs like Over Here, Recognize, and Loyal. Their ability to craft moody, atmospheric R&B with hip-hop influences has made their collaborations timeless. Drake’s ability to blend emotional storytelling with sharp lyricism, paired with PARTYNEXTDOOR’s signature melodic touch, has set the stage for an album that will inevitably dominate both streaming charts and late-night playlists.
The project was first teased in August 2024 during PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “Sorry I’m Outside” tour stop in Toronto, where Drake hinted at an upcoming joint album, calling it “one for the cold months,” a statement that’s now been heavily buttressed by the album cover’s wintery aesthetic. Since then, anticipation has only grown, with both artists dropping subtle hints about the album’s progress. By November, Drake revealed that the project was “75 percent done,” further heightening the excitement among fans. PARTYNEXTDOOR later confirmed that final touches would be added after his tour wrapped up, ensuring that the album would be a carefully curated body of work.
Promotion for the album kicked into high gear in February 2025, with Drake sharing a snippet of a track titled Crying in Chanel, an emotional ballad that fans speculate could be the album’s centerpiece. Adding to the excitement, a promotional skit featuring Canadian comedians Jermaine and Trevaunn Richards was released, injecting humor into the rollout and reminding fans of Drake’s playful marketing tactics.
However, the album isn’t arriving without some drama. The announcement comes at a time when Drake is engaged in legal battles with Universal Music Group (UMG). Late last year, he filed a petition alleging that UMG and Spotify had manipulated the streaming numbers of Not Like Us, a diss track by Kendrick Lamar aimed at Drake. Though the petition was later withdrawn, Drake proceeded with a defamation lawsuit against UMG in January 2025. The timing of $ome $exy $ongs 4 U has led to speculation that Drake is shifting focus back to the music, using this album as a statement piece amid industry tensions.
For PARTYNEXTDOOR, this project is equally significant. After taking a step back from the spotlight in recent years, his return with PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 in 2024 marked a strong comeback. This new album with Drake is set to reinforce his status as one of R&B’s most influential voices. Known for his introspective songwriting and lush production, PND’s presence on $ome $exy $ongs 4 U is a return to the signature sound that made him a standout in the first place.
As the release date approaches, expectations are sky-high and one thing is certain: $ome $exy $ongs 4 U is poised to be a defining project of 2025. With their history of crafting unforgettable records, Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR are about to remind the world why their collaborations always hit different.
