After numerous mysterious hints, such as a gigantic ice block mountain in downtown Toronto and a CN Tower takeover, Drake finally released his highly anticipated ninth studio album, “Iceman,” along with two surprise albums called “Habibti” and “Maid of Honour.” These surprise projects were unveiled during Drake’s recent livestream, “Iceman Episode 4,” where he presented a total of 43 songs collectively lasting about two and a half hours, with “Iceman” being the focal point.
Drake had been hinting at “Iceman” for a while, mentioning it initially in August 2024 after his widely publicized rap battle with Kendrick Lamar. During his 2025 tour in Australia, Drake hinted that the album would serve as a personal dialogue with his fans that was essential to hear.
While Drake collaborated on the joint album “Some Sexy Songs 4 U” with PartyNextDoor in 2025, “Iceman,” “Habibti,” and “Maid of Honour” mark his first solo releases since 2023’s “For all the Dogs.” These albums are crucial for Drake, as they are pivotal for his status as a rap icon and his quest to secure another No. 1 hit to surpass Michael Jackson’s record.
Addressing his feud with Kendrick Lamar, Drake delves into the aftermath of their conflict on the opening track of “Iceman,” titled “Make Them Cry.” Throughout the album, Drake reflects on the feud and takes swipes at various personalities including Lamar, DJ Khaled, A$AP Rocky, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge, and even questions his relationship with J. Cole.
The visuals accompanying “Iceman” feature Toronto landmarks prominently, with scenes shot at Yorkville restaurant Sotto Sotto, the Brass Rail strip club, and other iconic locations. The music videos showcase Drake cruising through downtown Toronto on a truck adorned with ice blocks and filming inside the CN Tower.
In the music video for “Slap the City,” Drake sports a fur jacket adorned with logos of Canadian brands and includes diverse Canadian references in his lyrics throughout “Iceman.” The surprise albums, “Habibti” and “Maid of Honour,” offer a departure from the beef-focused themes of “Iceman,” exploring love songs and a variety of musical styles, including dancehall, house, Afro-swing, and U.K. rap.
Overall, Drake’s triple album release caters to a wide audience, with “Iceman” delving into personal reflections and beef narratives, “Habibti” exploring the complexities of relationships, and “Maid of Honour” bringing the party vibes with diverse musical influences and collaborations.
