Drake: Rewriting the Rules

Drake: Rewriting the Rules is a mesmerizing and insightful 2018 documentary focusing on the globally acclaimed rap artist, Drake. This iconic documentary features Drake at the heart of its narrative, as it shines light into his life, journey, and career. The documentary offers an all-encompassing view of this profound artist’s dazzling journey from his humble beginnings to global stardom in an industry where the rules are constantly being rewritten.

The movie opens in Toronto, where Aubrey Drake Graham, better known as Drake, was born and raised. The biopic trains the camera on his early years, revealing his childhood struggles, his lived experiences, and the tight-knit community that shaped him. It portrays a mother’s love, which was a constant source of support and encouragement, a father's strong influence, and his unique background of being half African-American and half Jewish. By traversing across his personal timeline, this film provides viewers a great sense of who Drake was before fame.

As the cinematography seamlessly transitions from his childhood home to the sets of Degrassi: The Next Generation, viewers are introduced to Drake's entry into the entertainment industry. Known for playing the role of Jimmy Brooks on this teen drama television series, the young actor experienced early exposure to the limelight. It examines his inflection point from actor to musician, and how his acting career played a role in shaping his distinctive musical style.

The documentary doesn't hold back when delving deep into Drake’s music career, either. It chronicles his early aspirations, ambitious mixtapes, and initial successes in the hip-hop world leading up to his big break in 2009 with 'Best I Ever Had.' The underpinning ethos of his music and the distinctive soulful and emotional undertone of his lyrics are researched, unraveling the unique nature of Drake's rap, which turned the tables in the hard-hitting world of hip-hop.

From the meteoric rise to fame and the challenges of staying on top, the film deftly explores the ups and downs of stardom. Drake's journey through the cutthroat music industry is beautifully depicted, from securing a spot on the billboard chart to winning Grammy Awards. From his successful collaborations with renowned musicians like Lil Wayne and Kanye West to his fallout with musicians, the documentary doesn’t shy away from presenting the realities and complexities of the industry.

Drake: Rewriting the Rules also dives into the numerous criticisms and controversies that came his way and how he successfully managed to navigate through them. From public feuds with fellow performers to issues related to his private life, it portrays how Drake has often found himself at the center of media scrutiny and how he has molded these experiences into a part of his musical narrative.

The documentary provides an in-depth analysis of Drake's ability to stay relevant, reinvent, and consistently set the tone in the global music scene. It touches upon how he maintained his signature style while incorporating different genres like RnB, Dancehall, Trap, and Pop into his ever-evolving musical repertoire. It also highlights how Drake constantly defied the traditional boundaries of rap and hip-hop, earning him the name 'Genre-Bender.'

Further, the film provides compelling commentary on Drake's influence beyond music – his foray into entrepreneurship, his love for sports, especially basketball. It underlines his impact on popular culture, fashion, and his relationship with his hometown, Toronto.

With a rich montage of his music videos, interviews, performances, and behind-the-scenes footage, along with expert commentary by industry insiders and cultural critics, the documentary showcases a multi-layered view of Drake that goes beyond the surface.

Overall, Drake: Rewriting the Rules beautifully captures the essence of Aubrey Drake Graham, both as a person and an artist. It draws a compelling picture of his struggles, victories, the immense influence, and the personality behind the iconic artist. It's a must-watch for both die-hard fans of Drake's music and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of the modern music industry. While it manages to walk us through the Canadian superstar's rise to fame, it also leaves viewers longing for seeing what the future holds for this dynamic artist.