After dropping hints for months, including a massive display of ice blocks in downtown Toronto and taking over the CN Tower, Drake finally unveiled his highly anticipated ninth studio album, named Iceman. Alongside this release, he surprised fans with two additional albums, Habibti and Maid of Honour, all launched at midnight. The total of 43 new songs, spanning approximately two and a half hours, were showcased by Drake during his recent livestream event, Iceman Episode 4, with Iceman being the central piece.
Drake had hinted at Iceman as far back as August 2024, after his widely covered rap battle with Kendrick Lamar. During his 2025 tour in Australia, Drake had promised fans that this album would be a personal and essential dialogue with his audience.
Although Drake had previously collaborated on the joint album Some Sexy Songs 4 U with PartyNextDoor in 2025, these new releases mark his first solo albums since For all the Dogs in 2023. The stakes are high for Drake’s reputation as a leading figure in rap, especially with his quest for another number one hit to surpass Michael Jackson’s record, which has been somewhat cooled since his feud with Lamar.
On Iceman, Drake dives straight into addressing his past feud with Kendrick Lamar on the opening track, Make Them Cry, reflecting on the aftermath of their rivalry. Throughout the album, he not only introspectively examines the events but also takes fresh shots at various figures, including Lamar, DJ Khaled, A$AP Rocky, DeMmar DeRozan, LeBron James, and Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge, while also questioning his relationship with J. Cole.
Visuals for the music videos from Iceman prominently feature Toronto landmarks, with scenes shot at various iconic locations including Sotto Sotto in Yorkville and the Brass Rail strip club. The videos showcase Drake cruising through downtown Toronto on a truck loaded with ice blocks, passing by recognizable sites such as King Taps and the Fairmont Royal York hotel.
The music videos also capture Drake inside the CN Tower in 2 Hard 4 the Radio, dancing beneath the observation deck’s white ring. Notably, Drake filmed inside Mayor Olivia Chow’s office at Toronto’s City Hall for one video, adding a local touch to his visuals.
In a nod to his Canadian roots, Drake’s music video for Slap the City features him sporting a fur jacket adorned with logos of Canadian brands like Canadian Tire, Sleep Country, Manchu Wok, RBC, and Molson Canadian. The lyrics of Iceman also contain numerous references to Canada, emphasizing Drake’s pride in his heritage.
While Iceman delves into past conflicts and grudges over icy beats, Drake’s surprise albums, Habibti and Maid of Honour, offer a more diverse sonic experience. Habibti showcases Drake’s exploration of love songs, delving into the complexities of his relationships, while Maid of Honour ventures into dancehall, house, Afro-swing, and U.K. rap, setting the stage for a vibrant party atmosphere. Featuring various artists, these albums provide a mix of introspection and celebration, catering to a wide range of musical tastes.