#yeah im feeling nostalgic for something that happened in 2019

[jadehunter413]

man i miss the area 51 raid memes

[randomoranges]

this week i got this idea. idk i like doing remake post version of things and such. then i checked to see if the ride was still open and apparently it closed in 2019 but not permanently??? but it didnt say when it’d reopen??? so im using my powers to have it be open in this future. 

anyways, yeah it should all read familiar to the og piece cause i had it open and followed the path of that one. 

Fort Edmonton II

Summer, 202X

 “Hey, let’s go out,” Étienne lazily tells him one afternoon. The weather has finally let up and it seems like the rest of the day might actually be nice, if he’s to judge by the sun he can finally see. It had been a quiet day, considering Edward had arrived late last night and he’d gone to pick him up from the airport. They’d gone back to Étienne’s place, Edward had emptied out some of his suitcase, he had freshened up and then they’d ended up spending the rest of the evening catching up and reacquainting themselves with one another, before getting some shut eye in the early hours of the morning.

 It’s a good thing there’s no real plan to their visits other than “spend time together” and “go out and see the sights” and “whatever the hell else we feel like.” Now, if anything, they have grown comfortable with the idea of spending time without having to do anything grand and it’s nice to know that just being together is fine and welcomed as well.

  From his spot on the couch, Edward shifts and rearranges himself until he’s no longer resting on Étienne’s chest, but instead laying next to him. He cranes his head up to find green eyes silently observing him, amused and fond, as always. He still looks different without his glasses, but the look suits him and he supposes the same can be said about him.

 “Where to?” Edward asks without really moving. There’s no urgency to this, he can tell. Étienne probably feels a little restless and the idea of stretching their legs sounds nice, but at the same time, it’s nice and cool here, in Étienne’s living room and outside is most likely hot and sticky. However, it is the afternoon, so maybe it won’t be as bad, he tries to tell himself, even though he knows better.

 “You’ll see,” Étienne replies with an enigmatic smile, before he bounces off the sofa, laughing, as he makes his way to the washroom, to presumably shower and change. Edward hears the end of what sounds like “it’ll be fun” and gets an eyeful of Étienne’s back, before he groans and flops back into the vacant spot left by his boyfriend.

 --

 They take the métro and the ride is longer than usual, but not unpleasant. Edward pesters Étienne with questions as to where they’re going, until Étienne threatens to blindfold him if he doesn’t stop. Edward keeps quiet afterwards and figures he’ll piece it together once they get off at whatever stop. He’s endeared by Étienne’s buoyant childlike expression as they make their way to their destination and when they finally get off at Jean Drapeau, Edward still isn’t entirely sure where they’re going, even if it does narrow down some of Étienne’s usual go to places. He does wonder if Étienne doesn’t have any ulterior motives as to the place they’re going to, but he keeps the thought to himself as he follows his boyfriend to their destination.

 Edward barely registers all of the information Étienne throws, as he speaks a mile a minute, mixing French and English as he normally does when he gets excited and exuberant. It’s nice to see him this animated and Edward does his best to keep up with him as they walk along the path. He gets the words “still open” and “a classic” and “fireworks” and leaves it at that.

 It’s finally once they make it closer to the place that Edward realises they’re going to La Ronde and he can’t help but laugh. He hasn’t been here in ages and the place certainly brings back memories of previous trips of lifetimes ago. He thinks he’s in for an eclectic walk through the park and that Étienne will bring him from one ride to another as his fancy sees fit, but instead, Edward is surprised when Étienne heads in one specific location. He doesn’t pay much attention when Étienne takes his hand as it now feels like a natural thing for him to experience, but he is a little surprised when they make it to the ride.

 Étienne comes to a stop in front of a rather older looking ride and grins large and wide at him, as if pleased with himself and his clever little plan of his; the proverbial cat that got the cream and such.

 “Here we are!” He declares and steps out of the way so that Edward can get an eye full of his clever little scheme. Edward is – amused and touched somehow – when he sees the name of the ride. He’d recognised it earlier, but now that they’re standing in front of it, he wonders if Étienne is as aware of its significance as he is. (He’s sure he is. Edward has come to realise with time that everything Étienne does is calculated and that his boyfriend’s mind is a treasure throve of nostalgic memories.)  

 “Not quite the same as your original Fort Edmonton, but, it’ll have to do.” He adds, still grinning and Edward can’t help but laugh.

 “Please, my own Fort Edmonton isn’t even fully original, so yes, it’ll have to do.” Edward quips as they step in the rather non-existent line to wait their turn. “Any particular reason you dragged me all the way here?”

 Étienne shrugs, “Thought it’d be nice to come back and see it. I know it’s not the same as when we came here ages ago – it’s not even the same as during Expo, but – the view’s still nice.”

 Edward nods at the comment and they both fall quiet for a moment.

 “D’you ever look back on Expo and wonder if it wasn’t some mass hallucination brought on by some drug induced fever dream? Like – I was there, but whenever I look back I’m just like – no, that didn’t happen.”

 Étienne laughs and leans closer to him for a moment, looking for support, before he teeter-totters over the railing, “My dear, I’m thoroughly convinced it was.”

 They chuckle their way to the front of the line and get the next mini-rail all to themselves. Étienne has them sit up front, since it’s where they can get the best view, and pats the spot beside him. Edward follows him, before he takes his seat. It’s a shame this is only part of the original path the ride covered during Expo, but the scenery is still nice and the rhythmic movement of the old carts is soothing.

 “Still the best seat in the house,” Étienne declares. Edward doesn’t offer any commentary to that and instead sits back to enjoy the proverbial ride. He smiles to himself when he feels his boyfriend’s hand on top of his own and spares him a glance that’s fond and loving. “It’s still the best seat to hold hands as well,” Étienne adds as he leans in close. Edward let’s him and agrees with the statement.

 The mini-rail goes on its merry way, giving them a grand tour of the park. Edward troubles himself to take in the view and Étienne points out the interesting facts and changes in the landscape since the last time they’d done this, all the while holding on to his hand.

 “I’ve gotta ask,” Edward interrupts some time later when they reach a clearing that gives them a good view of the city, “Why d’you name this after some part of – me – as opposed to any other place in Canada?” He’s always wondered, truth be told, but he never dared ask, afraid of what Étienne might tell him – that it would either be loaded or accidental. But now, he doesn’t care if Étienne tells him that he’d pulled the name out of a hat, or if it had meant something all along. They’re in a better place now and he knows how his boyfriend feels about him. He doesn’t need this to validate the time and energy he’s spent in this relationship anymore.

 Étienne is quick with his answer; “It was the logical choice. You’ve always meant a lot to me – still do. It was my own way of honouring our friendship back then.”

 It still manages to flummox him, despite everything and he supposes Étienne will always have that effect on him – will always find ways to surprise him, no matter how long they will know each other and he supposes that it’s one of the reasons he likes him. Still, his heart does a funny loop at that and it has nothing to do with the roller coasters that paint the backdrop of their little ride.

 He turns back towards his boyfriend in time to see the setting sun reflect off his smiling face and the tableau steals his breath for a moment. The light gently bounces off Étienne’s glasses and highlights the auburn of his hair, while framing his face just so. For a second longer, Étienne is at peace with the world and Edward sees the pride Étienne has for his city. It’s breathtaking, in short, and there’s something unguarded about the expression on Étienne’s face that is always lovely to see. And finally, after all these years, it feels as though Étienne has put the last of his barriers down for good.

 Edward lets go of Étienne’s hand and swings his arm around his shoulders, before his boyfriend can protest the absence of his hand. There’s no one else on the ride, but even so, and even though this type of outright display still isn’t his scene, he knows Étienne loves it. He makes an effort for Étienne every now and again and every time, he is rewarded with the prettiest of smiles that graces Étienne’s face.

 And he has to admit that this, still, is the best view of the city.

 FIN

[boisentertainment]

Dark Lane Demo Tapes HD Review

Cover Art To “Dark Lane Demo Tapes”

“I’m losing enough sleep

dealing with envy and the news that they send for me 

got the block in a frenzy”

–Deep Pockets

Drake starts off Dark Lane Demo Tapes doing what he does best, effortlessly floating on the intro “Deep Pockets“, another collaboration accompanied by producer Noah “40” Shebib. Self-reflecting and reminiscing on adolescent aspirations before the transition of becoming one of the greatest artists of all time.

Drake breaking the record for Most Wins in one night at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards

Drake has been navigating through uncharted territory flawlessly. Proving this point yet again with his release of “Toosie Slide”. Drake’s 3rd single to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart making him the first male in history to achieve this milestone.

“500 mill and I’ll fall back in the six, 

finally give you n**** the space you need to exist”

-When To Say When

*Talk To em Drizzy* 

Drake follows up with two pre-released tracks, “When To Say When” & “Chicago Freestyle”. Jam packed with bars, a sample from “Song Cry” by Jay-Z (one of my all time favorite Hov songs) on “When To Say When”, and a nostalgic Eminem cadence reference on “Chicago Freestyle”.

You really love to see Drizzy remind everyone on “When To Say When” that his pen still outmatches all who oppose. Re-asserting his dominance as if it was ever in question. Subtle reminders like the bars above are what keep Drake and his competition completely separated. 

“Two-thirty, baby, won’t you meet me by The Bean?

Too early, maybe later you can show me things

You know what it is whenever I visit

Windy city, she blowin’ me kisses, no

Thirty degrees, way too cold, so hold me tight

Will I see you at the show tonight?”

Will I see you at the show tonight?”

-Chicago Freestyle

Giveon, a California native sings of the windy city as Drake gets ready to paint a picture of a night through his perception. From scrolling through his contacts of women’s names that are seemingly categorized by area code, to eventually just letting his boi Chubbs pick a girl out for him as if picking up women is as easy as shopping! Drake brilliantly segways into a memory that you forgot you had by referencing a cadence used in Eminem’s “Superman” released in 2002.

Eminem and Drake. Picture: Instagram

Don’t be fooled by the feature credit of Chris Brown….we didn’t get another “No Guidance” summer anthem….

Just a few background vocals from the R&B legend were enough to get his name on the project tracklist. Meanwhile Burna Boy is still waiting for his credits since More Life but that’s a conversation for another day. “Not You Too” Featuring Chris Brown is the first song on the project that I really don’t care for. It’s disappointing when you see a Drake and Chris Brown collaboration and it doesn’t slap..

What A Time To Be Alive is in my Top 3 favorite duo albums of all time. Whenever I see a Drake and Future collab I automatically get excited. Previously leaked, “Desires” is everything you want in a slower more laid back vibe from these two. The hook is addicting. Future’s verse is versatile with flows. His energy matches perfectly and his lyrics have SUBSTANCE. Listen to it carefully.

Photo From Future Featuring Drake “Life Is Good”

Drake has this ability to be able to sing 90% of the song, take the other 10%, completely spazz, and musically still have it make sense. These are the moments in songs like “Desires” and “Redemption” that turn slow R&B type vibe songs into a completely different entity within itself. Now all of a sudden you’re turning up and talking your sh*t instead of staring at the ceiling crying yourself to sleep. 

When I hear “Time Flies” I automatically think of Tik Tok. I don’t know why but if it blows up on Tik Tok you heard it here first! Honestly for me this, is another skip it and forget it type of song, I really hope it doesn’t go viral.

The first forty-five seconds is the only part of the song that kept my attention. Otherwise the rest is forgettable or just too similar to music that he’s already done thus not really elevating his ability here. During a full listen to the song I’m 100% paying attention during the first forty-five seconds. After that my attention doesn’t come back until he starts saying “Im Sorry”.

Don’t worry Drizzy I forgive you. 

“If he talkin’ out his head, then it’s off with it, yeah

Boardin’ Air Drake, then we takin’ off in it, yeah”

-Landed

Luckily, “Time Flies” is followed by a HEATER. Three hooks and three verses of aggressive, yet relaxed, reckless bars knowing there isn’t a consequence for you when you’re at the top. “Landed” is a slick talk, mean face, making breakfast with the speaker on 10 with the neighbors calling the cops while you’re trying to get hype for the day joint.

I wanna stop writing this review, get in my car, windows down, put this song on max volume and mean mug old people walking their dog in the suburbs for the rest of the day.

At first listen I was super excited about “D4L”. The production from Southside is out of this world. I do feel like it’s lacking a certain element. It’s easy to fall in love with a song featuring Drake, Future, and Young Thug, with this type of production. To me it just doesn’t sound organic. It sounds like it was thrown together rather than collectively created.

Honestly, I wish Drake and Future left Young Thug out of it, sat down together and created a dope record. Kind of wasted a great instrumental. 

To be blunt, I’m just not impressed with “Pain 1993”. It could be the fact that I’m not the biggest Playboi Carti fan, or it could be just because the song’s just not that interesting. I’ve replayed “Pain 1993” numerous times searching for something with depth or meaning because that, accompanied with creative cadences and complex bars, is the reason why I love Drake’s music. This didn’t do it for me. 

The intro to “Losses” is amazing. The song starts with a clip of Drake’s father Dennis Graham previewing a song Dennis had been working on recently. It ends with Dennis saying something like, “This songs about family, if anyone feel anyway about it I don’t give a f***”, classic.

It’s funny how you can listen to any Drake project and stumble upon a song that you personally aren’t really feeling. The next song is the exact song you’re looking for. Self-reflection is my favorite type of Drake song because the untouchable becomes relatable and humbled.

The second verse of “Losses” touches on Drake’s motivation on why he does what he does, “I do it for the Grahams not the Gram”. Then goes into depth about his sacrifices and choices that he’s made over the years and defends his reasoning behind them. 

“I did it by being myself with no dramatic acting

I couldn’t sit around and wait, I had to have it happen

Lost you to the game, I gotta face that

Really think I lost you like a ways back”

-Losses

Drakes starts off “From Florida With Love” paying homage to the late Static Major who was well known for his appearance on Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop”. Otherwise the song is a dope story about Wayne showing Drake “Lollipop” back in 2008 on a tour bus with Kobe Bryant. (RIP) Then the story continues with Drake getting robbed for his chain and how that lesson stuck with him for life. Further justifying his reasoning for his mentality and how he handles certain situations. 

“From that day I never touched the road without a (Plugg)

Ayy, from that day I never saw the point in talkin’ tough (Nah)

Hasn’t happened since, I guess you n***** know what’s up (Yup)

Yeah, haven’t seen the 6ix in like a month (6ix)

F*** that, I’m back, baby, where the love? (Love)”

– From Florida With Love

“VIRAL. MOVIE.”

Love to see Drake on some, what I define as, “murder music”. Type of music that just makes you wanna fight anybody, anytime… Drake absolutely BODIES the first verse but it’s a mere alley oop to Fivio Foriegn.

Fivio Foriegn sounds like he’s right at home on this one. His delivery is in your face, lyrics are gritty, his aggression is on another level. My only take back is Sosa Geek’s verse just feels, unnecessary. Or maybe I just really wish Pop Smoke was alive to clean this one up RIP. 

The final song on the project “War” was released around Christmas time 2019. The best part of this being the outro to the project is only that we can stream this song now. Despite being released months in advance it only became available on streaming services with this release.

War is a song that is being recognized as “UK Drill” which, obviously, was created in the United Kingdom. This is just another example of how Drake can travel in and out of different genres and subgenres immaculately.  

Conclusion

Overall the project is supposed to be perceived as a “mixtape” rather than an “album”. Drake is set to release a brand new studio album later this year. As a whole I enjoy the project, I’m trying to shy away from relating it to other albums because it technically isn’t an album. Dark Lane Demo Tape isn’t game changing, but it will hold the world over until the real album drops.

What was your favorite song on “Dark Lane Demo Tape”?

Tell me what you guys think in the comments below! 

Thank you for reading my “Dark Lane Demo Mixtape”  HD review. If you enjoyed this post check out boisandbartalk.com for more content from the bois! 

Love, 

Kev Clark HD