Comeback Season

Meet Toronto native Drake. Formerly Jimmie Brooks of "Degrassi: The Next Generation," Aubrey Drake Graham debuts as a rapper on 2007's "Comeback Season," a mix tape collection of original songs, personal remixes, and freestyles over popular beats.

Having recently gained nationwide popularity, "Comeback Season" is Drake's first release as an artist, and shows him searching for his voice and place in the record industry.

"Comeback Season" marks a transition for Drake, and it's all laid out on "The Presentation." He opens up the song rapping, "They like damn who's Drake where's wheel chair Jimmie at?" and later says, "I miss cake these days / I can't even afford a mistake these days." It's the mindset of a young artist unsure of his capabilities and sound. It's hesitation that Drake doesn't show in 2009, as he's commanding radio stations and billboard charts.

Elsewhere, guest artists like Lil' Wayne, Malice of the Clips, and Kardinal Offishall give the disc some established star power.

When the disc was first released, "Replacement Girl," featuring Trey Songz, was slated to be Drake's breakout single, but never materialized into anything. Still, the song shows two friends working with superb chemistry. Drake also jumps on the Trey Songz cut, "Missin You," providing a remix verse that coincides with the song perfectly. Drake also gets on beats like Kanye West's "Barry Bonds" and the Roots' "Cant' Stop This."

Overall, "Comeback Season" is the perfect introduction to one of today's premier newcomers; and for anyone already acclimated with the rapper, then the mixtape serves as a good retrospective on his rap beginnings.