Drake has postponed the release of his upcoming album, “For All The Dogs,” after facing criticism from fans about his new single with SZA.
Originally slated for September 22, Drake took to his Instagram stories on Saturday morning to announce the new release date of October 6. He shared his dilemma, contemplating whether to finish the album and cancel a show or release it before the last performance.
The Toronto rapper stated his commitment to providing fans with unforgettable memories and assured them that any missed opportunities will be revisited.
He concluded with, “For All The Dogs October 6th. It’s Only right,” nodding to his “6 god” moniker and the label “October’s Very Own.”
Drake first announced “For All The Dogs” in June, alongside a promotional campaign for his poetry book, “Titles Ruin Everything,” which he co-wrote with songwriter Kenza Samir; “I don’t know if I have ever wanted people to buy or support something more in my life,” he wrote in the announcement post.
The album’s impending release was also announced via a link in the social media post. “They say they miss the old Drake girl don’t tempt me. For All The Dogs,” he added.
After much anticipation and several delays, the album’s anticipated lead single, a collaboration with his ex-girlfriend SZA titled “Slime You Out,” dropped on Friday (September 15).
While the collaboration marked Drake’s first venture with SZA, it received mixed reviews. Some fans found the song too slow, criticizing Drizzy’s vocal performance.
One comment read, “[The] song is crap he needs to stop singing and start rapping and maybe I would listen to him but longest he sings and he can’t sing he’s got a boring singing voice.”
Another fan added, “Trash we heard this 1000 times already I’m tryna here something new and refreshing this sound like he made this in 2014. He can do better than this.”
A third person expressed, “Drake x SZA had the potential to be the collab of the year, but I almost fell asleep.”
Fan criticism wasn’t the only negative response to the collaboration. Award-winning actress Halle Berry, whose altered video from the 2012 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards served as the album cover, voiced her disapproval. Berry stated that Drake didn’t seek her permission to use her image for his single’s promotion.
“I didn’t give my permission. That’s not cool. I expected better from him,” she responded to a fan’s inquiry about her thoughts on the matter. “When people you admire let you down, you have to be the bigger person and move on!”
