Although Aubrey “Drake” Graham is a relatively new face to the music industry, you would hardly know it based on his connections. He has yet to release a studio album, but his first EP, So Far Gone, features guest appearances from high-profile artists Trey Songz, Bun B and Lil’ Wayne, who has taken Drake under his wing as his prot�g�.

And it’s no wonder Drake has gained such widespread popularity in such a short period of time. He has a seductively captivating voice and an appreciation for smart melody. This added to the fact he has Lil’ Wayne’s unending support and is a breath of fresh air to the rap industry in many ways is a recipe for success.

He stands out from other rappers in that he came into his career in an underground, grassroots way. He’s been releasing mixtapes since 2006, including an earlier version of So Far Gone, which features many of the same songs. He self-released his first hit, “Best I Ever Had,” on iTunes and only recently signed with Lil’ Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment in an unheard-of deal in which he manages most of his own profits.

One notable thing about So Far Gone is Drake’s fearless and honest introspection that finds its way into many of his songs. In only seven tracks, Drake empties his soul on topics such as women, family and the superficiality of fame. “Fear” features a candid Drake speaking frankly about his thoughts and life, with melodies and multiple sound layers that serve as an example of the complexity of Drake’s music:

“That ain’t how it works, that ain’t how it goes/ And I be gettin’ high just to balance out the lows/ And I could use a writer just to balance out my flows/ But I never share my thoughts, this is all a nigga knows/ And every time I try, it opens up my eyes/ These verses are a chance to be remembered and reprised/ And I will be performin’ this as long as I’m alive/ So every word I utter will be mine.”

Drake, a self-confessed lover of R&B, incorporates soulful R&B roots into his music, giving it an original flair and an expanded demographic. It also showcases his ability to both sing and rap, a rarity in the hip-hop world. This R&B incorporation creates a wide variety within So Far Gone, from the low-voiced timidity of “Houstatlantavegas” to the energetic “I’m Goin’ In.”

However, Drake has yet to establish himself independently as an artist. He owes much of his fame to Lil’ Wayne, who took an interest in the young rapper after hearing his mixtape. Lil’ Wayne has taken Drake on tour, and three of the seven songs from So Far Gone feature Wayne as a collaborator.

Ultimately, So Far Gone is very likeable, even for those who don’t adore rap as a genre. It features beats that are invigorating and fresh and lyrics that cross the entire emotional spectrum. This EP will likely just leave the public yearning for more. Luckily, Drake’s first studio album is scheduled to be released on Valentine’s Day of next year.

4 stars out of 5.