History and Appeal of Drake's Take Care Album Merchandise

The History and Significance of Drake's Take Care Album Merchandise

It's hard to believe it's been over a decade since Drake released his massively successful second studio album Take Care. Considered by many to be his magnum opus, the album showcased Drake's signature blend of rap and R&B, and spawned several hit singles like "Headlines," "Make Me Proud," and "The Motto." Above all, Take Care cemented Drake as one of the preeminent musical artists of his generation.

Beyond its cultural impact, Take Care is also remembered fondly by fans for its stylish cover art and branding. Drake collaborated with creative agency SheCommands and photographer Jake McDorman to develop a visually stunning aesthetic for the album rollout. This look not only aligned with Drake's understated elegance, but also inspired some truly iconic merch designs.

T-Shirts Featuring the Album Cover Photography

The most direct merch inspired by Take Care features photographs from the album packaging photoshoot. These images show Drake pensively looking off into the distance, cloaked in atmospheric blue and black lighting. When printed on t-shirts, crewnecks, and hoodies, these photos make for an effortlessly cool look.

During the original album release, fans could buy basic t-shirts with the album cover image printed large on the back. More recently, Drake's OVO label has brought back Take Care merch with album artwork printed in a variety of vintage-inspired designs.

For example, OVO revived the album cover on a simple white t-shirt, with the photo printed small and distressed on the chest. They also printed the image across the sleeves of a black baseball tee for a minimalist, athletic vibe. Regardless of the silhouette, featuring the iconic Take Care photos ties any merch back to one of Drake's most beloved projects.

Minimalist Branding and Graphics

Beyond direct album artwork reproductions, Take Care also inspired apparel with more subtle graphics and branding. These pieces capture the muted color palette and emotional ambiance that defined the album's aesthetic.

A staple piece is the classic black hoodie with a small embroidered "Take Care" logo across the chest. The emblem uses clean script lettering in a pale blue tone that references the album title font. Even over ten years later, this simple design still encapsulates the essence of Drake's breakthrough record.

OVO has expanded on this concept with more intricate cut-and-sew takes on the Take Care branding. For instance, they created a minimalist black baseball jersey with "Take Care" embroidered on the left breast in a varsity-style font. The jersey captures the nostalgic yet forward-looking vibes that permeate Drake's music.

Tying Lyrics Back to Significant Songs

Lastly, many Take Care merch pieces have immortalized specific lyrics from the album through graphic tees and hoodies. Notably, OVO has printed out lyrics from "Headlines" and "Crew Love" on multiple apparel pieces over the years.

The most famous example is likely the "They know, they know, they know" tee. Those words open "Headlines," one of the biggest smashes from Take Care. OVO has reproduced that phrase on t-shirts with varying fonts and colors, but the message stays the same. For those familiar with the album, it's a reminder of Drake's standout tracks.

Similarly, lyrics from "Crew Love" like "You know I love my brothers like family" encapsulate the communal spirit of OVO and Drake's inner circle. OVO has also embellished long-sleeve shirts and hoodies with select lyrics from deep cuts across the tracklist. Ultimately this merch lets diehard fans rep their favorite songs.

The Appeal and Legacy of Take Care Merch

Looking back, it's clear why apparel inspired by Take Care has become so coveted. The merch feels like a physical embodiment of the wistful sonic mood Drake and his producers orchestrated over a decade ago.

On a deeper level, fans also feel a connection to Drake's vulnerable lyricism and the pivotal point it represents in his career. Scoring Take Care merch lets them own a memento tied to this watershed moment.

While Drake has gone on to release several more commercially successful albums, Take Care still holds a special place in his discography. It makes sense why vintage items from its initial run have become coveted rare goods.

That being said, Drake and OVO have done an excellent job curating new Take Care-inspired merch that retains the nostalgic factor fans love. The album cover photography and minimalist branding still feel fresh when reproduced on modern garment silhouettes.

At the end of the day, Take Care cemented Drake as hip hop's biggest star and a cultural phenomenon. For fans, wearing merch inspired by that seminal record represents paying homage to one of music's most monumental artists.

Conclusion

Over ten years later, Drake's Take Care album remains a staple record that inspired some equally iconic merch designs. From vintage concert tees to newly revived collections, Take Care apparel perfectly encapsulates the moody elegance that defines Drake's artistry.

Moving forward, it's likely Drake and OVO will continue resurrecting classic Take Care branding and graphics. The album simply holds too special a place in Drake's career for its merchandise legacy to ever completely fade away. Vintage or new, Take Care merch is always a fashionable way to pay homage to one of rap's most talented stars.

FAQs

What was the lead single from Drake's Take Care album?

The lead single from Take Care was "Headlines," released in July 2011 ahead of the album drop in November. "Headlines" reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

What was Drake's breakthrough mixtape that put him on the map?

Drake's breakthrough mixtape was 2009's So Far Gone, which featured hits like "Best I Ever Had" and "Successful." The mixtape's success led to Drake getting signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment.

Who directed the music video for "The Motto"?

Director HYGH DEF directed the music video for Take Care single "The Motto" featuring Lil Wayne. The video shows Drake and Wayne partying and celebrating their success.

Which artists were featured on the Take Care album?

Take Care featured high-profile guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, and Rihanna.

What is the meaning behind the "Crew Love" lyrics on merch?

"Crew Love" lyrics like "You know I love my brothers like family" reference Drake's inner circle and label October's Very Own (OVO).