When a respected voice in hip-hop like Elliott Wilson weighs in, people listen. And his latest take? He’s crowned Drake’s “ICEMAN” as the album of the year! Even with a year packed with heavy hitters from artists like A$AP Rocky, J. Cole, and Baby Keem, Wilson is giving the nod to Drizzy’s latest project.
Putting Personal Feelings Aside
It’s no secret that Drake and Elliott Wilson have had their ups and downs, including a public spat involving a ‘rat emoji’ and accusations of leaking information during the Kendrick Lamar beef. Despite any personal history, Wilson insists he had to set his feelings aside to truly appreciate the quality of “ICEMAN.”
He recently took to Twitter to share his updated thoughts, revealing he picked 13 out of the 18 tracks on the album. “I give him 13 now. hip-hop album of the year,” Wilson declared. He even added a playful jab about past predictions, noting “Janice + Shabang > Future reunion (Told y’all in ‘24) + Mac Dre s**t.”
Which Tracks Made the Cut?
So, which songs didn’t make Wilson’s personal rotation? He notably omitted “Ran To Atlanta” featuring Future and Molly Santana, and the West Coast-vibed “2 Hard 4 The Radio.” Also left off the list were “Dust,” “B’s On The Table” with 21 Savage, and “Plot Twist.”
The Drake vs. Elliott Wilson Dynamic
The ‘rat emoji’ incident is a key piece of context here. Drake allegedly sent Wilson the emoji, implying Wilson might have shared info with Kendrick Lamar. Wilson denied this, but the speculation continued. DJ Akademiks even claimed Kendrick dissed Wilson directly about it, though Wilson described the encounter as more lighthearted.
This history adds layers to their interactions. While there’s clearly a back-and-forth, Wilson isn’t afraid to give credit where it’s due. He’s praised Drake’s “NOKIA” music video and his overall career trajectory in the past.
Will “ICEMAN” Hold Its Ground?
Only time will tell if “ICEMAN” will remain the reigning album of the year by the end of 2026. With Drake’s consistent output and Wilson’s critical eye, it’s certainly a strong contender. It just goes to show that even amidst personal drama, great music can still be recognized.
What do you think about Elliott Wilson’s pick for album of the year? Do you agree with his assessment of Drake’s “ICEMAN”? Share your thoughts in the comments below!