7 Things We Learned From Analyzing Drake’s Handwriting

Aubrey’s handwriting is no more elegant than our weekly grocery list.

None

It’s a long-mythologized fact that doctors have the worst handwriting of any profession, but it looks like rappers could rank a close second. If you think your prescription is hard to read, try reading the cliff notes for a local rapper’s ill-prepared third-round battle-rap verse, scrawled on the interior of a matchbook.

Even if a rapper’s handwriting is illegible, the study of graphology purports that there’s much to glean from the way they construct their chicken scratch. Handwriting experts examine slant, upper and lower loops, and v-wedges, among other stylistic nuances in written text, to generate an analysis of personality characteristics and the psychological well-being of the writer. In other words, a graphoanalyst can probably tell if you’re a jerk based on how you cross your T’s.

Drake’s handwriting makes a rare appearance on the liner notes for If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, and at first glance, it isn’t pretty. His all-caps, feverishly-scribbled penmanship doesn’t quite have the polished togetherness to match his sonic output. A week ago, it was easy to imagine Drake unsheathing an antique quill, and inking parchment scrolls with perfect calligraphy, akin to the Take Care insignia. The fact that he writes 99% of his lyrics in his Blackberry made this opulent image plausible for years, but the thank yous on If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late reveal that Aubrey’s handwriting is no more elegant than our weekly grocery list.

As an artist who is already markedly transparent within his lyrics, what more can be gathered from his written aesthetic? Given that the release of IYRTITL is still shrouded in mystery, from its hybrid “commercial mixtape” status to its vague-but-pointed project title, some between-the-lines analysis couldn’t hurt. We asked certified graphoanalyst Elaine Charal to tell us what Drake’s handwriting says about his character, and here’s what we learned.

1. Drake Has A Lazer-Like Focus

Drake’s liner notes are extremely small, but are at the same time legible, indicating Drake’s ability to focus and concentrate. This suggests that when Drake is zoned into what he loves to do, the rest of the world could disappear and he might not notice.

Lyrical Proof: “Can't even drive with the top off/I been workin' so hard on the album, I missed the whole summer.” (“The Language”)

2. Drake Is Guarded

The slant of Drake’s liner notes is leftward. This left slant is a protection of sorts: it allows Drake to look at the world through a one-way mirror...he sees the world, but few in the world get to see him unless it’s on his terms. It also indicates he is more sensitive than he appears to others: he may know many people, but will only allow trusted friends close. The leftward slanted downstrokes of his letter M’s indicate a strong reserve within Drake that few will see past unless they invest the time to get to know him.

Lyrical Proof: “I still ride for my day one niggas, I don’t really need no new friends.” (“No New Friends”)

3. Drake Is Curious

The v-wedges at the base of his M’s n’s indicate Drake’s sharp analytical ability; the corresponding upper v-wedges indicate his ‘investigative’ qualities.

Lyrical Proof: “I better find your lovin’, I better find your heart.” (“Find Your Love”)

4. Drake Wants Immediate Results

All Drake’s letters in these liner notes are block printed, indicating overall that he is a constructive thinker and a clear, bottom-line communicator. In addition, it suggests Drake is strong willed and factual. When Drake really wants something with his whole mind, body and soul, this block printing suggests (with its dominant middle-zone letter area...as opposed to having upper or lower loops) that he’ll get it!  He prefers immediate results and feedback and, to avoid becoming bored or restless, he’ll appreciate situations that move along smartly.

Lyrical Proof: “I will pay to make it bigger, I don't pay for no reduction.” (“Fuckin’ Problems”)

5. Drake Has Self-Control

Some of Drake’s T-bars are umbrella shaped, indicating his good self-control and self-discipline.  T-bars represent willpower: when Drake wants something, he’ll bend his willpower the way he’s bent some of his t-bars, analogous to an iron rod being squeezed into an umbrella shape to conform to his will and his desire.

Lyrical Proof: “I don’t drink every bottle I own, I be aging shit.” (“Paris Morton Music”)

6. Drake Is A Control Freak

Many of Drake’s T-bars angle downward, indicating his desire to be in charge and to take charge. This indicates that Drake has a positive need to control his life, destiny, and decisions.

Lyrical Proof: “Myself just told myself ‘you the motherfuckin’ man, you don’t need no help.’” (“All Me”)

7. Drake Is More Sensitive Than He Lets On

Contrast these liner notes with Drake’s signature. Drake’s signature is more vertical than leftward, indicating he projects poise, objectivity and an ability to stay outwardly cool under pressure. The leftward slant of his text suggests he is inwardly more sensitive than he appears.  His signature moves up on his page, indicating his optimism. Drake’s signature (representing his public self) is illegible, indicating he is a more private person who is selective of how close others get to him. His very high capital letters in his signature indicate high confidence and ego strengths.

Lyrical Proof: “I get lonely too.” (“I Get Lonely Too”)

Latest in Music