This year has been one for the books for hip-hop. Starting with Jay-Z’s Magna Carta, Holy Grail, Kanye West’s Yeezus, and J.Cole’s Born Sinner, now October’s very own released his critically acclaimed third studio album Nothing Was the Same.

Toronto born rapper Aubrey Graham, better known by his stage name Drake, is comfortably enjoying his spot among hip-hop’s top tier. Known for his emotional lyrics and break-up songs found commonly on his masterpiece of a second album Take Care, Drake does not return to this persona in NWTS. Although there are many purple tracks on this album, including “Furthest Thing” and “From Time,”  Drake also has tracks where he adapts a much darker persona, that of a hardened rapper such as “Worst Behaviour” and “Wu-Tang Forever.”

Drake’s maturity between Thank Me Later, Take Care and NWTS is one of the most apparent changes made throughout his career. In his coming of age album Thank Me Later it is apparent that Drake is not sure about who he is, or if he’s good enough to be in his position. In Take Care there is the line from “Crew Love,” “really I think I like who I’m becoming,” and it is obvious that Drake is positive in his eyes that he is the best. In NWTS, Drake handles much more important topics such as the lost relationship between his father, and the fact that he lost many personal relationships due to the monetary success he’s had. Seeing Drake mature as an artist is one of the attributes that puts NWTS among the best albums of 2013.

Although the original release date was supposed to be September 24, NWTS leaked on September 15, giving Drake fans an early taste of the wonder that this album is. Take Care really was art, and NWTS is in the same league. NWTS really is an emotional gem that only a real artist like Drake could produce. Most critics could not imagine what could have been released that would follow up Take Care, but Drake fired back with this instant classic.

Absolutely any hip-hop fan would enjoy this album . It is seemingly perfect, no flaws stand out in the entire record. NWTS earned its parental advisory warning with lyrics including drugs, sex and violence, all that could be expected from a Young Money rapper. This album can be purchased on iTunes or Amazon.