Surena Urban

Drake—God’s Plan—Music Video

Double Entry Log

Writer and/or director

Aubrey Drake Graham, known as Drake, wrote the lyrics.

The director of God’s Plan is Karena Evans.

Executive Producer is Director X.

Rhetorical Information

Describe background information about the writer/director.

Drake originally is from Canada. He was recognized first on a teen drama television series Degrassi: The Next Generation until he went on to pursue a career as a rapper with the release of his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement, in 2007. Drake has won three Grammy’s to date; his first was for Take Care and the other two were for Hotline Bling. Drake has been very generous in donating to portions of his earnings to meaningful causes.

Describe background information about the story or film.

            Drake, the director, and those involved in the production of God’s Plan, truly executed a beautiful idea when they gave the money that would have otherwise been used on a very expensive video to those in need. The moral of the story is to spread positivity and allow others to rejoice in your success as well. Drake described God’s Plan as “The most important thing I have ever done in my career.”

Describe the story or film’s genre.

            The genre of God’s Plan is Hip Hop/Rap. Although a negative connotation typically comes along with rap, this video tears down those inaccurate stigmas and shines a whole new light on a genre some people are typically leery of.

Describe the audience. Who is the audience for this story or film? What expectations do they have about the story/film? How do you know this?

            The audience of this video could really be anybody; it could range from Drake’s fans all the way to those who want to share a positive idea with others. Typically, from a rapper’s video people might expect more demonstrations of violence, heartache and profanity (which they might have guessed from watching other rap videos), however this video is truly eye-opening because of the kindness and happiness demonstrated/represented in it. 

Describe the social context of the story/film. When and where was it published/released? Describe any significant social events during the time.

            Drake’s God’s Plan music video was released in late January of 2018 as a sneak peek/single of his Scary Hours album. Recently we have been surrounded by such negativity: racially charged issues, school shootings, just violence in general. God’s Plan is (to me) a light amidst all this darkness. It demonstrates how generosity and love still exist in our society.

Log your close reading of the text

What do I see?	What does it mean?
Describe an interesting or thought-provoking scene. Describe exactly what’s on the page or in action in the scene. Make sure you include page numbers and/or time markers.	Discuss how this scene is connected to literary devices such as plot, setting, character, theme, and/or narrative point of view. Discuss how this scene is connected to society and culture such as race, class, gender, environment, and/or history
At the beginning, 0:02-0:05 they state the budget for the video at nearly 1 million dollars. They then state how they gave it all away and not to tell the label.	My first thought was how much money that really was and how many different ways it could be used. It connects to the theme that giving the money for the video to people in need was far more important than making yet another main stream music video. I am not sure whether the part about not telling the label was a joke, but either way it kind of connects with how big corporations/production companies are greedy in today’s society and have been throughout history.
At 0:58 Drake tells everyone in a grocery store that whatever they load their carts up with is on him and the people making the video.	The music video is set in Miami and this takes place in a local Miami grocery store. It relates to the theme of doing good deeds and paying it forward.
At 1:17 Drake gives a $50,000 scholarship to an incredibly hardworking and determined young woman.	This shows how Destiny James, scholarship recipient to University of Miami, had a similar character to Drake. They are both extraordinary individuals and her hard work was recognized by Drake (he could relate because they shared similar character traits).
At 2:37 Drake donates money to a disabled girl and her mother.	It is beautiful that Drake takes the time to treat the girl as if she is simply a girl; he does not act as if her disability defines her. It relates to the theme of how kindness is everything; more people need to understand that being different is not always a bad thing—just because someone looks different than you doesn’t mean they aren’t normal.
At 4:15 he gives $50,000 to the Lotus House of Miami—a homeless shelter for women and children of the area.	To me, this teaches the children of the shelter that there are kind men out there and that they deserve toys just as much as other kids do, if not more. The mothers who were given shopping sprees were given some faith that their lives were going to be ok and things would get better.
At 5:28 he donates $25,000 to Miami Senior High School.	This shows how important education is despite race, class, gender, etc.
At 3:38 The lyrics go: God's plan, God's plan I can't do this on my own, ay, no, ay Someone watchin' this sh*t close, yep, close	I interpreted this lyric to be the entire theme of the video; Follow God’s plan—it is great. We are successful with the help of our Lord and savior. God is love, God is good.
Other vital lyrics: I been movin' calm, don't start no trouble with me Tryna keep it peaceful is a struggle for me It's a lot of bad things That they wishin' and wishin' and wishin' and wishin' They wishin' on me	These lyrics relate to how Drake has found peace through God, and following his plan. It is a struggle for him to remain peaceful due to all the hate people throw at him.

Summarize your findings

What is the central theme of the story/film? Describe how the writer/author uses creativity to communicate this theme.

The central theme of Drake’s God’s Plan music video is how love is everything and we should love the life we were given and rejoice in it by giving and being kind to others. I absolutely adore how Drake has chosen to fight negativity with what he has found to be his truth—God, love, and generosity. By donating large sums of money and tearing down stigmas of rappers/labels Drake creatively communicates this theme. Love is everything, stop hating and find happiness in God’s Plan.

Describe at least two creative ways you could communicate this theme to your audience.

            One creative way I could communicate this theme to my audience is by writing about it—describing how God’s Plan reinstated my value that love and everything that it entails is what life is all about—and inspiring others to follow in Drake’s generous footsteps.

            Another creative way I could communicate this theme to my audience is through a remake of Drake’s video in my own style. I would compile reasons why life is great and why we should love the life we were given. This compilation would include videos of myself, things that make me love life, my family, friends, and anyone else I could get to volunteer in it. I think it would be a great way to show people the positivity and love that exists around. My intention would be to spread joy through love, considering I do not have the money to do it the way Drake did.