Drake's "Thank Me Later" is, as of July, is the best album out; regardless of genre. Other artists have made good records and even several songs but no one has released an album like "Thank me Later" that can be listened to from start to finish without skipping over some tracks because its not the type of thing you like. All of the songs all the album have different aesthetics that appeal to mainstream music lovers.  This is unparralled by any rapper in recent history. 

His verses are brutally honest and true and his music has remained the same from back when he was a child actor in Canada.  Its clear that Drake is the "Next Big Thing" in hip hop, rap, and music in general