The third mixtape in Drake’s discography, “So Far Gone,” was released on Feb. 13, 2009. Fast forward to 10 years later, Drake released the mixtape on all public streaming services for the first time on Feb. 15. On this momentous occasion, let us look back and reflect on “So Far Gone” – the project that truly ignited the career of the rapper we love.

Prior to its rerelease, “So Far Gone” produced two singles – “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful” featuring Trey Songz and Lil Wayne. The two hit singles, now considered to be classics in Drake’s career, received a great amount of attention by making it onto the Billboard Hot 100. The young artist became known for his talent by creating a singsong rap style that influenced future generations of artists in the music industry.

The project includes features from artists such as Lil Wayne, Lykke Li, Trey Songz, Bun B, Lloyd, Santigold and Omarion. “So Far Gone” also features an exceptional list of producers including Just Blaze, Noah “40” Shebib and DJ Screw.

The production value on “So Far Gone” is what makes it so memorable. The project feels refreshing with a collaboration between old and new sounds. Drake shows his musical inspirations with a long range of classic samples used on the project.

Kanye West is one of the many credited samples on “So Far Gone” with the use of his track, “Say You Will” on Drake’s “Say What’s Real.” The track includes Drake’s feelings about his quick rise to fame and the negativity that follows.

While there are a few hit tracks on “So Far Gone,” there are also a few misses, as Drake was still coming into his own when this album was first released. The newer fans that have never heard “So Far Gone” until this rerelease should not come in expecting the “Take Care” era sound that’s so heavily praised. However, Drake still gave an outstanding effort as a newcomer to the mainstream crowd.

The highlights on “So Far Gone” can be heard on the R&B tracks “Bria’s Interlude” featuring Omarion as well as “Brand New,” “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful” featuring Trey Songz and Lil Wayne. Drake shows off his ability to lay down a few hot bars as well with tracks like “Uptown,” “Congratulations” and “Ignant S**t.” Drake gives the best of both R&B and rap, intertwining the two genres to create a sound that hugely impacted the rap game.

Overall, “So Far Gone” was a great start to the Toronto rapper’s career. There are a few weak points on this record, but Drake comes through by carrying each song with his untamed flow of bars.

The project is still relevant today, and if anything is to be said about “So Far Gone,” it still holds up 10 years later.