With the release of Thank Me Later just around the corner, Toronto rapper Drake spoke to Billboard Magazine about the pressures of meeting high expectations on his debut album.

Finding major success last year with his mixtape So Far Gone and a subsequent release of an EP by the same name, Drake explained, “I know I have a lot of growing up to do, but I guess unfortunately, people won’t judge me as if this is my first album or my first year in the game.” He continued, “This is a crucial moment for me. It actually feels like my last album, not my first. I’ll be working hard to make sure you remember it. I’ll be in your city, performing all the songs, and hopefully looking at you in your eyes and letting you know it’s real out here, man. I’m ready.”

Thank Me Later will be released June 15 on Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown.

In other news, N.E.R.D. has pushed back the release of their fourth studio album Nothing.

Previously scheduled for a July 6 release, their new album will now come out on September 7. The first single, “Hot N’ Fun” featuring Nelly Furtado is currently out. Other features on Nothing include Yelawolf, Kenna and indie producers/artists Ben & Ted.