On the Record: Drake – Nothing Was The Same Vinyl: Original Pressings, Bootlegs & How to Tell the Difference

Nothing Was the Same is one of the most popular hip hop vinyl releases of the 2010s—but it’s also one that quietly confuses buyers.

Unlike albums such as Graduation, this one does have official vinyl pressings. However, with:

• multiple represses
• subtle label variations
• inconsistent listings online

buyers often ask:

👉 Do I have an original pressing—or just a later reissue?

This guide breaks it down with real identifiers collectors use.

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🎤 The Story Behind the Vinyl Release

Released in 2013 by Drake, Nothing Was The Same solidified Drake’s position at the top of hip hop.

By this time, vinyl was beginning its comeback—so unlike many 2000s albums, it did receive an official vinyl release relatively early.

That means:
👉 Originals exist—but they’re not always easy to distinguish

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💰 Key Pressings & Value

2013 Original Pressing (OVO / Young Money / Cash Money)

• Format: 2LP
• Estimated Value: $80–$180 AUD

👉 The true first pressing

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Later Represses (2015–Present)

• Format: 2LP
• Estimated Value: $50–$90 AUD

👉 Most copies on the market today

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🔍 Pressing Identifiers (Collector Details)

This is where you separate originals from later copies.

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📀 2013 Original Pressing – Key Identifiers

Catalogue Number

Common listings include:

• B0019149-01

👉 This is the most widely referenced official catalogue number

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Runout / Matrix (Important)

Typical format:

• “B0019149-01 A / B / C / D”

Early pressings often:

• Have clean machine-stamped matrices
• Sometimes include additional plant identifiers

👉 Matrix consistency is key—bootlegs often lack this

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Labels

• OVO Sound / Young Money / Cash Money branding
• Clean, professional layout
• No artwork printed over labels

👉 If labels look “busy” or unofficial—it’s a red flag

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Sleeve & Packaging

• Gatefold sleeve
• High-quality print
• Two different cover artworks exist:
  • Baby version (standard)
  • Adult version (alternate artwork used in some regions)

👉 Both are official—this confuses buyers

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Vinyl Characteristics

• Standard black vinyl
• Consistent pressing weight
• Clean edges and finish

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⚠️ Original vs Repress – Key Differences

👉 Differences are subtle—this isn’t like Blonde or DOOM

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⚠️ Are There Bootlegs?

Unlike some hip hop releases:

👉 Bootlegs are not common, but they do exist

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🚫 Bootleg Red Flags

• ❌ Missing catalogue number
• ❌ Poor label print quality
• ❌ Incorrect or missing matrix
• ❌ Unusual coloured vinyl

👉 Most copies you’ll see are official—just different pressings

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🎧 Sound Quality: Original vs Repress

• Original pressing: Strong, balanced
• Represses: Very similar (often indistinguishable)

👉 This is a case where:
👉 you don’t need an original for great sound

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💡 Is Nothing Was The Same Vinyl Worth Buying?

👍 Yes, if:

• You’re a Drake fan
• You want a modern hip hop staple
• You understand pressing differences

🎯 Best option:

• Collectors: 2013 original
• Listeners: Any official repress

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🛒 Where to Buy Drake Vinyl

Because multiple pressings exist, buying from a store that clearly identifies editions is key.

You can explore Drake vinyl and other hip hop releases at Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nothing Was The Same vinyl official?

Yes—multiple official pressings exist from 2013 onwards.

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How much is it worth?

Typically $50–$180 AUD, depending on pressing and condition.

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How do I tell if mine is original?

Check:

• Catalogue number
• Matrix/runout
• Label branding

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Are reissues worth buying?

Yes—sound quality is very similar to the original.

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🏁 Final Word

Nothing Was The Same is one of the more accessible modern hip hop records—but that doesn’t mean buyers should ignore the details.

While differences between pressings are subtle, understanding them ensures you know exactly what you’re buying—and helps avoid overpaying.