Drake has a message for Toronto, Canada, and the rest of the world: “I’m goin’ hard and I ain’t stopping anytime soon.”
Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, 20, is well known for his role on Degrassi The Next Generation. But if he has it his way, he’ll soon be known as a memorable recording artist. “When I listen to my favourite artists they say something (that) you couldn’t think of a way to say,” he said. “That’s what I wanna give. I wanna be timeless.”
Drake knows first-hand about longevity. His family includes an uncle who plays bass for Prince and another uncle who wrote Al Green’s chart-topping hits. And with his father living in Memphis, Drake also had the advantage of growing up in two places. “I love Toronto and I mention it a lot, but for sure the South is a big influence on me and my music,” he said. “I do think Toronto gave me great court vision though. I’m able observe a bunch of different people here. So, in my music I just analyze and break down a person beyond the regular stereotypes.”
Now, with the hit Replacement Girl featuring Trey Songz, Drake’s court vision has helped him make history. The collabo made him the only unsigned Canadian artist ever to have his video played on BET’s 106 and Park. The success of the single also led the two to collaborate on a mixtape, which Drake hopes will drop soon. But the rapper is primarily focused on his solo career and is currently in the studio working on an album, The Search, which will include production by Nottz (Barry Bonds), Don Cannon and others. Drake says his debut will be 100 per cent him. “My life has been a great learning experience. I’m never embarrassed about anything,” he said. “Drake is just someone who has learned not to fear honesty in music and in life.”
July, 2007 |
