Drake is looking forward to the new year. His approach is only marginally different from that of the average person.
The Canadian rapper returned to the stage for the first time in years on Saturday night, making his debut at the Apollo Theater – and thanking everyone who helped him get there.
Drake’s performance was a victory lap in which he blasted hits while hinting at a summer tour and the possibility of new music.
He designed the show to include vignettes that depict his early days acting in “Degrassi” and writing rhymes in his bedroom, his rise in the face of record label rejection, and his influences and collaborators, many of whom he brought to the historic Harlem venue.
“I wanted to make this a show about thanksgiving. This was a short story that we put together to express my deep love for my family, dear friends, and all of you who have been there for me for a long time “He stated. “We don’t need to say how long because it will make us all sound old.”
Justin and Hailey Bieber, A$AP Ferg, Kevin Durant, Ice Spice, Odell Beckham Jr., Richie Akiva, Michael Rubin, Will Makris, as well as his mother Sandi and producer Noah “40” Shebib, were among those in attendance. Dipset and 21 Savage made appearances to cap off the first night of a two-night concert for Sirius XM’s Sound 42, which featured the rapper’s biggest and newest songs.
“I just wanted to say how grateful we are to be in this position,” Drake said. “I’ve done a lot of reflecting over the last few years, realising what a lightning strike this run has been. And it has something to do with me, but it has everything to do with us because I feel like we’ve been relating to each other for a long time.”
The three-level venue, which has hosted Black legends ranging from James Brown and Billie Holiday to Stevie Wonder and Patti LaBelle, provided a stark contrast to Drake’s arena shows, channelling an intimate moment for the 36-year-first old’s concert since becoming a father.
Drake performed “Marvin’s Room,” “Best I Ever Had,” “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” “One Dance,” “God’s Plan,” and other songs from his career.
In addition, he hinted at new projects in 2023.
“I’ve thought about a lot of things in life, but right now, none of those things are stopping me from making music for you, so I’ll be here for you for a little while,” Drake said. “I hope I can stir up some more emotions for you – who knows, maybe this year I’ll get bored and make another one?”
He also changed the lyrics to “Started From the Bottom” in a playful way, rapping, “This summer, man, I’m back on the road, $100 million for some shows.”
With their enviable New York swagger, the Dipset crew – Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, Cam’ron, and Freekey Zekey – sauntered out of a replica Harlem bodega.
Drake revealed his outfit change from a Jimmy Brooks “Degrassi” jersey to a pink fur jacket and matching headband was not just paying homage to Cam’ron’s iconic look – it was the same pink mink Cam’ron famously wore.
To commemorate the evening, the Dipset crew presented Drake with a custom diamond-encrusted bracelet before exiting the stage.
21 Savage joins Drake on stage for ‘Jimmy Cooks,’ ‘Rich Flex,’ and other live performances.
21 can do something for Drake, as he appears to perform alongside him during the concert’s final segment.
The cameo barely scratched the surface of the duo’s biggest hits, which have spanned years and recently culminated in their joint album, “Her Loss,” due out in 2022. The audience erupted in response to “Rich Flex,” “Jimmy Cooks,” “Privileged Rappers,” “Spin Bout U,” and “Knife Talk.”
Drake admitted to being behind on his new material, joking, “I don’t know how to perform this yet, but I know the hook” (which is really all that matters).
21 Savage thanked his collaborator for his presence.
“Since the first day I met this (man) in 2015, I’ve heard from him at least once a week,” 21 Savage said of Drake. “I’m checking on you, seeing how you doing, bro,” he said, “and he helped me every step of my career behind the scenes.”
Drake and 21 Savage release ‘Her Loss,’ and here’s everything you need to know about it, including that Megan Thee Stallion lyric.
“I love and appreciate you so much,” Drake said. “I know it’s cliche, but I would be nothing, face down in the mud, if it weren’t for each and every one of you, so thank you. It’s been many years, a very long time. Thank you very much; I adore you. My name is Drake, and I’m originally from Toronto. I’m not sure how the (expletive) I got here, but we did, so thank you.”
