Drake Archives - HOT 97 https://www.hot97.com/tag/drake/ #1 for Hip Hop Wed, 28 May 2025 19:07:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.hot97.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/cropped-hot97-site-icon.png?w=32 Drake Archives - HOT 97 https://www.hot97.com/tag/drake/ 32 32 231384650 Drake Becomes First Artist With 10 Diamond Singles https://www.hot97.com/news/drake-becomes-first-artist-with-10-diamond-singles/ https://www.hot97.com/news/drake-becomes-first-artist-with-10-diamond-singles/#respond Wed, 28 May 2025 18:42:12 +0000 https://www.hot97.com/?p=152863 Drake just hit another milestone and this one puts him in a league of his own. On Wednesday, May 28th, the RIAA officially confirmed that the Toronto superstar has earned his 10th Diamond certification, more than any other artist in history.

“Drake has the most RIAA Diamond Certifications of any artist, ever,” the organization shared on social media, alongside a graphic displaying all 10 of his Diamond plaques. Two of his fan favorites, “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and his breakout hit “Best I Ever Had,” are the latest tracks to reach Diamond status, meaning they’ve sold over 10 million units each in the U.S.

Drake’s elite Diamond collection also includes “God’s Plan,” “Hotline Bling,” “One Dance,” “Life Is Good” with Future, “No Guidance” with Chris Brown, “Love Me” with Lil Wayne, and Travis Scott’s “SICKO MODE.” And he’s not done yet. “Nice for What,” from his 2018 album Scorpion, is already 9x Platinum and inching closer to Diamond.

This puts Drizzy ahead of country legend Garth Brooks and Post Malone, who each hold nine Diamond certifications. Drake is the first artist to reach double digits across both singles and albums.

Fans celebrated the achievement in the comments. One wrote, “You just simply can’t say anything bad about this lol. N—s staring greatness in the face.” Another added, “Looks like the 20v1 didn’t work out!”—a nod to Drake’s recent rap battles.

Beyond certifications, Drake continues to stay active in music. He dropped his collab project $ome $exy $ongs 4 U with PARTYNEXTDOOR in February and is gearing up to headline all three nights of Wireless Festival this July in London. He’s also teasing the return of OVO Fest in Toronto.

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Kai Cenat Not Feeling Eminem’s AMA Win Over Kendrick Lamar & Drake https://www.hot97.com/news/kai-cenat-not-feeling-eminems-ama-win-over-kendrick-lamar-drake/ https://www.hot97.com/news/kai-cenat-not-feeling-eminems-ama-win-over-kendrick-lamar-drake/#respond Wed, 28 May 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://www.hot97.com/?p=152826 Kai Cenat didn’t hide his frustration when Eminem won Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist at the 2025 American Music Awards.

Livestreaming from the front row of the event at Las Vegas’ BleuLive Theater, the streaming star reacted with visible disbelief as the Detroit rapper’s name was announced.

The category featured some of today’s most celebrated artists—Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, and Future. Cenat, known for championing current talent, was clearly pulling for one of them. When Eminem took the trophy, Cenat voiced what many younger fans may have been thinking.

“Let’s be real, I f*** with Slim Shady,” he told viewers. “He’s tough. But come on. Let’s be real.” His reaction wasn’t about disrespect. It reflected a generational tension in rap: legacy versus relevance.

Eminem’s win came just weeks after Billboard ranked him the fifth greatest rapper of all time. He placed above The Notorious B.I.G., Lil Wayne, André 3000, Snoop Dogg, and even Drake. Only Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, and Tupac outranked him. Billboard praised Eminem’s relentless battle-born style and lyrical agility, noting how he “wielded the mic like a weapon.”

His stats back it up. Eminem holds 15 Grammy Awards, 10 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, and three Diamond-certified singles: “Lose Yourself,” “Not Afraid,” and “Love the Way You Lie.” His technical ability remains unmatched—he rapped 225 words in 30 seconds on “Godzilla,” earning a Guinness World Record.

Mentored by Dr. Dre, Eminem turned his outsider status into superstardom. His blend of humor, violence, and emotional vulnerability helped redefine hip-hop’s boundaries. But his AMAs win stirred debate. Cenat’s reaction captured a growing sentiment: Is the culture honoring what hip-hop was—or what it is becoming?

As Eminem continues collecting accolades, younger artists and fans are pushing for broader recognition of current innovators. Kai Cenat’s moment on stream wasn’t just a gripe—it was a call to reflect on who the spotlight serves, and why.

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Kai Cenat Explains Why He Turned Down Netflix, Amazon Prime + More For ‘Streamer University’ https://www.hot97.com/news/kai-cenat-explains-why-he-turned-down-netflix-amazon-prime-more-for-streamer-university/ https://www.hot97.com/news/kai-cenat-explains-why-he-turned-down-netflix-amazon-prime-more-for-streamer-university/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.hot97.com/?p=152776 Kai Cenat explains why declined offers from major streaming platforms—including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Tubi—to bring his “Streamer University” project to their services. 

He says he wanted to maintain full creative control and preserve the authenticity of the experience. Cenat emphasized that he wanted the program to remain grounded, spontaneous, and true to its roots, rather than becoming a polished reality TV show under corporate oversight.

“Streamer University,” held from May 22 to 25, 2025, at the University of Akron, was an all-expenses-paid bootcamp aimed at mentoring aspiring content creators. The event featured 120 in-person participants and thousands of virtual attendees, with sessions led by notable creators like DDG, Duke Dennis, and cookingwithkya.

Cenat’s decision sparked mixed reactions online. Some critics argued that he missed out on significant financial opportunities, suggesting he “lost millions” by turning down the deals. Others praised his commitment to creative independence and the empowerment of individual creators.

The event concluded with a surprise pre-recorded message from Drake, who commended Cenat’s vision and the unique nature of “Streamer University.” 

“To be able to organize this incredible academia event and gather you all together in one place is something that has never been done before,” Drake said. “It’s an extraordinary feat, and I want you all to show the most love that you possibly can for your Dean, the one and only Kai Cenat.” He continued by calling streaming a legitimate profession. He referred to it as the “ideal” profession, adding that viewers at home are witnessing the next shift in media.

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Drake Quietly Circles Soulja Boy vs. DDG Fight https://www.hot97.com/news/drake-quietly-circles-soulja-boy-vs-ddg-fight/ https://www.hot97.com/news/drake-quietly-circles-soulja-boy-vs-ddg-fight/#respond Fri, 23 May 2025 15:47:17 +0000 https://www.hot97.com/?p=152627 Drake may not be lacing up gloves, but his name is already floating around the ring.

The rapper is rumored to be backing a potential boxing match between Soulja Boy and DDG—a clash that stems from a volatile dispute involving allegations about DDG’s relationship with actress and singer Halle Bailey. Tensions came to a head during a livestream hosted by Adin Ross, where both rappers traded verbal jabs. Ross dropped the idea that Drake might bankroll the fight. “Honestly, knowing Drake, he might just pay to see this happen,” Ross speculated. “I won’t put him on blast by calling him out on stream, but I truly believe he might be interested.”

Drake has yet to publicly address the rumors. The animosity intensified after Soulja Boy accused DDG of being physically abusive toward Bailey. “You claim to be a fighter, right? Let’s settle this in the ring,” Soulja Boy said. “You think you can just put your hands on the Little Mermaid? Not on my watch.”

DDG questions Soulja Boy’s credibility as whispers of Drake’s involvement loom

DDG fired back, brushing off the accusations and implying his opponent’s mental state was compromised. “Soulja Boy is just ranting. He needs help,” DDG said. “You can’t fight, so stop pretending you want to challenge me. You were supposed to fight Chris Brown years ago, and that never happened.”

Neither artist is new to the celebrity boxing circuit. DDG defeated TikTok star Nate Wyatt in 2021 and had previously been linked to matches against PnB Rock and Toosii—neither of which ever came to pass. The bout, if finalized, would join a wave of rap-adjacent fight cards that have included Blueface, Benzino, and KSI. What sets this one apart is the possibility of a heavyweight outside the ring—Drake—pulling strings behind the scenes.

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Drake Claps Back At Gambling Critics https://www.hot97.com/news/drake-claps-back-at-gambling-critics/ https://www.hot97.com/news/drake-claps-back-at-gambling-critics/#respond Wed, 21 May 2025 18:06:08 +0000 https://www.hot97.com/?p=152487 Drake has no plans to quit gambling, no matter what anyone says, including Kendrick Lamar. Even though Kendrick took shots at his habits in “meet the grahams,” calling out his “gamblin’ problems” and more, Drake is clearly unbothered. He’s sticking with it and even making jokes about it online.

A big reason for his confidence is the money behind it. Drake has a major deal with Stake, the leading crypto sports betting platform. Reports say the partnership is worth around $100 million a year, although DJ Akademiks later suggested it could be closer to $180 million. So whether he wins or loses, the business side is still working in his favor.

Recently, Drake addressed the criticism head-on in a video posted to his Instagram. In it, he pokes fun at the idea that he’s obsessed with gambling. “People keep saying enough with the Stake posts… What are you? Some sort of gambling addict? Am I a gambling addict?” he asks the camera. As the video rolls, Drake provides a voiceover during a series of clips: “Yeah, I’m addicted to being signed to the biggest gambling company in the world, literally stacking free rackades, watching my fcking right hand man skrt off in a Ferrari F12. You’re right. I’m absolutely addicted to blessing my family and friends, pulling up with a Steph Curry pack, a 30 clip to a bus station and giving it somebody who’s probably been working a fcking 80-hour work week.”

He wraps the video by saying, “Shout-out to all the healthcare workers and single moms. Yeah, I’m f***ing addicted for sure. I’m addicted running it up until I’m the f***ing president of Canada. We don’t even have a president, so you do the math on that one you testa di cazzo.”

Offset, Gordo, Big Sean, and others dropped laughing and fire emojis in the comments.

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Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Breaks More Billboard Records https://www.hot97.com/news/kendrick-lamars-not-like-us-breaks-more-billboard-records/ https://www.hot97.com/news/kendrick-lamars-not-like-us-breaks-more-billboard-records/#respond Wed, 21 May 2025 01:49:47 +0000 https://www.hot97.com/?p=152455 Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is one of the greatest diss tracks of all time. The scathing song aimed at Drake has become a global phenomenon as it has received airplay at clubs and sporting events.

Although it was released in May 2024, “Not Like Us” is still setting new records. The song’s latest accolade is that it broke the record for being the longest rap song to chart on the Billboard 100, according to the NFR Podcast.

Produced by Mustard, “Not Like Us” has spent several weeks at the number one spot, and it spent almost a full year in the Top 10. Currently, “Not Like Us” is in the  23 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

Additionally, “Not Like Us” the longest-running number one hit on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, surpassing Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road”. 

Previously, “Not Like Us” won five Grammy Awards at the 2025 ceremony, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The song also won Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video. This marks a significant win for hip-hop, as only one other rap song

If that’s not impressive enough,  Lamar broke his own record (again) for the highest-grossing show ever by a rapper, raking in $ 14.81 M. In total, 60, 941 total tickets were sold at the show featuring SZA  at Lumen Field in Seattle.

In their review of the show, the Seattle Times described the performance as a “grand-scale presentation of vintage hip-hop storytelling from the Pulitzer Prize winner before a spellbound crowd the size of Bothell.”

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Kai Cenat To Direct Drake & PartyNextDoor Music Video https://www.hot97.com/news/kai-cenat-to-direct-drake-partynextdoor-music-video/ https://www.hot97.com/news/kai-cenat-to-direct-drake-partynextdoor-music-video/#respond Mon, 19 May 2025 14:09:27 +0000 https://www.hot97.com/?p=152315 Kai Cenat is stepping into the director’s chair for one of the year’s most talked-about collaborations.

During a recent livestream, the wildly popular content creator announced he’ll helm the official music video for Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “Somebody Loves Me.” The revelation signals a bold turn in Cenat’s career, shifting him from viral sensation to visual storyteller, now shaping the aesthetic of two of Canada’s most influential artists.

Kai Cenat’s directorial debut isn’t just a behind-the-camera moment—it’s a full-circle cultural pivot. Known for his frenetic energy, comedic timing, and connection with Gen Z audiences, the streamer has often blurred the line between digital content and cultural commentary. Taking the reins on a Drake video only cements his influence, proving that internet-born creatives are now commanding space in music’s most elite circles.

But Cenat isn’t approaching the project alone. He’s inviting his fanbase—millions deep and deeply engaged—to contribute to the creative process. Viewers are encouraged to submit short video clips or original concepts for possible inclusion in the final visual. Whether it’s footage that captures the mood of longing or ideas that play with the theme of unspoken love, Cenat wants the video to reflect the spontaneity and spirit of the community that helped shape his rise.

Submissions are currently being accepted at SSS4U@Drakerelated.com. The deadline to send in concepts or clips is May 24, 2025. Cenat emphasized that there are no technical requirements for the content—just creativity and authenticity. From fan-made footage to inspired storytelling, the project opens a rare lane between audience and artist, blurring traditional production boundaries.

“Somebody Loves Me” has already generated significant buzz, as it reunites Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR—two artists whose past collaborations have shaped the sound of modern R&B. Their newest track leans into melancholy melodies and late-night vulnerability, offering fertile ground for Cenat’s visually rich, emotionally grounded approach.

While no official release date for the music video has been announced, the anticipation is building. With Cenat directing and fans actively involved, the clip is poised to become more than a standard visual. It’s a moment—an evolving snapshot of music, internet culture, and storytelling converging in real time.

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Drake Tells Tory Lanez ‘Come Home Soon’; Shares Petition For His Release https://www.hot97.com/news/drake-tells-tory-lanez-come-home-soon-shares-petition-for-his-release/ https://www.hot97.com/news/drake-tells-tory-lanez-come-home-soon-shares-petition-for-his-release/#respond Sat, 17 May 2025 01:01:28 +0000 https://www.hot97.com/?p=152255 Drake calls for Tory Lanez’ freedom as he tells him to “come home soon.”

The Started From the Bottom rapper wrote “@torylanez come home soon” on his Instagram Story Friday (May 16). He also shared a Change.org petition urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to pardon Lanez.

The Canadian rapper is currently serving 10 years behind bars after he was found guilty on three felony counts in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case. 

He was charged with assault with a semiautomatic handgun, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

As perviously reported, Lanez also shared the aforementioned petition via his own Instagram after his legal team presented new evidence suggesting he was not the one who shot Megan Thee Stallion.

Gianno Caldwell, who has been advocating for Lanez’s released, stated, “Mr. Peterson was never given a fair trial, free from bias.”

During a press conference held on May 14, United the People, a non-profit focused on social justice, highlighted evidence shows Megan’s former best friend, Kelsey Harris, as the person who fired the shots. Attorney Walter Roberts argued, “Mr. Peterson never shot anybody. Never even touched the gun.”

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Drake Shows Love To DDG Amid Low Sales https://www.hot97.com/news/drake-shows-love-to-ddg-amid-low-sales/ https://www.hot97.com/news/drake-shows-love-to-ddg-amid-low-sales/#respond Tue, 13 May 2025 18:09:43 +0000 https://www.hot97.com/?p=151995 DDG is living out a dream moment after receiving praise from one of his biggest influences, Drake. The Michigan rapper and content creator just released his latest album Blame the Chat, and despite its low sales, he admitted it only moved 1,203 units in its first week, he’s stayed optimistic. On X, he posted messages like “It’s all about the growth fr” and “let’s focus on week 2🫡,” showing he’s focused on the long game, not just the first-week stats.

Drake, known for giving props to artists on all levels, didn’t hesitate to support him. During a livestream with Adin Ross, DDG joined the chat, and the timing lined up for a surprise FaceTime with Drake. Their conversation was positive and lighthearted. “Congrats on your album!” Drake told him. DDG responded with a simple, “Appreciate it brother.”

Things got even more entertaining when Drake teased Adin Ross for not checking out the album, even though he’s often around DDG on stream. DDG jokingly asked Drake if all his friends listen to his music. Drake answered, “yeah,” leaving Adin to laugh awkwardly and try to defend himself.

The two rappers also mentioned their previous basketball matchup, agreeing they needed to run it back. DDG once shared that he got beat badly by Drake at The Embassy, the rapper’s private court.

Toward the end of the call, Drake dropped a subtle update on his next solo project. He said he’s currently in the “countryside” working on the album, which fans believe will be called Iceman. Drake had first mentioned it on his Anita Max Wynn tour, promising that when the time is right, he’ll return with “a one-on-one conversation” fans “need to hear.” The album remains a mystery, but anticipation is clearly building.

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Fat Joe Says No Other California Artist Has Dominated Like Kendrick Lamar https://www.hot97.com/news/fat-joe-says-no-other-california-artist-has-dominated-like-kendrick-lamar/ https://www.hot97.com/news/fat-joe-says-no-other-california-artist-has-dominated-like-kendrick-lamar/#respond Fri, 09 May 2025 01:46:46 +0000 https://www.hot97.com/?p=151787 Fat Joe believes that no other West Coast rapper dominated the game like Kendrick Lamar has over the past year.

On the premiere episode of Joe and Jada, his new podcast series that he co-hosts with fellow rap legend Jadakiss, Joe shared his thoughts on Kendrick’s unprecedented run of success.

Jada started the conversation by stating he was amazed that it’s been a year since Kendrick took on Drake.

 “One year since the Kendrick and Drake discrepancy. What they like to call it ‘beef’ in the media world,” Jada replied. “Thank God nothing really happened to anybody, physically. Personally, I thought it was about four or five months ago. I can’t believe it’s already been a year.”

“How is it a year?” Joe said. “But what I can tell you is, boy, that Kendrick Lamar gets some spins on LA radio…”

Jadakiss noted that every L.A. artist gets spins on the local radio, but Joe argued that Kendrick’s run was the greatest that he’s ever seen.

“I was there last week. I’ve never seen nothing like that: Every single song, ‘Turn his TV off…’ What?” he continued. “It’s a fact. Kendrick Lamar gets played nine out of every 10 songs in L.A. right now. Not even Snoop Dogg, not even Tupac Shakur — nobody from L.A. has dominated the paint like this guy… If you’re from L.A., you probably think there’s only one guy on Earth, Kendrick Lamar. I’m just keeping it a buck with you,” Joe said.

While Jadakiss acknowledged that K-Dot and “a helluva career,” he said that today’s rap beefs were “getting out of hand.”

“It’s always good as long as it stays on wax,” Jada said. “Now, when it first started, somebody say something about you, you gotta go to the studio, you gotta immediately work on getting one back at there… Now, as the technology evolved, it turns into movie skits, animations, retrieving fake information… It got a little wacky for me. I like it to be beats and rhymes, and keep it like that. Once it got out of my pay grade, it’s a little bit of disinterest to me… I just wanna see rhymes and song and hip-hop shit.”

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