Normally, Drake makes headlines with his music, which has led him to become one of the most buzzed-about MCs in recent years.
But this week the Toronto rapper’s unexpectedly candid comments about Universal Motown head Sylvia Rhone have further stirred blog fodder that began with his dismissive line about the executive on a track titled “Say What’s Real,” from his breakthrough mixtape So Far Gone.
In an interview with MTV News this week, Drake apologized to Rhone, saying his comments — both in the song and in a recent interview — were “emotionally charged” and “very brazen.”
“I can definitely say for me, for furthering the negativity, I can definitely say I apologize,” Drake told MTV News. “I don’t know her personally to discredit her character. It’s not the right thing to do.”
The tension seemed to reach a high point between the parties this past week.
First, when Drake’s comments in the upcoming issue of the Fader magazine got out, he reportedly said, “I don’t f— with Motown at all.” Drake has maintained he signed a deal directly to his management company and secured distribution through Universal Republic, rather than signing with the major label directly. 
What a lot of people don’t understand … people may be like, I may be one of the best MCs — not yet,” he told us recently. “I’m 22. I got a lot of growth.”
Which brings up an interesting point: Drake hasn’t even dropped an album. Yes, he’s building up a string of stellar guest spots — like on Young Money’s “Every Girl” and Fabolous’ “Throw It in the Bag” remix — and his mixtape, So Far Gone, is a certified classic on the underground circuit, spawning radio hits “Successful” and “Best I Ever Had.” But with only 10 slots on the Hip-Hop Brain Trust’s list, should a person with no LP under his belt make the cut over somebody who has not only had singles in rotation but put product out in stores?
Even if Drake doesn’t make the Hottest MCs list, he said even being considered is “an honor.”
The debate over who is the hottest MC of 2009 is on! Cast your vote now — series begins August 17, with the top MC being revealed on the August 24 episode of “Making His Band” at 10:00 p.m. ET!
Source: MTV
Lil Wayne protege/ ‘Down’ singer won’t confirm or deny rumors.
In the past two weeks, British pop-R&B singer Jay Sean’s debut single “Down” (featuring Lil Wayne), has rocketed from #63 to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. On the iTunes Top 10 songs chart, “Down” is now nestled in between the Black Eyed Peas and Kings of Leon at #2. Yes, to say life is moving exceptionally fast for the newcomer (to most Americans, anyway) would be an understatement.
“It’s absolutely crazy,” Sean told MTV News on the phone from England Thursday. “I’ve been out there in the States for a good six or seven months, and with my song coming in at #2 on iTunes, all my best friends came up to London to be with me for a little holiday. And we were all sitting in my car and I opened up my e-mail and it said ‘Jay Sean in at #6 on Billboard.’ I just literally screamed and all my boys rolled down the windows and screamed, ‘My boy is in at #6!’ ”
In the wake of that success, rumors are now swirling that Wayne protégé/ labelmate Drake will be making a guest appearance on the second single from Sean’s forthcoming album, which is due in October.
When asked, Sean said, “I’m keeping my mouth shut. I love Drake. I think Drake’s an unbelievably gifted lyricist and young and fresh. I think it’s pretty safe to say that since he’s part of the family now, you’re gonna see all of us working together: Me, Drake, Wayne, Baby and Kevin Rudolph.”
A rep for Drake had not responded to MTV News’ request for comment at press time.
Jay Sean’s album, My Own Way, is scheduled for an October Stateside release
Source: MTV
Drake re-joined Lil Wayne’s “America’s Most Wanted” tour last night (August 4) in Canada to show fans how he has been holding up since collapsing on-stage last week.
Speaking to fans and later walking off with a cane, Drake also paid homage to the energy Lil Wayne brings out for his shows.
“Look, I wanna say one thing,” Drizzy told the crowd. “Before every show I’ve ever seen this man do, the greatest entertainer I’ll ever witness. Make some noise for Lil Wayne. Now listen up, before every show he does, he tells the crowd to make some noise for what they’ve created. My man, I just wanna shake your hand for what you do…” (YouTube)
‘I just wanted to laugh,’ Drake says of clip featuring women’s basketball team.
Some fans liked it, some fans were scratching their heads after the debut of Drake’s “Best I Ever Had” video last month. Some in the blogosphere said the clip’s buxom female basketball team did nothing but cater to the male audience without matching the theme of the song; others just thought it wasn’t all that creative. And a couple of bloggers even went so far as to suggest that director Kanye West sabotaged Drake’s production.
In fact, Drake told MTV News that West offered to shoot another video for the song, and he declined. He noted that receiving mixed reviews of his clip was a great lesson.
