Fader’s September Issue Gets Successful With Drake
The audience transcending Fader magazine recently dropped its September issue featuring none other than the man in today's rap spotlight "Drizzy Drake". In the cover story writer Edwin "Stats" Houghton breaks down Mr. Graham's career from the moment Lil Wayne spit Drake quotables at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. That one verse which Weezy borrowed from his Memphis born protege, ushered in a new name into the ears of the masses.
The Bi-racial MC's bio, as described in the article, vastly differs from that of his Cash Money mentor. With a drummer for a father and uncles that have co-written for the likes of Al Green, there's no doubt as to where his musical roots come from. "Stats" points out that unlike Wayne, Drizzy's emotions often come in the form of some captivating crooning. At 22, the Young Money frontman has gone from Degrassi fame to being compared to Wayne, Kanye and Jay-Z, showing different elements of each in his own art. He even boasts a bit of Slim Shady in the fact that he's quick to point out his flaws on wax before anyone else.
Coming from a very ethnically diverse city with minimal poverty such as Toronto, some may question what struggles does the young artist bring to the table. By Drake's demeanor during the course of the Fader piece it can be seen that he doesn't try to hide who he is, be it upbringing, family, or personality. The fact is all the bits and pieces that make the man and his music have only brought him more attention. He's relateable to many rap fans out there. This is a big part of why he has the largest buzz HipHop's seen since 50. A bidding war and $1 million plus contract to Aspire (with distribution via Universal Republic) is proof enough. (Note: Drake reps Young Money out of the love and gratitude he has for his mentor, but has no contractual obligation to the label).
The multi-talented entertainer and his October's Very Own entourage have worked tirelessly to get to this point. Drake already seems to have his game plan in mind, stating that he wants to establish something Kanye, Pharrell and other producers can envision instead of relying on them for creative direction. The rapper has the ethic of doing things his own way and setting himself apart from the pack of the genre's new comer's. With a drive like that he's bound to go from "So Far Gone" to so far ahead of the competition.
Middz Note: "Stats" interview with Drake takes place over the course of the July 4th weekend. The article states that Drake's debut album is slated to be available at the end of the year, with appearances to include Rihanna and Pharrell among others. However it's no surprise that just like every other album you can't wait for it's been pushed back. The new target drop date is set for feb. 2010. For now Drake has released his "So Far Gone" EP, a collection of 6 tracks from the mixtape of the same name, plus a new unreleased track called "Fear" produced by DJ Khalil. You can also hear him on the new Birdman single "Money to Blow" alongside Lil' Wayne.
Photo (Above): Props to Johnathan Mannion for some truly dope photos of Hip-Hop's next big phenomenon. On the style tip the featured artist don's a Hermes blanket for the piece's opening visual.
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