By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
Young Money star Drake is without a doubt one of the most successful rappers of the moment. Unfortunately for Drake, a lot of people assume he didn’t have to work hard for his success, especially since he grew up in an environment that isn’t typical for most rappers. Drake even started off as an actor, and appeared regularly on the hit show Degrassi as “Wheelchair Jimmy.” These are some of the things that loom over Drake’s image, and it’s not always easy for the rapper to separate himself from the character he portrayed on the small screen.
Drake doesn’t usually address the criticism or the allegations that suggest he hasn’t had to work as hard as everyone else, but it’s become increasingly harder for him to ignore his critics when his new song “Started From the Bottom” sounds like an anthem for those who worked extremely hard for their success.
Drake chats it up with MTV News and finally addresses the skeptics who feel the Young Money rapper didn’t have to work as hard as everyone else to have the kind of success he has today in the music industry.
When explaining the premise of the new song, he says:
“The gist of it was kinda the back story of my life. I don’t really speak on it that much, which kinda allows people the opportunity to make up what they want about me. I just wanted to make it known that I did work really hard to get here and it wasn’t just a fluke and it wasn’t easy by any means.
“All the people in the video from my family to my friends, everybody worked really hard and we’re just happy to be here. That was kinda the message behind it. Obviously everything I do is for Toronto, that’s why the video looks the way it does.”
Check out the interview below:
I actually like Drake. And it’s cool to see that you don’t have to be from the projects to be a successful rapper nowadays. He shouldn’t worry about the people who have problem with that because that says more about them than it does about him.
I agree. I don’t think being from the projects makes someone more “real” or rapper material. Look at Lil Wayne. He’s from the projects and he’s far from real and he sucks as an emcee.
#Cosign. And this song stays on repeat in my car. I feel so hood when it’s on. LOL.
Cutie pie. lol
I like that he’s not hood. It works for him. He should be able to be who he is. Not everyone needs to have the same story.
Can’t stand his new song. It’s probably the first Drake song/single that has to grow on me.
I don’t care where this man is from. He’s fine as hell, and he’s not talking about killing people and selling drugs. It’s refreshing and #hecangetit. LOL.
Yall think Drake is attractive? Weird. I just don’t see it. I like him though.
Girl yes. When Drake is clean cut he is fione. Google his GQ spread and see how sexy that man can be. lol
That GQ spread tho….*fans herself frantically*
Girl stop hatin lol
I wish he would get away from Young Money/CMB. He’s too good for those hoodrats. I really hope they don’t bring him down with them.
He ain’t leaving those hoodlums. They probably got him in some never ending contract…like they do everyone they sign. He should have never hooked up with them. Nicki either.
Well Young Money needs him and Nicki. Wayne is finished. He’s been done for a while. His verses aren’t even good anymore. They won’t let Nicki and Drake go without a fight I’m sure.
I think Drake would have had the same success he has now no matter what his background was. He’s got the talent and women love him. He just signed with the wrong label. After they stabbed Mannie Fresh in the back, it should have been a clear sign not to sign with them to everyone.
Ayeeee started from the bottom now we here!
Love me some Drizzy.
Cornball.
*sighs deeply* I love this man..
I like Drake. I’m glad he raps about positive and inspiring things instead of violence & drugs. And people always tease him cause he’s from Canada, but they hood out there too so I wouldn’t sleep on Drake & his hood capabilities!
I Like drizzy lots but its not cool dissin weezy either. Weezy put him rite there..