When Drake drops something new, everyone pays attention. Including the sports world, because, well, he raps about it often. It's become an intergal part of his lyrics and life in general. We've all seen him courtside at Raptors game and rocking jerseys at every turn. So much so that there's jokes about him actually cursing guys when he rocks their gear.
âDamn, I swear sports and music are so synonymous/Cause we want to be them, and they want to be us.â
Those lyrics come from âThank Me Now,â the final track on Drakeâs 2010 debut album, Thank Me Later, and theyâve set the tone for the Champagne Papiâs relationship with sports since we first heard them. From the moment heâs entered the public eye, Drake has embraced the Venn diagram that exists between music and sports by doing everything he can to be a part of both, so much so that his fandom has become a meme.
Drake finagles his way into sports whenever the opportunity has presents itself. He began a close relationship with the University of Kentucky, most famously taking the opportunity to airball a three-pointer during the Wildcatâs Big Blue Madness season-opening event in 2014 and eventually getting the university an NCAA violation.Â
In addition to literally inserting himself into any and all sports happenings he finds himself around, Drake has taken an only slightly less invasive approach when slipping sports references into his lyrics. At the drop of a hat, heâll mention his weekends at Steph Curryâs house or his friendship with Beckham Jr., and even pay homage to some of Canadaâs greats. Though his affinity for sports can get annoying, youâve gotta hand it to Drizzy: heâs a dedicated fan who shows love to the players who make each game so great.
With his new project, Dark Lane Demo Tapes out now, here are Drakeâs best sports rap references.