Thisis50: We’ve been following you since your early mixtape days- How has Drake evolved as an artist from the release of “So Far Gone,” to this point in your career now?
Drake: Well obviously I understand a lot more about the business. But also just the purpose with which I create music, there’s different elements to create for now…like for example I’m thinking about performing a record when I’m making it, I’m thinking about hearing it back on the radio a bunch of times when I’m making it and like what it takes to catch the attention of a listener on the radio. It’s just different. Now with the success and now that the world has heard my voice and wants to hear more of it, I create music now with a bit more of a purpose and not to say its any less organic than it used to be, I just think a little more with my creative process.
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Thisis50: Coming From Toronto- Did you ever think you would have the mainstream success that you have now?
Drake: I know I prayed for it, I hoped for it…It was a bit far-fetched at the time. The only people that we had prior to that was like Maestro, Kardinall…we had people, but never that reached the levels that I saw for myself in my head. It was like one of those things where I was like I don’t know if they’ll let someone from Toronto into the game like that, but nevertheless it happened and I’m happy it did.
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Thisis50: What was the one turning point or moment in your career when you realized “Wow…I’m a Superstar?”
Drake: I think it was gradual. I don’t think it was like one specific day or anything. I think it was just like, the more I noticed man I’m taking car services everywhere, and damn i got a security guard, OK now I got 2 security guards, I got my own tour bus, I’m not opening up anymore, I’m headlining on this tour, and it kept growing and growing, and its still growing right now. Everyday seems like something new to me, all i do is take it a day at a time and try to deal with every situation individually as best as I can , and just grow through every situation that they put me in.
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Thisis50: How big of a role has Lil Wayne played in your career?
Drake: Lil Wayne is the reason I’m here. He gave me the opportunity and the platform and let me join the team. Lil Wayne is definitely the key to my success at this point.
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Thisis50: Lil Wayne is being released from jail on November 4th- What are you most looking forward to upon his release?
Drake: I’m looking forward to the fact that..I just want to see him on the outside free to do whatever he wants. When someone you love and respect has been put in a situation like that, you just want to see them happy. And aside from that the thing im most looking forward to when he gets out is getting back in the studio and making music.
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Thisis50: You’ve worked with some of the biggest names to ever step into the hip-hop game such as Jay-Z, Eminem, Kanye West…Is there any artist out there that you haven’t worked with that you would love to do something with?
Drake: Yeah I would really love to work with Beyonce…that’s something I’m looking forward to. I hope that happens soon. I would love to work with MGMT, I haven’t worked with them yet. I would love to do some work with them. And I can’t forget Andre 3000.
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Thisis50: What’s something about Drake that your fans would be surprised to know or wouldn’t necessarily expect from you?
Drake: I DJ. That’s my new hobby. I’ve been djing. We’re on tour right now, so we’ll throw little private after parties and I’ll dj the party. The other night I didn’t dj that well but I’ve had some good nights.
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Thisis50: What’s one thing in the music industry that you can do without?
Drake: I mean, it’s all encompassing, thats the problem.Like I could tell you I could do without the hating and without the jealousy, but sometimes people hating on you and people being jealous of you makes for great music. But I can do without the women with motives.
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Thisis50: There’s been a bunch of big name crews to come up in the game such as The Firm, Wu-Tang, Roc a Fella, Bad Boy, G-Unit. How would you compare Young Money’s rise to fame to those prior?
Drake: I think that’s yet to be seen. I think Young Money’s doing great right now. But I think the key with the names you just mentioned is longevity. I think the cool thing about Young Money is that we’re not really a group. We all thrive individually. And I think that’s gonna have an effect on how long we last and I think we’ll be able to last longer because we all do separate things individually. Its not like anyone has to conform to what someone else does because we’re in a group. So I think being individuals, but being on a team plays to our benefit.
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Thisis50: Let’s get into your deal with Kodak. How did that come about and what does it mean to you to be “So Kodak?”
Drake: Kodak is launching their new easy share digital camera. They wanted some young faces to represent the brand, and I happen to be one of them along with Trey Songz, along with Pitbull, and the lovely Rihanna. To be “So Kodak” is about having moments that are worth remembering and worth sharing and right now that’s what our lives are comprised of.
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Thisis50: What’s next for Drake? What can we expect in the months to come?
Drake: I got a mixtape called “It’s Never Enough.” It’s really just for the people. Its for the people to get em through those cold winter months, get em through the holidays and then you can expect an album from me. You can expect the single sometime early mid next year. I’m very excited about it. I got a working title and I got a sound that I’m very excited about.
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Thisis50: Do you have any movies coming up that we can expect to see you in?
Drake: Yea I’m reading for some movies now…like screen testing and auditioning so hopefully I find the right role for me and you’ll see them.
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Thisis50: Any final words, or anything you want the fans to know about Drake?
Drake: Just shout out to everybody for showing love and enjoying life. I appreciate it and I just hope you keep listening because I’m still growing, and I still got more to give. So shout to all my fans, and everybody, Thisis50.com, I appreciate it. Shoutout to 50 too..for real. Tags: &, [speaks, career, dj, drake, exclusive, fame, h
