On August 2, 2024, Drake delighted his Toronto fans with a surprise announcement during his performance at Budweiser Stage. The artist revealed that he’s collaborating on a new album with his OVO labelmate, PartyNextDoor.
The raper was an unannounced guest for the hometown date of PartyNextDoor’s Sorry I’m Outside Tour, and after treating the audience to a full set of R&B tracks, Drake shared, “On behalf of me and Party, we’ve been working on something for y’all. So, you get the summer over with, you do what you need to do. I know all you girls are outside. When it gets a little chilly, PartyNextDoor and Drake album will be waiting right there for you.”
Drake took over the stage for nearly an hour after PartyNextDoor’s set. The rapper’s show featured a range of R&B hits and deep cuts from his decade-long career, and after a brief intermission, the spotlight shifted to Drake.
Drake expressed his gratitude to the audience, saying, “I’m here tonight as a thank you to each and every one of you for all your years of unwavering support.”
Ready to switch the energy to show his softer side after losing the rap battle with Kendrick Lamar, it was the first time the International star was doing a full R&B set with a mix of classic hits and rarities.
Highlighting the Caribbean Carnival, Drake sported a Caribana ’99 tank top, deviating from his usual OVO Fest tradition to deliver a more intimate and unique experience. He opened with “Sweeterman,” a 2015 remix by RamRiddlz, and then surprised the audience with the live debut of “Wah Gwan Delilah.” The track, a cover of Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah” with Snowd4y’s distinctive patois twist, was met with enthusiastic approval.
Drake continued with “Practice” from Take Care and “Connect” from Nothing Was the Same, followed by newer favorites such as “Finesse,” “Pipe Down,” and “Redemption” from Scorpion, Views, and Certified Lover Boy. He also welcomed OVO artist Roy Woods to perform their 2015 track “Drama.”
The night concluded with PartyNextDoor rejoining Drake for collaborative hits, including “Come and See Me.” Drake praised PartyNextDoor, calling him “the King of R&B” and his favorite R&B singer of all time, acknowledging his influence on his music and sound. PartyNextDoor’s parents were also recognized, adding a personal touch to the event.
Yesterday August 3, he took to Instagram to post a series of images with the caption, “I’ve gotten better at partying. I haven’t stopped or slowed down by any means. If anything, it’s increased. I’m just significantly better at it.”
With the announcement of their upcoming collaborative album, fans can look forward to seeing more of Drake’s melodic side in the near future.
