Q&A with Drake

Paid x Popular Presents: The Q&A series which features up-and-comers from all parts of the globe showcasing talent and unstoppable work ethic. To start it off with a bang, we got up with Toronto rapper/songwriter/actor Drake (real name: Aubrey Drake Graham currently featured as Jimmy Brooks on the hit television show Degrassi) to talk about his resume, upcoming projects and his viewpoint on modern hip-hop. Did we mention that he has a new mixtape out (Comeback Season) and that you can cop it here? No? Partake.


Q(Paid x Popular):Whattup Drake, break down your musical resume so far and let us know what it is with the city that YOU rep.


A(Drake):Well I rep the greatest city I've even been too...thats Toronto. And my resume is short but its got some substance. Trey Songz, Clipse, Little Brother, Slum Village, 9th Wonder,DJ Don Cannon, Nottz, Dwele, Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates, Divine Brown...I've worked with some great people so far. Sat in some big offices, drove some big cars, been with some beautiful women...life has been good to me.

Q:Who's poppin' to you in the Toronto scene and Hip-Hop in general right now?

A:Well Kardinal is doing it the biggest as far as moves...other than that I am always impressed by Slakah. His vibe is on the next planet over. Boi 1da is going to crush the game too...and D10 is on some timeless R&B.

Q:Tell us about some collaborations you've done so far or in the works!
A:I want to suprise people on the album...plus I dont really know yet. lol


Q:What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an artist in 2007 from your standpoint?

A:In Toronto its just that nobody is willing to be a fan. Nobody is willing to fall back and just listen cause listening just motivates them to start rapping...so we got rappers and people who dont listen to rap music...no fans. Other than that its just the fact that money making oppurtunities get noticed faster than classic music thats made with integrity does.


Q:If your album were to drop tomorrow, what would be the ONE thing that you think would convince our readers @ home to get it?

A:The fact that my marketing, image, and my music will all be consistent...most artists can only get one of those three things on point. And also just to see me talk shit more often...


Q:Beyond music, what else do you get up to?

A:I eat alot of good food. I still love the acting thing and I am always looking for new ways to make money.


Q:What's going on with ATF?

A:We're just turning profits and waiting for the right time to shut our city down...I wanna do it more legit than anyone before me so I'm pacing myself.


Q:You and Trey Songz have done quite a few collaborations, will there be a duet album or mixtape in the works with you two? And would you sign him to ATF or jump to his label (Songbook) if given the opportunity?

A:I think the Drake and Songz album is something people will see. I just need to get my stock up as a rapper so that the time and effort that goes into it will be lucrative for both parties. He got Trey Day out right now so thats a good look. I'm trying to jump on the remix for Missin You. As for him on ATF or me on Songbook...who knows...we both down for whatever makes money.

Q:In that same vein, who in your opinion has the most talent on their record label?

A:I assume you mean Atlantic cause Trey is really the only artist on Songbook...but you know I'mma ride for Trey over any other r&b dude.

Q:What are your plans for the end of 2007 and the entirety of 2008?

A:Make as many songs as I can and form the masterplan for the rest of 07...2008 is my year.

Q:There's been word of a Toronto rap group called "Wiseguys" with you and other artists. Can we expect some form of compliation coming from that side of things?

A:Nah.

Q:If given the budget and opportunity, who would you like to work with from a musical standpoint?

A:Toomp and Pharrell on the production end but I got a LIST of R&B features I wanna get...I like working with r&b singers more than I like working with rappers.

Q:When IS your official album coming out and who will be on it (vocals, production)?

A: 2008 and you gotta check the credits!

Q:Any plugs, shoutouts, shots to take?

A: Shot to 4040 and Oliver. Shot to Inquiring Minds. Shot to T Rexxx for getting his whip game proper for the fall. Shot to Mario at Vivoli for making sure I eat good. Shot to Kandice. Obviously the whole ATF...shot to Joliet Illinois cause we bout to rock tonight!!!


Q:Finally, what advice would you give to someone who wanted to be in the music business or simply "Paid and Popular"?

A:Make sure you profit from EVERYTHING and when you think they should be paying you 2 thousand ask for 5 'cause eventually somebody will say yes.