S. Samuel
Young Money's Drake has expressed an interest in embarking upon the reggae genre on his future projects.
According to Drake, he will try his hand at reggae later this year.
“I want to do something for Jamaica because we’re supposed to go back out there and record soon as this European tour is over,” Drake revealed in an interview. “So I [asked dancehall singer Mavado‘s manager Julian Jones-Griffith] — send me some rhythms that are popping and I’ll see what I can do. He sent me some riddims that are popping, so I’ll see what I can do. You never know. [laughs]” (Much Music)
Last summer, Drake made headlines for donating $25,000 to help dancehall singer Mavado build a learning center in Jamaica.
When The Weekend Star spoke to Drake he commented: “I had a great time when I was in Jamaica and the people of Cassava Piece showed me a lot of love. I just wanted to show back some love by helping out with Mavado’s project on the Gullyside. It’s a very positive move and something I am very happy to be a part of. Education is the key to life so to be able to assist in that process is very fulfilling.” Two weeks ago Drake gave Mavado his contribution and since then construction has started in Cassava Piece. Mavado manager Julian Jones-Griffith added: “Obviously it’s going to take more than what Drake gave so Mavado has contributed to it and pledges to put more towards it.” Tentatively the name for the library is ‘Drake and Mavado Peace Center’. (Meet Tha Dealer)
In April, Drake discussed filming his “Find Your Love” music video in Jamaica.
“We went to Kingston,” Drake said. “We went to this ‘hood. They call it the ‘gully’ side. It’s bad out there, real bad. They had ‘Young Money’ sprayed on the gates, ‘Drake and [Lil] Wayne,’ ’cause I came to shoot the video out there. I’m talking about you drive by people’s homes, they had ‘Drake,’ ‘Young Money,’ ‘Drake, Welcome Here,’ ‘Drake We Love You’ — crazy sh–, man. It was so crazy. This dude was like, ‘Original Weezy tha God! You tha boss! Weezy tha God!’ It’s crazy. They love us, ’cause we show love out there.” (MTV)
Following the video’s release, however, Jamaican officials voiced their displeasure with how their country was portrayed in the video.
Edmund Bartlett, the Caribbean country’s Minister of Tourism, said artists should be mindful that the message that is conveyed about Jamaica is wrong. “Care has to be taken by all, including our creative artists, in portraying images of our destination and people,” Bartlett told the Gleaner. “Gun culture, while not unique to Jamaica, is not enhancing [the island’s image].” (Eur Web)
Check out Drake speaking on Jamaica down below:
