S. Samuel
Young Money's Drake is reminding NBA fans he is still the global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors by taking part in a new campaign called "#WeTheNorth" series.
Days away from the Raptors starting their playoffs journey, Drizzy’s clip has premiered online.
North side stand up. Drake puts on for his team, the Toronto Raptors, in a new commercial for their #WeTheNorth series. The Canadian rapper, who is the team’s global ambassador, narrates the one-minute clip, which features shots of the Toronto skyline and Raptors players. “In many ways we are in a league of our own,” says Drake, who will host the 2014 ESPYs in July. “We are the North side. A territory all our own. If that makes us outsiders, we’re in.” The Raptors, who are currently the No. 3 team in the East, will take on the Brooklyn Nets in Saturday’s playoff game at Air Canada Centre. (Rap-Up)
Over the fall, the Raptors’ new global ambassador dished on his love for the region and what he brought to the table.
In a dramatic new commercial, Drake sets out to prove his worth as the Raptors’ new global ambassador. The brief clip features the Toronto native as he preaches to the camera about creativity, the game of basketball and drawing inspiration from his home town.”In everything I do, I try to channel this city,” Drake says, to a score of moody strings and piano. “I always feel like an album is finished when it sounds like Toronto.” (Rolling Stone)
The Toronto native also recalled some iconic ex-Raptors stars he loved watching as a kid.
The rest of the commercial is filled with equally quotable lines, as the rapper discusses his passion for Ontario and the power it holds over his life and career. “I have the option to live anywhere I want,” he says. “I always end up coming back home, no matter what.” He also discusses his love of the Raptors brand and watching NBA stars Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. “It’s a franchise that I’m so excited to be involved in,” he says. “Because it is a staple in my childhood.” (Rolling Stone)
According to recent reports, Drizzy appeared with the team’s high-ranking management to reveal his new team position a few months ago.
The hip-hop star will also launch a clothing line in conjunction with the team. Most intriguingly, he is being asked to consult on a complete redesign of the club’s image to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the franchise in the 2014-15 season. According to sources at MLSE, everything about the team is on the table . . . aside from the name. Give up your Huskies dreams. MLSE and Drake are sticking with dinosaurs. Going forward, this will be more than a business arrangement. It would be wrong to call what comes next a renaissance. That would imply that the Raptors have a legacy to build on. After 18 years, all they have is one playoff series win and Vinsanity to draw from. That’s it. It’s within Drake’s power to change that. (The Toronto Star)
Check out the “WeTheNorth” clip:
