Not so fast. Contrary to earlier reports, Drake apparently isn’t signed to Universal Motown. According to Drizzy’s managers, Cortez Bryant and Gee Roberson of Hip-Hop Since 1978, the Toronto rapper is close to signing on the dotted line with an undisclosed label. “Drake isn’t signed to Universal Motown,” Roberson told XXLMag.com. “He’s currently in the final negotiations of his deal.”
Drizzy reached a deafening buzz in the last few months with the release of So Far Gone, his third mixtape featuring appearances from Lil Wayne, Bun B, Trey Songz and Lloyd, among others. The mixtape has also produced a few fan-favorites, including “Successful” and “Best I Ever Had,” which is presently gaining momentum at radio stations, including New York’s Hot 97. Still high off touring alongside mentor Lil Wayne on his I Am Music tour, Drake recently embarked on his own So Far Gone tour—hitting markets like Chicago, Westchester, NY and more recently Atlanta. Stay tuned as this story develops.-Marvin Brandon
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May 5th, 2009
at 1:37 pm
Pierzy says:
I’ll believe it when his full disc drops.
Not hating on Drake, hating on the label politics…
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 1:43 pm
PARIS PERSHUN says:
THAT NIGGA DRAKE RAW….. I LIKE THAT NIGGA…. SO FAR GONE IS A NICE MIXTAPE… HIS FLOW ON BEATS IS RIDICULOUS… YOU CAN SEE WHO WAYNE BEEN BITIN ON THE RAPPIN’ AND SINGIN’ SHIT….. I HATE THE FACT THEY FOUND A WAY TO TRAP THAT NIGGA WIT WACK ASS YOUNG MONEY THO…. O WELL….. LETS SEE WHAT HAPPENS WITH THIS…
(LEANS BACK AND TURNS “BRAND NEW” WAY WAY WAY WAY THE FUCK UP- DRAKE & LIL WAYNE))
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 2:26 pm
JCITYHUSTLA617 says:
BRAND NEW IS THE SHIT
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 3:37 pm
$ykotic says:
Good luck brah.
When this dude start getting his OWN money, Wayne whole style gonna change! LOL
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 1:54 pm
HIP HOP NERD says:
yo drake is cool but i think people are investing to much intrest in this guy i guess hip hop is so weak it makes a average rapper look like he’s the industry savior lol im still putting all my chips on BUGGS THA ROCKA
http://www.myspace.com/ROCKABOY
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 2:22 pm
Phil says:
Bingo. You are enlightnened.
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 2:36 pm
RealTalkLA says:
To discretit anotehr artist and IMMEDIATELY put yoruself in the forth front is SO amateur. Get it together homie. this aint recess. this the big leagues. Drakes potential is unmatched. Especially by a artists whos name is already partially in use.
Pee On.
RealTalkLA
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 2:47 pm
Bill says:
Yeah, sure. The Big Leagues of Novelty Acts, lol. Y’all are so EASY.
(Comments wont nest below this level)
Reply here
May 5th, 2009
at 1:54 pm
dan99 says:
Drake is so dope. It’s about time, someone recognized his talents.
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 1:54 pm
H-DUB says:
Universal Motown is on the right Track, they recently signed good Artists and dropped dope Albums ( Asher, Ryan Leslie, Lloyd , Busta…. )
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 1:56 pm
Queen Kam says:
I had did a blog post on him sayin the deal he had with Interscope was actually processed…I guess not lolz ..but yea ill believe it when Drizzy says it out his mouth or on his blog
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 1:56 pm
Bill says:
YAWN. Failure is imminent.
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 2:16 pm
Max Proft says:
LMAO!!!!!!!
You funny - but don’t hate.
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 2:18 pm
Max Profit says:
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
You a funny dude - but don’t hate
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 2:21 pm
Bill says:
I’m not joking. And nothing will make me “like” mediocrity. If that’s hate, then so be it, I hate mediocrity.
(Comments wont nest below this level)
May 5th, 2009
at 2:27 pm
Max Profit says:
Everybody got an opinion I respect that!
Reply here
May 5th, 2009
at 2:01 pm
D.Omen’s D.Omain » Blog Archive » Drake Officially Signs To Universal says:
[...] Read More Here [...]
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 2:20 pm
Drake is Universal-MOTOWN To Be Exact « Cash & Caviar:Hustla Sweet says:
[...] it’s said that Drizzy put the pen to the paper and made it OFFICAL! Read more here to get the full [...]
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 2:29 pm
CapoStatus says:
Congrads to my nigga Drake forsure on this deal..now we need an album and he’s truely in..ive been tellin people that Drake is not signed to YoungMoney..he is just an affiliate.
FourOneSix!!!
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 2:32 pm
Stuff Fly People Like » DRAKE SIGNS WITH UNIVERSAL/MOTOWN! says:
[...] to XXLMag.com, from reliable sources Drake has just signed a deal with Universal [...]
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 2:50 pm
SOUTHSIDE A-TOWN says:
i glad for the nigga. cuz he was gon be a sitting duck @ young money, like nicki minaj, curren$y & ‘nem.
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 3:08 pm
PARIS PERSHUN says:
@SOUTHSIDE A-TOWN
THE YOUNG MONEY LABEL IS UNDER UNIVERSAL…. THUS MAKING IT UNDER UNIVERSAL MOTOWN…. THUS MAKING DRAKE SIGNED TO YOUNG MONEY SO HE CAN STAY CLOSE TO WAYNE AND KEEP GHOSTWRITIN HIS SHIT…..
(LEANS BACK AND TURNS “SUCCESSFUL” WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY THE FUCK UP- DRAKE”
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 3:24 pm
Bill says:
Riding a little too hard for a man, aren’t we?
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 3:26 pm
Music Video: Page "Still Fly" featuring Drake | theyoungfreshnew.com | powered by Real Mark Global Group says:
[...] other news, according to XXLmag.com, Drake as he is officially signed to Universal Motown. Yuuuuupp. Atlantic Records and Interscope [...]
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 3:28 pm
$irr Fresh says:
Dude aiiight, but So Far Gone is something I’d play @ night after I brush my mouth and go to bed.
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 3:28 pm
Daily Recap - 5/5/09 at SNICKA.com says:
[...] Drake Signs To Universal Motown [...]
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 3:31 pm
russ says:
i think drake deal is 50/50 because lil wayne also sign to universal motown, so i think itz young money and universal is a distribution deal.
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 3:35 pm
$irr Fresh says:
Dude’s aiiight. But the only time I play So Far Gone is in between brushing my mouth, and going to bed.
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 3:40 pm
Mutada al sader the king says:
I’d rather have a million Drake articles than AsherEM…wow, any one remember that Eminem clone? After the album flop, nappy headed hoes comments, “these black rappers comments”, weed plate album and the return of the real slim shady… There’s hardly a mention of ol AsherEM. It was all good just a weak ago..Literally !
Of topic question..Was it JadaKiss who coined the term “weed plate” in his beef song against 50 cent ? I dont recall hearing that prior to that song.
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 3:59 pm
Drake Signs To Universal Motown « McCready Blog says:
[...] Via XXL [...]
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 4:10 pm
UPDATE: Drake Signs To Universal Motown « McCready Blog says:
[...] Via XXL [...]
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 4:21 pm
SLOW DOWN!: Drake DOESN’T Sign Deal With Universal Motown « Cash & Caviar:Hustla Sweet says:
[...] Hmmm… ok! Read the rest of what really happened with the digital miscommunication here. [...]
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 4:36 pm
Vicarious Music says:
[...] XXL reports: [...]
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 6:50 pm
Drake Signs To Universal Motown - heavyspitter.com says:
[...] XXL reports: [...]
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 6:51 pm
newyawka631 says:
YEA,YA RIGHT IM PUERTO RICAN,
BUT I AIN’T SORRY FA HURTIN YA FEELINGZ,
SWAG,AND/OR CONFIDENCE,
PUSH YA WIG BACK,WIT MY VERBAL DOMINENCE,
USE MAH WORDZ,AS MY WEAPONRY,
U AINT IN MY LEAGUE MENTALLY,
NOR PHYSICALLY OR FIANCIALLY,
SHIFT GEARZ IN DA “V’ MANUALLY,
BUT LETZ NOT TAWK SHIT DATZ MATERIAL,
U TAWK ABOUT ME,
NOW YA TAWKIN LYRICAL,
BUT LETZ GET BACK ON DA SUBJECT,
DA DOLLAR MENU,ONLY THING IN YA BUD-GET,
DIS NIGGA MUST HAVE A FAST-FOOD FETISH,
CHOP YA UP LIKE YA EMPLOYERZ LETTUCE,
IS IT MACATRUEST OR DR.SUESS,
VERBAL BEATING, GOT YA EGO’Z BRUISED,
YA LYRIC’S BELONG IN KINDERGARTEN,
40 YEARZ OLD,WHEN YA GON SMARTEN,
AND YEA MAH SHIT AINT SPELLED PROPERTLY,
N-E BITCH U GOT,B MY PROPERTY,
AND YA NAME AIN’T MAC,ITZ MONOPOLY,
WIT YA COUNTERFIET GUAPE,
U LIKE G.M.,
WIT YA $2 STOCK,
AND DA GRAMMAR IZ COMPUTA SLANG,
MY SHIT TIMELESS,LIKE 93 WU-TANG,
NIGGA WONT GIVE HIS AGE OR LOCATION,
I GUESS WE GOTTA SETTLE FA DIS MUTILATION,
AND WHAT EXACTLY IS YA RACE,
EVERYTHING U SPIT,BE FICTION BASED,
AND CARTEL,
U MUST B TAWKIN LIKE ROSS’S TRIPLE C’S,
KETCHUP BOTTLEZ, B DA ONLY SHIT YA EVER SQUEEZED
DA SHIT YA SPIT,IZ IMPOSSIBLE TA CONCIEVE,
IM IN DA MAJORZ,
YA STUCK IN DA MINOR LEAGUE
AS 4 DA COMMISION,
WE DON’T GOT A PROBLEM,
ILL PERSONALLY PAY FOR YA TRIP TA GOTHAM,
MR. MAC,LISTEN TA YA 8-TRACKZ,
PAY ME,LIKE YA STATE TAX,
I SPIT FACTZ,
SLIGHTLY EXXAGERATED,
IM DA REASON YA PROJECTZ B EVACUATED,
JUST LIKE VIRGINIA TECH,
ANOTHER BACK IN DA DAY REJECT,
AND IM TAKIN YA SPOT BLOGGIN,
GIVE IT UP,OR TAKE 2 SHELLZ TO DA NOGGIN,
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 7:12 pm
Tony Grand$ says:
I know I’m not the only dude here who’s seen “Degrassi”.
Drake is cool, but it’s hard for me to take him seriously as a rapper after watching “Wheelchair Jimmy” do his thing, lol.
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 11:27 pm
makaveli1671 says:
Dude u always saying the shit that i think therefor i dont have to say..lol…wheelchair jimmy…Cosign
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 9:21 pm
Rae Tha Great says:
MAY 14TH SCHOOLZ OUT CONCERT PRINCETON, DUSTY McFLY, DRAKE, & BIG SEAN STOP PLAYING DETROIT STAND UP!!!!!!!
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 10:08 pm
Rodney says:
Word, Drake is that dude. I thought he was signing to Young Moula (money) that don’t make since to me. He is like Waynes protege and was once introduced with the young money line up on an online vid. I wonder what changed. But like one of you cats said (Piercy) its all about them label politics. The music business is hell. The music business is like the title to X’s first album (see I make you think) lol. Drake is hot tho, he is a tripple threat: rapper, R&B singer and ghost writer
Reply
May 5th, 2009
at 10:25 pm
Evildead - Mad Naggins Inc says:
WHO??? i know asher roth and b.o.b but who’s drake? reminds me of a damn bird if you ask me!!! if that homie gets signed, its cool!! wheres hot rod at anyway LMAO!
Reply
May 6th, 2009
at 1:20 am
hip hop nerd says:
BUGGS THA ROCKA over drake anytime! dudes not that lyrical stop hyping this dude up he’s better than alot of rappers out now-a-days coming i can say that but he’s nothing incrediable
Reply
May 6th, 2009
at 9:18 am
PARIS PERSHUN says:
IS IT ME OR DO YOU OTHER NIGGAS THAT WAS ON HERE YESTERDAY REALIZE THEY CHANGED THE ARTICLE….. HA HA HA HA HA AHA HA…. NOW DRAKE FINNA GET SIGNED TO ROC NATION..
(LEANS BACK AND TURNS “AQUEMINI” WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY THE FUCK UP)))
Reply
May 6th, 2009
at 11:08 am
Bill says:
Suuuuure. Maybe after Roc Nation actually confirms its existence.
Reply
May 6th, 2009
at 10:21 am
GETOUUTAHERE says:
What the Fuck make yall think that wayne is BITTING this ROOKIE as NIGGA?!!! IF anything it’s the other way around. WAYNE GOT HISTORY THATS DAMN NEAR AS OLD AS DRAKE!!!! WHAT THE FUCK YALL TALKING BOUT?
Reply
May 6th, 2009
at 10:32 am
allen says:
you can spit drake i heard your song always reppin in tallahasee and the bitches luv your shitand i got the mix tape in the car and i be bumping yo shit homie keeping grinding and shinning on these fuck niggas that hate from your fan in dade county big al
Reply
May 6th, 2009
at 12:59 pm
acb3000 says:
only reason ill back drake is cause he’s from Toronto but i know him personally i think hes a dick
Reply
May 6th, 2009
at 3:05 pm
Drake is Not Signed to Universal Motown… | 2dopeboyz says:
[...] Drake Not Signed to Universal Motown, Close to Inking Deal Share and [...]
Reply
May 6th, 2009
at 3:49 pm
IMPECABLE says:
I NEVER HEARD A REC0RD FR0M THIS DUDE DRAKE , AND HES GETTIN SIGNED T0 R0C NATION??? I D0UGHT ITT , AHER R0TH IS AN SLIM SHADY KN0CK OFFF EMINEM NEEDS TO DISSS HIM LOL THAT W0ULD BE FUN TO WATCH
Reply
May 6th, 2009
at 7:54 pm
504Easy says:
Okay enough with the anointment of Drake. Dude sounds like Kanye and Wayne. The dude is nice but he lacks originality. People keep talking about he so different. Has it occured to anyone that different is the same now? Different is I rap and sing? Give me a good rap song with a nice beat and chorus, simple right?
Reply
May 7th, 2009
at 2:46 pm
XXLmag.com - » Drake Confirms Jay-Z Collabo, “That Was Probably The Most Key Moment In My Life” says:
[...] XXLMag.com reported earlier this week that Drake is in the process of signing with an undisclosed major. He says he wants the album, titled Thank Me Later, to drop before Christmas. As far as other possible features besides Jigga and Wayne, he says, “Just know the best of the best will be involved.” Drake revealed to MTV News that he has also worked with Kanye West and Young Jeezy. – Elan Mancini Share: var staf_confirmtext = ‘Mail sent’ #stafBlock { position: absolute; visibility:hidden; width: 180px;text-align:left; } #stafForm { background-color: #b3b89a; border: 2px solid #000; padding: 10px; margin:0; } #stafForm h2 {font-size:14px; margin-bottom:4; } #stafForm .input_text { width: 150px;margin-bottom: 4px;} #stafForm .input_submit {margin-bottom: 4px;} #stafForm label { width: 90px;display:block;} #stafClose { float: right; margin-right: 5px; } x [...]
Reply
May 8th, 2009
at 8:37 am
Tyler Jam says:
yo Drake if fuxxin nice. mah favorite sonqq from him is “I WANT THIS FOREVER” wiff Lil Wayne… wiff Kid Kid too… i think.
Reply
May 10th, 2009
at 10:56 pm
JENNY LEWIS WAS IN “THE WIZARD,” YOU KNOW « OURHYPE™ says:
[...] recent, So Far Gone, seems to have received the most attention. Bolstered by guest appearance from tour-mate Lil Wayne, Santogold, Lykke Li, and more (Wayne actually appears on four of the tape’s 16 [...]
Reply
May 11th, 2009
at 7:31 pm
rapper says:
Hey im 1 out of billions of rappers an I want a record deal pleaseeeeeee I got a myspace
Reply
May 15th, 2009
at 2:22 pm
alexxx says:
drake is dope he can sing a rap…he actually CAN RAP..ppl need to stop hatin…Wayne basically put this nigga on and wayne is his mentor in a certain way…that nigga says it himself(drake)YOUNG MONEY IS ANYTHING BUT WACKK. them niggas can spit!WAYNE IS THE BEST RAPPER EVER!!! NO1 HAS EVER BEEN AS CONSISTANT AS WAYNE-THAT NIGGA CHANGED THE GAME, MADE NIGGAS WANNA GO RECORD MORE RECORDS…WAYNE DOESNT STOP!!!!!!!! i dont care what ya say i think wayne is better then pac and BIG for those reasons. NOT ANY1 has ever been as consistant with music NOT to mention this nigga DOnT WRITE!(over 1000 recording in the past yr-who does that?-NO ONE-thats more than most rappers can say thats been in the game for yrs!) and the shit he comes up with is so crazy..he seriusly b paintin pictures in my head (which other rappers simply dont) dont get me wrong there ARE good rappers out there JUST NOT LIKE WAYNE. YOUNG MULA BABY!!!
Reply
May 26th, 2009
at 10:23 am
XXLmag.com - » Drake Apologizes To Fans About Missed L.A. Performance says:
[...] in downtown New York City for a sold out Hot 97 showcase at S.O.B.’s. The heavily-buzzed artist, who is still currently unsigned, is reportedlty in talks for a full on tour with hip-hop heavyweights Jay-Z, Young Jeezy and Young [...]
Reply
May 27th, 2009
at 1:37 am
Chris says:
Drake’s real name is Aubrey. sigh.
Reply
June 3rd, 2009
at 2:47 pm
Drake Involved In “One Of The Biggest Bidding Wars Ever,” Allegedly Offered $2 Mil | Hip Hop Gossip By Randa says:
[...] As XXLMag.com reported last month, Drake is close to signing a deal, but has yet to sign on the dotted line. Billboard has learned that Drizzy will most likely go to Universal, due to the label’s relationship with his crew Young Money. At the same time, this has not deterred other labels from baiting the So Far Gone rapper, whose mixtape single “Best I Ever Had” is receiving serious radio airplay. In fact sources tell Billboard that three majors are in possibly “one of the biggest bidding wars ever.” It is rumored that an undisclosed company has offered Drizzy $2 million to join their ranks. Posted by: admin | Filed Under:  Hip Hop Gossip Return Home Add Your Comment [...]
Reply
June 4th, 2009
at 10:20 am
Drake Involved In “One Of The Biggest Bidding Wars Ever,” Allegedly Offered $2 Mil « The Faithfulfiend’s Blog says:
[...] As XXLMag.com reported last month, Drake is close to signing a deal, but has yet to sign on the dotted line. Billboard has learned that Drizzy will most likely go to Universal, due to the label’s relationship with his crew Young Money. At the same time, this has not deterred other labels from baiting the So Far Gone rapper, whose mixtape single “Best I Ever Had” is receiving serious radio airplay. In fact sources tell Billboard that three majors are in possibly “one of the biggest bidding wars ever.” It is rumored that an undisclosed company has offered Drizzy $2 million to join their ranks. [...]
Reply
June 30th, 2009
at 4:12 pm
Drake Signs Record Deal with Universal Motown | Hiptics says:
[...] about Drake before your favorite blog. Check out what I said about Drizzy in December. Props to XXL for the heads up. The bidding war is over. XXLMag.com has learned from reliable sources that [...]
Reply
July 10th, 2009
at 3:41 am
BIG Fella aka Walkin SIM Card!!! says:
NEW SHIT: Drake ft. BIG Fella - WHO SHOULD I SIGN TO?
Reply