A testament to Black excellence, songwriter and rapper Drake recently embarked on a nostalgic journey back to his father’s hometown, the soulful city of Memphis. Known for his compelling lyrics and smooth beats, this Grammy-winning maestro captivated the audience at the renowned venue – Railgarden in Midtown. Consistently connected with his fanbase, Drake made sure to document this memorable visit, immersing himself in the Memphis magic via Instagram stories.
DRAKE VISUALIZER FOR HIS NEW VIDEO IN MEMPHIS TENNESSEE SHOWS LOVE TO LOCAL RESTAURANT SMACKERS | GREATMEDIAREPORT pic.twitter.com/SxqgewbsQ0
— GREATMEDIAGROUP (@Greatmedia23) June 29, 2023
Memphis, known for its deep-rooted musical history and influences, carries a significant relationship with Drake’s sound. His father, Dennis Graham, has deep-rooted connections in Memphis, intertwining with some of the city’s most influential musical figures. Therefore, Memphis and Shelby County’s inextricable links have essentially shaped and given birth to Drake’s unique sound.
When one listens closely to Drake’s hits, the beats of Memphis music is unmissable, even as his music resonates far beyond borders. Appreciation for his artistic influence and the global outreach of his music echoed in the significant honor bestowed upon him – the “Key to Shelby County.”
Drake is honored with a key to the city of Memphishttps://t.co/h14fPxm35s pic.twitter.com/mhMeR1msmU
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 27, 2023
Chairman of the Shelby County Commission, Mickell Lowery, celebrated Drake’s undeniable bond with the city and his impact as an artist by awarding him this honor. Lowery encapsulated the sentiment in his statement: “Drake, you’ve got a lot of Memphis blood in you, and you’re definitely touching the world.”
As a Black-owned magazine, we at BLAC typically take a step back from the glare of celebrity buzz. But, as unabashed admirers of Drake, the connection between his success story and our essence is too fundamental to ignore. His music, brimming with tales of his life, beats in synchrony with Shelby’s heartbeat. Drake’s humility, despite his astronomical success in the industry, is an inspiration to us all.
Receiving the “Key to Shelby County” isn’t just recognition; it’s a love note from his father’s hometown – a representation of the endless rhythm of Drake’s Memphis roots. Therefore, his story serves as a celebration of Black culture, a testimony of our artistry, and proof of our global influence’s far-reaching impact. As the tunes of Drake echo in our ears, we are prompted to revisit and celebrate our shared heritage, passion, and lasting influence in the world of music.
Drake shooting the video to “Oh U Went” with his family in Memphis. pic.twitter.com/0uhA1qD334
— Rap Alert (@rapalert6) June 27, 2023