advertisement
Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
advertisement
Popular
Latest News
advertisement
BILLBOARD CANADA FYI
A weekly briefing on what matters in the music industry
By signing up you agree to Billboard Canada’s privacy policy.
advertisement
advertisement
Drake / Instagram
Drake & Shai-Gilgeous Alexander
Rb Hip Hop
Drake Freestyles at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Birthday Party: 'Here’s to the One'
The rapper delivered an impromptu freestyle honouring the Canadian NBA star on his 28th birthday last night (July 12), which was celebrated with a private party in Toronto.
6m
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned 28, and the 6 God was present for the cake and candles.
On July 13, Drake attended the Hamilton-born NBA star’s birthday celebration in Toronto, where he delivered an impromptu freestyle and brought cheeriness to the room with a simple, enthusiastic verse.
“To everybody here, to many more nights, to the ones that loved and to the ones that hated, and to the ones that are here to celebrate the greatest,” the rapper began, as attendees repeated “two,” referencing the Oklahoma City Thunder player’s jersey number. "Too many nights, we’ve had too much fun. Two on the jersey and here’s to the one."
advertisement
Drake then added to his verse, continuing with the 'number two' rhyme scheme. "To all the family, and to everybody that’s helped you elevate it, shoutout to everyone in the building, to everybody that’s here to celebrate it. Let’s get fried, run the chunes, too many more dances, should’ve been two trips but don’t worry, we have too many more chances," he said.
Most recently, The Boy and the two-time reigning NBA MVP were spotted together in their home country as they attended the Portugal-Croatia World Cup game in the round of 32, the final match hosted in Toronto. Their camaraderie goes back, as the star player appeared in the black-and-white music video for Drake's hit single "Nokia" last year, which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 and No. 2 in the U.S., and Drake has him tattooed on his arm
Drake also gave a nod to some of the attendees in the room, including Gilgeous-Alexander's manager, Simon Gebrelul. Alongside with GIVĒON, the pair graced the cover of Billboard and Billboard Canada in February, and Gebrelul was also honoured on the inaugural Billboard Canada 40 Under 40 list last November as one of the influential Canadian executives shaping the next generation of the music business.
advertisement
Gilgeous-Alexander also notably became a co-owner of the newly-renovated TD Coliseum in his hometown of Hamilton in 2025, which has hosted massive events like the 2026 Juno Awards, plus headline concerts by Paul McCartney, Cardi B and more.
Watch Drake's full freestyle below.
keep readingShow less
advertisement
Popular
advertisement
Published by ARTSHOUSE MEDIA GROUP (AMG) under license from Billboard Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation.
advertisement