These past few days, the internet had its eyes fixed on a feud brewing between OVO headman, Drake, and one of the longest running music publications, Rolling Stone. When their original preview of his story hit the web, fans and readers everywhere were greeted to a surprisingly confrontational Wu-like Drizzy, who stated that Macklemore’s texts to Kendrick were “wack as f**k”. Whether it was out of spite or pure truth, everyone was expecting the article to shine a new light on the young Toronto rapper, and they weren’t disappointed.
In the four page spread, Drake candidly spoke about everything from Yeezus to Jay Z‘s obsession with art; never letting political correctness or industry tact dictate the direction of the conversation. It read like an “off the record” article and was incredibly interesting, but potentially damaging. Strike one. Then it was announced that Drake was moved off of the cover, replace by the late great actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Strike two. Those quotes that made the story powerfully engaging, were thought to be off the record. Strike three.
Drake aired his disappointment and disgust online with fans, stating that Rolling Stone and other magazines may never get an interview ever again. He was brash and highly upst about the way things went down, occasionally coming off as angered that he lost the cover to another actor. However, today, after some time to reflect, Drake has penned an open letter to fully explain what and how he felt. He apologizes with the Hoffman family, then sets the record straight about his anger, and finally concludes that he was lucky to even get the offer and he is proud to be where he currently is. It is good that he seems to be able to live and learn from his mistakes or the mistakes of others. Hopefully he will still do magazine interviews in the future. You can read the full letter below.
With today being the 5th anniversary of So Far Gone I figured it’s fitting to return to it’s place of its origin in order to clear the air about an extremely emotional day. I completely support and agree with Rolling Stone replacing me on the cover with the legendary Phillip Seymour Hoffman. He is one of the most incredible actors of our time and a man that deserves to be immortalized by this publication. My frustration stemmed from the way it was executed. The circumstances at hand are completely justifiable (on the magazines behalf), but I was not able to salvage my story or my photos and that was devastating. They ran the issue without giving me a choice to be in it or not. I would have waited until it was my time because I understand the magnitude of the cover they chose but I just wasn’t given that option and that made me feel violated. I apologize to anybody who took my initial comments out of context because in no way would I ever want to offend the Hoffman family or see myself as bigger than that moment. I am still the same person. Today I was forced out of my character and felt the need to react swiftly. These days are the worst ones. Waking up after a great night in the studio and it’s your day to be picked apart. After dwelling on it for a few hours or days you will come to the conclusion that you brought it on yourself almost every time. So here I am having that moment. I once again apologize to everybody who took my cover comments the wrong way. I respect Rolling Stone for being willing to give a kid from Toronto a shot at the cover. I guess this is a day to learn and grow.
Sincerely,
The Boy (Via October’s Very Own)
Jimi (@Nativejimi)
