Drake has ignited a firestorm of controversy in the music and sports worlds by seemingly doubling on provocative lyrics about Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham. The Canadian rapper, renowned for his deep ties to the NBA, posted a photo on Instagram on April 10, 2025, that directly references his leaked track “Shopping Spree.”
The image, showing “Cade Cunningham” written above a door and reportedly featuring a Croc—tying back to the song’s daring footwear mention—has amplified an already buzzing online debate, thrusting both Drake and the rising basketball talent into the spotlight.
The lyrics describe a tryst with an unnamed woman, notably while wearing Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham’s Crocs, paired with imagery of the rapper crashing in the team’s locker room:
“Everything is earned in this life baby, nothin’ given / Heard you cut your bestie off, I know that was a tough decision / Sleeping in the Pistons locker room, I’m on another mission / Cade Cunningham left his crocs / Yeah, I fucked ya in ’em.”
The saga began on April 6, 2025, when “Shopping Spree” surfaced on Drake’s YouTube account. The unreleased track includes explicit lines about sleeping in the Pistons’ locker room and a bold reference to Cunningham’s footwear, a stark departure from Drake’s typical NBA nods.
Unlike his past mentions—such as celebrating Stephen Curry in “Still Here” (2016) or Andrew Wiggins in “Draft Day” (2019)—this lyric ventures into intimate and provocative territory. The leak quickly went viral across social media, sparking thousands of reactions and leaving fans speculating about its intent.
Adding intrigue, a past photo of Drake in Cunningham’s locker during a visit to Detroit has resurfaced, lending new weight to the lyrics. This history has fueled discussions about the rapper’s connection to the Pistons and whether there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
Four days later, Drake fanned the flames with his Instagram post. The photo, captioned with a subtle yet unmistakable nod to the controversy, features him seated beneath a doorframe labeled “Cade Cunningham.” Social media commentary noted the inclusion of a Croc, directly linking the image to the leaked lyrics.
The post, shared by Complex Music, racked up over 63,000 likes, cementing its viral status. Far from distancing himself, Drake’s move was widely seen as an acknowledgment—or even an escalation—of the controversy, keeping it firmly in the public eye.
Critics have accused Drake of “clout chasing” or “dragging it,” with one X user quipping, “Never beating the zesty allegations.” Meanwhile, supporters have rallied behind him, with some arguing the backlash “just makes him greater.”
Drake’s history with the NBA is well-established. A regular at Toronto Raptors games and a friend to many players, he’s woven basketball into his music for years, typically with celebratory flair. The Cunningham reference, however, marks a shift—its explicitness and Drake’s refusal to let it fade quietly set it apart from his usual playbook. This bold approach has left even his most loyal fans debating its implications.
Drake has not officially commented on the track, but the well-timed Crocs photo appears to be his way of winking at the rumors. The “Nokia” rapper is known for using his alternate social media accounts to tease music and troll fans equally, and this incident fits the pattern.
While Drake dominates headlines, Cade Cunningham continues to excel on the court. The 23-year-old point guard is averaging 25.9 points per game in his fourth NBA season, driving the Pistons to a 43-36 record and the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.
A gold medalist at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, Cunningham has emerged as one of the league’s brightest young talents. This unexpected musical subplot adds a surreal layer to his ascent, though neither he nor the Pistons have commented publicly.
Drake’s NBA references have long resonated with fans of both realms, but the Cunningham controversy pushes boundaries unexpectedly and undeniably. The viral spread of the leak and Instagram post illustrates how swiftly such moments can transcend their origins, becoming cultural flashpoints that captivate diverse audiences.
Drake’s decision to lean into the controversy ensures it won’t fade soon. By amplifying rather than retreating from the “Shopping Spree” lyrics, he’s kept the conversation alive, blending music and basketball in a way only he can. For Cunningham, the focus remains on his stellar season—but this unusual spotlight adds an intriguing twist to his narrative.
