It appears that the fiery battle between Kanye West and Drake is reigniting. The focus is now on Kanye’s apparent assault on Drake’s career in the music business. Following the recent events, many have posed thought-provoking questions about artists’ freedom and the influence of big labels.
Their history has always been a rocky one. Every few years, they put out a few tracks insulting each other and then hug it all out. The cycle repeats itself. Lately, it does seem to have flared up again with Kanye’s recent statements and the remix directly aiming Drake.
A recent interview by Justin Laboy on The Download podcast, Kanye literally stunned that he can be referred to as an example of success, and about Drake it becomes clear why they say that he has a “rich baby daddy.” Lucian Grainge is the CEO of Universal Music Group and from the context it is clear that such a description can tell about the amount of power and influence that the Corporation and its CEO have.
Kanye’s comments could be interpreted as a critical attitude to the power balance of the music industry. After all, when he describes Grainge as Drake’s “baby daddy,” Kanye suggests that perhaps the rapper achieved success not only because of his talent and dedication, but also by proximity to influential people.
Kanye says Drake has a “rich baby daddy”
“Drake has a rich baby daddy, named Lucian [Grainge] and Universal. He’s like, my daddy control the spins, my daddy got the DSPs.” PIC.TWITTER.COM/CNJ06EXDIG
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) APRIL 22, 2024
However, his next statement becomes incredibly ambiguous. He adds that Drake “signed his soul to the Devil.” Perhaps this implies that Drake “sold off” his artistic independence when he signed a major label contract.
The situation is complex, but the core message is clear: Kanye is questioning the influence of money and power in the music industry. Does Drake truly have more creative freedom thanks to his “rich baby daddy”? Do artists have to sacrifice their vision to succeed in the mainstream? These are questions for fans and industry insiders alike to ponder.
