Drake is most famous for viral tracks like In My Feelings and One Dance, but besides his music career he actually has a pretty impressive connection to the art world. This has been evidenced in the music video to his latest track Toosie Slide which, apart from being the perfect quarantine Tik Tok banger, also displayed some impressive art. So my friends, keep reading to learn more about Drake’s connection to the world of art.
Let’s start from the top shall we? The music video for Toosie Slide, which features a hefty art collection, was shot in Drake’s home while in self-isolation, with the Toronto home displaying works that include two KAWS companions and a Mao painting by Andy Warhol.
Toosie Slide isn’t Drake’s only music video with an artistic influence. Others have suggested that the brightly lit music video for 2017 hit Hotline Bling was inspired by a James Turrell light installation.
And it’s not just music videos that have been given the artistic makeover. Drake’s 2011 album Take Care also features art, with the star hunched over a candle in front of a wall covered in Renaissance-looking paintings.
In his more recent album – 6 God – Drake took reference from Albrecht Durer’s 1508 Study for the Hands of the Apostle. The album artwork shows two hands praying, mimicking the iconic 16th century work.
In terms of a favourite artist, we’re pretty sure Drake’s is Takashi Murakami, who has frequently posted images of the Japanese artist’s work. Not only does Drake have pieces by the artist, but he has also received artistic gifts from him, and collaborated with him on a piece for his clothing brand October’s Very Own.
And get this, Drake has curated shows too. Well, kind of. In 2015 Champagne Papi (Drake’s IG name) collaborated with Sotheby’s and Beats by Dre on a show called Like It Like This. the exhibition featured works by black American artists including Kehinde Wiley and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
We also have to mention that a number of images can be found online of Drake at various art shows. So there’s plenty of proof that that he likes to mix with the artistically inclined.
And, how better to finish, than with a cute snapshot?! Drake recently posted a photograph of himself with his son Adonis. It may look like your average cute father-son snap, but it was taken by super artist Catherina Opie. Everyone say awwwwww
Text Lizzy Vartanian
