In the fast-paced world of music, where artists constantly strive to deliver new projects one after the other for their fans, it’s not often that we hear of an influential figure in contemporary popular music like Drake, who is a Canadian rapper and singer credited with popularizing singing and R&B sensibilities in hip hop, stepping back to prioritize something as essential as their health. However, in a recent revelation, the “Hotline Bling” singer has made the decision to take a break from his musical endeavors. Acknowledging the importance of self-care and mental well-being, the multi-talented artist has expressed, “I need to get right.”
The rapper shared the news on Friday’s episode of his SiriusXM series Table For One, the same day that his latest eighth solo studio album, For All The Dogs, was released through OVO Sound and Republic Records on October 6, 2023. He shared, “I probably won’t make music for a little bit.”
Drake emphasized that he wants to focus on health issues with his stomach that have been dogging him “for years.” He stated, “I’m going to be real with you, I need to focus on my health, first and foremost — and I’ll talk about that soon enough — nothing crazy, but just like, you know, I want people to be healthy in life,” Drake teased before further explaining his health issues. “I’ve been having the craziest problems for years with my stomach,” he continued. “I’m just saying what it is. So, I need to focus on my health, and I need to get right, and I’m going to do that. I have a lot of other things that I would love to focus on. So, I’mma’ lock the door in the studio for a little bit.
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“I don’t even know what a little bit is,” Drake added. “Maybe a year or so, maybe a little longer.”
This announcement has sparked a conversation about the pressures and demands placed on artists in the music industry and how crucial it is for them to prioritize their own well-being. With his decision, Drake is setting a powerful example for his fellow musicians and fans alike, reminding us all that taking care of ourselves should always be a top priority. After all, if you’ve been following him on social media, you’ll know that he’s had a busy few years, having released two albums last year, including Honestly, Nevermind, and Her Loss with 21 Savage. And now he’s published For All The Dogs, his eighth studio album, which includes 23 tracks!
Since July, the Canadian rapper has been co-headlining It’s All a Blur Tour along with Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage. It began July 5, 2023, in Chicago and is set to conclude in Columbus on October 9, 2023. The tour consisted of 54 dates across the United States and Canada. It is Drake’s first tour in North America in five years. Moreover, according to online ticket postings and the rapper’s website, Drake has canceled some shows from the tour, which includes dates in Vancouver, Memphis, and Columbus. It was unclear whether the concert postponements, which fans noted online as early as last Sunday, were related to his health concerns.
We speculate that more details about these canceled shows will be provided later.
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