HUGS FROM HIPHOSSIP>>HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY TO RAPPER/SINGER DRAKE.

Hugging Rihanna at the VMA's (Those eyes..lol)

About to hug l'il bro Justin Bieber ( I took this pic in Toronto at Biebs movie premiere)

Hugging Willow at the Grammys

Hugging Eve at the BET awards

Hugging security at Yorkdale mall Toronto

I got a facial hug at the 2010 Junos

Everybody gets a hug from Drake but it's him that gets that HUG today from all the fans in Nigeria. HAPPY 26th Birthday to Drake today who is one of the few artists I still much relate to in that Toronto I lived for the past 5 years. Always connecting with his fans and being available for all the community events especially with regards to the kids. Last I saw him was at that OVO festival for the people of his hometown Toronto. 

 FAMILY AND HOMETOWN COMES FIRST

Mom and dad Sandy and Dennis Graham

Mom Sandy Graham

KJ's and me Drake's mom collage

Drake's billboard in downtown Toronto when his last album was coming out

Drake has that line "All I care is bout my money and the city I'm from" which is why u hear me using that line all the time referring to my hometown Ibadan and my wallet. Although he loves his fans dearly, Drake's family comes first as I have seen during my 5 years in Canada from when I met him to when he really blew up. 

Uncle Steve, Drake's mom's brother is missed

I was lucky to meet his uncle Steve, a maternal uncle and brother to his mom Sandy Graham whom I spent time with after the 2010 Juno awards. Sadly I heard that Uncle Steve died and it was not reported in the media as Steve passing away but as Drake's beloved uncle who influenced his life and career. It saddened me so much when you watch the advice he gave KJ in getting into a rap career. Steve's voice echoes thru KJ's ears daily now. LISTEN here to how I am trying to show off that KJ is in the papers and Steve advising KJ in the background audio.

You know Sandy Graham raised Drake as a single mother and did very well with him. Sandy Graham was a teacher at the prestigious Forest Hill Collegiate in a predominantly Jewish side of town in Toronto. I once worked there as a Pharmacist at the Loblaws Grocery chain  and met several Jewish families. Many great people and their culture over there. Loved their food! However Drake dropped out from high school to pursue an acting career on TV show Degrassi and later ended up a musician. Last week he graduated after successfully completing the missing credits. 

Uncle Steve and Sandy did not come accidentally into our lives. After the 2010 Juno award ceremonies were over, KJ and I decided to get some food at our hotel, the Delta Chelsea where many of the stars and music execs were staying, when he went to the bathroom or washroom as the Canadians call it, he took forever. However it was not a number 2 issue, he met a woman, chatted her up and convinced her to come eat with us at our table. I asked the lady if I could videotape this stuff as it unfolded and she said yes. In the video, KJ bought DRAKE'S MOM to me. Talk about your son bringing the right girl home to mom. U have to see this video. 

From there onwards, Drake became a friend to HipHossip, taking pics with us, autographs and so much more. We even got to meet his family at Young Money and KJ practiced with Nicki Minaj's dancers in Toronto before her Summer 2011 concert where Drake has a cameo. Drake also did a drop for KJ's blog The KidReporter.com (new site coming soon)

                                      

Drake hosted  Rapper P.Reign's Spike 4Life March 2012

SO..........HAPPY 26th Birthday to Drake today who is one of the few artists I still much relate to in that Toronto I lived for the past 5 years. Always connecting with his fans and being available for all the community events especially with regards to the kids. Last I saw him was at that OVO festival for the people of his hometown Toronto.

Earlier in the year, he hosted a fundraiser for his pal Rapper P.Reign who is equally a caring person about the community and raising money for the Boys and Girls Club of Scarborough area of Toronto. Sadly one of the kids that attended that event, Shyanne Charles, a 14 y/o (in red) was killed at the infamous Toronto mass shooting on July 16th 2012 at Danzig street. My son KJ is in the red hiphossip shirt. The full album to P.Reign's event which Drake hosted is here. 

Take Care album

Day Care spoof

The Prank Tweets saying he's married Nicki Minaj

Follow Drake on Twitter @Drake