Drake Presses Pause, Then Unpause on His Music Career
design: Miranda Fournier
Champagne Papi vs. a sour stomach.
by MADISON SHERMAN ★ DECEMBER 04, 2023
Drake is by far one of the hottest artists of our generation, receiving 12 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, accepting multiple Grammy awards, and being dubbed the third most listened to by monthly audiences according to Spotify. I mean, who didn’t have Drake on their Spotify Wrapped Instagram story, right? It’s clear to see how and why Team Drizzy goes crazy for this influential figure. I mean, he did come out with two albums in 2022–Honestly, Nevermind, and Her Loss.
This year wasn’t looking too good. Why? It has been announced that King Drizzy himself suffers from tummy troubles. Yes. That’s right. Even famous rappers can experience hot girl stomach problems.
On his radio show, Table For One, on SiriusXM’s Sound 42, Drake announced that he would be taking a break from music for a “year or so” to focus on his health issues, more specifically, because of the “craziest problems for years” with his stomach. Whether that be IBS, GERD, or SIBO, it’s unclear…poor Drizzy.
I guess Drake felt he couldn’t fail his fans' expectations and decided not to take a break from music, as he just recently announced a 2024 tour with J. Cole (what a hypocrite!). Let’s be real; it has been noted by multiple sources that Drake did mention “some other things” he needs to do “for some other people” to whom he made promises. So, that promise included J. Cole?
In February, Drake talked with Lil Yachty about a “graceful exit” from music and the desire to pass the torch onto the next generation. Drake shared, “ I feel like a lot of people I’ve watched as the years have gone on. It’s addictive, competitive space, and oftentimes, you’re addicted to the competition itself. And so, sometimes, it’ll baffle you.”
However, he later clarified he is not considering retirement anytime soon, which is obviously clear by his decision to head out on the road next year. Whew! This dude needs to make up his mind, or at least stay consistent with what he offers to the media, because all we can say is we are confused.
On Monday, November 13, Drake released the dates for his upcoming 2024 U.S. 22-date run It’s All a Blur Tour — Big as the What? that will begin January 18 in Denver, Colorado. Then, four days later, Drizzy dropped EP Scary Hours 3 and added ten additional dates with locations in San Antonio, Texas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Tampa, Florida; St. Louis, Missouri; and Cleveland, Ohio. Champagne Papi is going full steam ahead.
In all seriousness, kudos to Drake for listening to his body and channeling in on his “health, first and foremost.” While fans have honored his decision, this leads us to wonder how bad these stomach problems are? He has several solo performances lined up, without J. Cole, and has since added ten more dates. We hope and pray he isn't pushing through just to satisfy his fans or keep silly promises! Team Drizzy will always support his choices and wish nothing but health and happiness for the iconic Champagne Papi.