*Reps for Drake have confirmed that he has absolutely nothing to do with a new unauthorized documentary about his rise to stardom. [Watch the trailer above.]
“Neither Drake nor anyone from Rap-A-Lot Records, YEMG or OVO has any association with director MarQuis Trill and have not approved of or authorized his documentary,” the rep told Billboard regarding the film “Toronto to Houston.”
Trill took to Instagram over the weekend to preview a trailer that features different moments from the 6-god’s storied musical journey — with a specific focus on his relationship to Houston. The video opens with Jas Prince, the Houston native who played an integral role in the beginning of Drake’s rise.
The documentary, produced by Rap-A-Lot, has no solid release date at press time. MarQuis’ caption under the trailer gave a brief backstory about the film as a few words of inspiration to up and coming artists. “People always ask ‘How did you get started?’ Well one way was filming @Champagnepapi in Houston, Tx. Every concert, event, club, or appearance that happened in H-Town, I was there,” it reads
In other Drizzy news, some new NBA-themed tattoos may have joined his skin portraits of Sade and Lil Wayne.
In a recent Instagram post, fans noticed new ink on Drake that appears to be the jersey numbers of NBA players Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, who are longtime friends of the rapper.
ESPN editor Jovan Buha shared photos Drake recently posted on social media where one of his tattoos says “30 Gifted,” while the other reads “35 Snipe,” possibly referencing Durant’s former Instagram handle “easymoneysniper.” In the photo, Drake is on a basketball court, clad in LeBron James‘ high school basketball jersey.
Drake has long expressed his respect for both players. In the rapper’s 2014 song “0 to 100,” Drizzy gave a shout out to Curry saying, “This shit a mothafuckin’ lay up/ I been Steph Curry with the shot/ Been cookin’ with the sauce, Chef Curry with the pot, boy.” He later referenced the Golden State Warriors point guard on his Views cut “Still Here” where he rapped, “Hittin’ like that 30 on my jersey, man, I’m gifted.” Back in April, a video surfaced of Drake eating eggs with the Curry family and he even showed up to support Ayesha Curry at her restaurant International Smoke.
As for Durant, Drake rocked his Golden State Warriors jersey at the Oakland, CA stop of his 2016 Summer Sixteen Tour following the former MVP’s departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The “Passionfruit” rapper also brought out Durant during his tour stop, introducing the former OKC player as his “brother.”
Newark, NJ– The 24 Hours of Peace event, hosted by Mayor Ras J. Baraka was nothing short of electrifying. As the crowd funneled in, in droves, Newark’s own Zaraye took the stage and would deliver a performance that had the crowd and social media buzzing.
You felt the crowd’s palpable anticipation as some of us had first-row seats to watch her rehearse in the background before hitting the stage– and Zaraye more than lived up to the hype.
Making an immediate statement with her eccentric fashion choice– a sleek black leather jacket and top paired with a striking lime green plaid skirt. Zaraye’s edgy leather and vibrant plaid combo came together perfectly to showcase her unique style, fashion background and ensured to turn plenty of heads before she even dropped the beat to her first song.
Kicking off her set with her eagerly awaited single “23 Remix”, produced by Jersey’s own Kamillion, her vocals excited the crowd. As she and her background dancers, mirrored in her lime green and black color palate, delivered the high-energy, precise choreography crafted under the direction of her creative director, American rapper and choreographer, Sharaya J, phones shot into the air as fans were eager to capture every moment of the captivating routines.
The momentum continued to build as she transitioned into “Bougie”. Between Zaraye’s confident delivery and the dancers’ dynamic movements, the energy was on another level, showing an undeniable connection between Zaraye and her audience.
By the time her performance ended, social media was already buzzing and one thing was clear, she had made a positive impression on those attending the 24 Hours Of Peace event. The crowd raved about her standout moment with praises from her style to her stage presence and the electric atmosphere she created.
“I came out to the 24 Hours of Peace event to see one of my favorite artists, Honey Bxby. I was left excited to follow the journey of Zaraye. I think she will be a star soon too, Jersey stand up” said Jennifer Richardson– a 25 year old woman from Newark.
Zaraye performing Bougie at 24 Hours of Peace- Photo Courtesy of @nortographynyc
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Former NBA Player Lance Stephenson
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Lola Brooks performing at 24 Hours of Peace
Zaraye behind the scenes at 24 Hours of Peace- Photo Courtesy of @craigmartinpr
Zaraye’s performance was an amazing showcase of her amazing blend between music, fashion and choreography. She truly showcased herself as not only an upcoming talent but a formidable artist on the rise in the music industry. As videos of her performance continue to spread online, it will be pretty clear soon, her name will only get bigger from here.
The 24 Hrs of Peace event that took place on Friday and Saturday culminated a Peace Week in the city of Newark that started Friday, Aug. 17 and included an Artist Against Violence concert Wednesday, Aug. 21 at Newark Symphony Hall’s Terrace Ballroom on Broad Street.
“We fuse the power of hip-hop music and spoken word to lift, heal, and inspire peace in our city, empowering every resident in that process, and bringing healing, hope and happiness into everyday life,” Baraka of 24 Hrs of Peace said in a statement. “During this 24 Hrs of Peace, we celebrate the reality that women are at the center of our city’s evolution as a model of peace, progress and prosperity.”
