Drake’s longtime producer Noah “40” Shebib has now joined the chorus of those reacting to Meek Mill’s claims that Drake does not write his own lyrics. 40 has been with Drake for almost a decade now, well before So Far Gone, and has also been instrumental in the crafting of the OVO sound. In his Tweets, he references Quentin Miller, the man Meek Mill pointed to as Drake’s writer/ghostwriter and Shebib notes that Miller is explicitly credited on If Youre Reading This Its Too Late.
He also admits to working in the studio with Miller. But, while he admits to working with him, he also states that “no one is as talented as Drake.” And, that he’s worked with Toronto emcee for over 5000 hours while he’s only been in the studio with Quentin for about 30 minutes. You can read in full what he had to say below.
No one can question my involvement in drakes career. We have come a long way together. So let me start by putting something into perspective
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
I can't count the hours that myself and drake have spent writing producing and recording music. Let's just say… 5000 hours…
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
I've spent maybe 30 min in a studio with Q. Nice enough guy, very talented…
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
If your asking if he contributed to if you're reading this… Yes, he did. You can also see that by reading the credits. ?
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
Anyways, I don't work with many people. And there's a reason….
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
No one is as talented as drake. It's not worth my time. I need someone who understands song writing on a higher level…
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
Sometimes that skill is used to recognize other great songs… Like in all forms of music… Except rap.
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
Rap has a stigma about writing your own lyrics and rightfully so… its a very personal art form and its rooted in speaking truthfully.
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
Thankfully for me drake isn't just a rapper. He's also a musician and a producer and a creator.
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
We go beyond the normal boundaries that rappers want to sleep themselves stuck in.
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
We've been fighting those rules from day one. If no one noticed there weren't many singing rappers in '08
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
To be even feeling my own need to say these things is crazy
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
and even more ironic is that drake is maybe the most personal rapper ever
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
never has someone spoken about themselves or there own perspective so vividly… ever.
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
its why people have called him soft… because he shows humility and is truthful and honest.
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
you're smokin that shit you say you selling if you think someone wrote that shit.
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
so if someone wants to be upset that drake made a great album, go for it, get mad all day lol! but don't ever question my brothers pen.
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015