Long before the world knew who Drake was, Kardinal Offishall served as the most notable Hip Hop artist from Toronto. Over the years, there was at least the perception of beef with Kardi shrugging off any Drake comparisons, and Drake taking offense to Kardinal using his “City of Mine” beat. But those conflicts—real or exaggerated—have since been settled, and both artists have supported each other at recent events. Drake reflected on his earliest memories of Kardinal when talking to Tyrone “T-Rexxx” Edwards of Much Music’s “Rap City” about joining Kardi on stage last year.
“That’s important…Kardinal he is that guy,” Drake said. “He is what I used to get excited about. I told him the other night I saw him at Yorkdale Mall one time, and I felt like that was the first time I saw a real star. I definitely wanted him to come out, and it was great for the city. The city loved that moment.”
While Drake’s civic pride didn’t manifest itself in the form of winning a Grammy Award last year, he says his line about not throwing away his potential acceptance speech still holds true. Drake is nominated for four Grammys in the categories of Best New Artist, Best Rap Solo (“Over”), Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group (“Fancy”) and Best Rap Album Thank Me Later.
“Of course I’m gonna take my mom, and I’m gonna bring my boys,” Drake added. “We’ll go out to LA and we’ll have some fun. If we win, we win. If not, we’ll just come back, make some more music and try and get nominated again. The acknowledgement is great for us…it is the highest and most accomplished award I could receive in my mind. But if I don’t get it, I don’t let it eat away at me.”
