The Grammy Award-nominated artist addressed his previous with Drake and defined the true purpose behind his viral kitchen video throughout a fundraiser to rebuild a Portland studio.

iLoveMakonnen went viral this week after posting a video of himself working in a kitchen throughout a fundraiser in Portland, prompting a wave of hypothesis about his profession and previous ties to Drake.

The clip, which circulated extensively on social media, confirmed the “Tuesday” artist behind a counter making ready meals. While some praised his humility and work ethic, others questioned how the Grammy Award-nominated artist ended up in that place. Several customers introduced up his former affiliation with Drake and OVO Sound, reigniting long-standing conversations about his trajectory within the music business.

But based on Makonnen, the kitchen shift wasn’t a couple of fall from grace—it was about giving again. He was volunteering to assist increase cash to rebuild Burn Money Studios, a Portland-based recording area he incessantly used that was destroyed in a fireplace earlier this month.

“I’m not embarrassed. I’m just surviving like every human has to.”

That’s what iLoveMakonnen instructed me once I requested concerning the viral video of him in a restaurant kitchen.

Everyone shared the clip, however no person reached out to listen to the story behind it. Until I did.

A thread…🧵 pic.twitter.com/ban45oodOG

— Z (@BrianZisook) August 30, 2025

Speaking with Audiomack co-founder Brian Zisook, Makonnen defined his determination to step away from the normal music enterprise. “music was a way out. But once I saw the politics, the egos, and the fake s###, I knew this wasn’t for me. Respectfully, I want to remove myself.”

Though he’s now not concerned within the business machine, Makonnen hasn’t stopped creating. He’s launched 4 singles prior to now two months and says he nonetheless enjoys making music—however on his personal phrases. “I’d love to keep making art, but the business side? I want out.”

The 36-year-old additionally addressed the fixed comparisons to Drake, who remixed “Tuesday” and signed him to OVO in 2014. “People always tie my story back to Drake. But I haven’t had a relationship with him since 2015.”

Since distancing himself from the highlight, Makonnen has taken on numerous jobs to remain afloat. “The only thing that really makes me happy is when I can help somebody else,” he mentioned. “I’m not embarrassed by any of it. This is survival. That’s real life.”

The fireplace that destroyed Burn Money Studios occurred earlier this month in Portland.

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