Key Takeaways:

• Drake’s shock look added star energy to Vybz Kartel’s Canadian debut in Toronto.
• The efficiency highlighted the artists’ long-standing mutual admiration and musical affect.
• Fans at Scotiabank Arena have been handled to reside renditions of “Hotline Bling,” “Controlla” and extra.

Drake made a shock look at Vybz Kartel’s live performance in Toronto on Sunday (Oct. 26). For his first-ever Canadian present, the dancehall icon introduced out the 6 God throughout his first of three scheduled exhibits at Scotiabank Arena.

“We’ve been rocking and praying and hoping for this day. So, I hope you understand tonight is not just about music. Tonight is not just about seeing two artists,” the “God’s Plan” hitmaker mentioned. He later instructed Kartel, “Welcome home — we’re so grateful and happy to have you. You shaped all of our lives. Trust me, especially out here.”

After giving the “Fever” artist the “flowers and love he deserves,” Drake requested if he may play a number of information. Among them have been “Hotline Bling,” “Controlla” — his dancehall-infused bop from 2016’s Views — and “NOKIA.” See footage from the present under.

Drake was already in Toronto for the World Series. On Friday (Oct. 24), he attended Game 1 between the Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Rogers Centre. “What up, what up. Biggest 6ixer, live from — oh you gotta see the Jays at the bottom — live from the World Series on my [39th] birthday,” he mentioned.

After displaying off his customized Crown Jewel chain, the rapper continued, “You see the whole city came out tonight. Shout out to the Jays. We’re down right now, but we’ve been here before.”

Before anybody begins calling Drake a tradition vulture, it’s value noting that he’s lengthy credited Kartel as one in all his “biggest influences.” In a 2016 interview with Nardwuar, the “Passionfruit” artist praised the Kingston native’s influence on his music.

While the 2 haven’t formally collaborated, Kartel’s vocals have been sampled on PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “Not Nice,” which Drake co-wrote.

Earlier this 12 months, in January, Kartel returned the favor with some main reward of his personal. He declared that Drake was “a better and bigger artist” than Kendrick Lamar throughout his Billboard cowl story.

“I don’t even listen to Kendrick, so I wouldn’t know. What does he rap? I saw it on the internet, but no disrespect to the dude,” the dancehall star mentioned. He went on to elucidate that Drake is “more in tune with Jamaica and the culture.”