The Apollo Theater lived up to its reputation over the weekend as Drake was there. The Canadian has played back-to-back shows at the historic Harlem location. In October 2022, only one show was initially announced for November 11th. That day, however, was the memorial service for the late Migos rapper Takeoff in Atlanta, and Drake attended to recite a poem. When the event was rescheduled, an appearance was added. And both evenings had it all.
The show
The Apollo Theater seats approximately 1500 guests. Already intimate, it’s probably the most exclusive thing someone like Drake can offer. Tickets were only raffled among listeners to his show “Sound 42”, which is regularly broadcast on the paid satellite radio “SiriusXM”. The lucky winners were offered a lot. The superstar performed over 40 songs from all phases of his career. Old fan favourites, classics, new material from his latest album with 21 Savage, who was also there, and even some dipset songs where he himself was just a sidekick to Cam’ron, Julez Santana, Jim Jones and Freekey Zekey .
At the second appointment on January 22nd, he received additional support from Lil Uzi Vert. The show was also elaborately produced. Through three different settings, she traced a version of his career path. From the bedroom in the basement of his mother’s house, to the first failed attempt to convince labels in New York and then, during the Dipset gig, to the replica deli in Harlem. So metaphorically to the actual appearance in the Apollo Theater. During his performances, Drake also spoke a lot about that background and his current career. He also thanked his mother extensively and affectionately, who was also there. He dedicated the show to her, the local fans who have proven to be particularly loyal through the raffle and all long-time companions.
Among other things, he said: “I’m starting to realize that as I’m getting older – I don’t want to say I’m old, but I’m getting older – I can hardly believe that you all still care about what I say and do. There are many days when I wake up and just can’t believe it. And it means everything to me. You still come here, you still support me, you keep singing my songs with me and you give me feedback on what I’m doing.”
A break and two takeaways
The show on January 23 had to be interrupted shortly before its final climax. While 21 Savage was on his way to the stage and the instrumental of “Rich Flex” was already playing, a fan fell over the balcony parapet into the interior. Drake then paused to give security and paramedics time to treat the injured fan. A video shows the incident and the rapper’s reaction. After the accident, the fan is said to have left the venue on his own two feet, albeit with help.
It wasn’t the only surprise of the evening. During the hiatus, Drake announced that a tour with 21 Savage would soon take place. The two released their collaborative album HER LOSS in 2022. The 36-year-old also hinted that a new album could possibly be released this year. He did not say whether it was a solo project.
In 2022, in addition to the album with 21 Savage, Drake also released the album HONESTLY NEVERMIND. Along with Beyoncé, he was one of the biggest artists to lend legitimacy to the current trend of dance and house music influencing hip-hop.