Drake, the celebrated rapper, has publicly disclosed his intention to step away from the music scene for a while, citing, “I need to focus on my health first and foremost.”
This announcement came shortly after the debut of his new album, For All The Dogs. The “Hotline Bling” artist revealed ongoing stomach issues, mentioning, “I’ve been having the craziest problems for years with my stomach.”
During his Friday radio segment on the SiriusXM show, Table For One, he stated, “I probably won’t make music for a little bit, I’m gonna be honest.” He further added, “I’m going to lock the door on the studio for a little bit. I don’t even know what a little bit is. Maybe a year or something. Maybe a little longer.”
Echoing his sentiments, a clip from the radio session was shared on his Instagram, reaching his vast audience of 143 million with the message: “See ya when I see ya.”
Following this, several of his imminent shows have been put on hold. Though he is slated to perform in Toronto this weekend, subsequent shows have been postponed, as seen on the tour section of his website. This includes concerts in locations like Denver, New Orleans, Nashville, and Columbus, Ohio.
Drake’s decision mirrors that of other artists such as Madonna, who delayed her tour due to a severe bacterial infection, and Bruce Springsteen, who postponed his tour dates owing to a peptic ulcer.
At 36, Drake’s influence in the hip-hop scene is undeniable. His latest album showcases artwork by his five-year-old son, who also graces the music video for the song, 8AM in Charlotte. Moreover, the rapper expanded his horizons by releasing a poetry book earlier this year.
