Walmart Soundcheck
Drake
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Watch the Canadian rapper deliver a high-energy set - live from Los Angeles.
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Canadian rapper Drake’s debut album has a message to the fans and critics: Don’t thank me now… Thank Me Later. The Toronto-born singer (and former ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’ star) performs live from Los Angeles, and tells Soundcheck that his first full length is destined to become a slow-burning classic. Don't thank us - check out our exclusive performance and interview with Drake - and go pick up a copy of ‘Thank Me Later’ online and in Walmart stores nationwide!
-The Crew at Walmart Soundcheck
On Telling His Story:
“I always try and tell the stories of what’s going on around me. ‘So Far Gone’ was an incredible project. ‘Thank Me Later’ is just the next step. I treat my listeners like my friends. When I do make an album I use that opportunity to share my stories…”
On Making Original Music:
“I had to be very cautious by what I am inspired by and what I utilize. It was definitely a challenge for me to do all orginal material, to be completely honest with you. I’ve never done an entire disc of stuff that I wrote, [with] 40 producing. Top to bottom, no interludes, nothing could be taken from the music that we love. At the same time I didn’t make it too technical. I was blessed enough to be able to work with a lot of the people that do inspire me.”
On Lil Wayne:
“I have the greatest mentor in the world. I’ve got Lil Wayne! I can’t complain; I’m in a great position. I’m part of probably one of the greatest teams in hop hop history, I’d say!”
On Finding Happy:
“I think as the days go on I just get more and more comfortable in my own skin. It has nothing to do with the success or the money, I just mean the person that I am. I’m proud of it, the way I speak, where I’m from, where I live, who my friends are, the way my mother raised me, the way I interact with women, the way I interact with people in general... everything! I think as the days go on I’m just more and more happy to be me. I think that’s what’s supposed to happen in life; I think that’s what growing is. I’m alright, man. I’m on my way…”
On Memphis Love:
“I think I was greatly influenced by where my family lives, which is Memphis, Tennessee. There’s just a lot of soul in that city, man. There’s a lot of great music that’s come out of there. I remember going there as a kid, and it was like music heaven. It was my playground. Memphis was it. Memphis was the soul. Memphis was the groove.”
On Thanking Him Later:
“The title is more based on the pressure. The weight that everybody puts on this album. I feel that no matter what I do everybody has something negative to say about it. Yet with this album, I know it’s great. I’m very confident, and I just think it’s going to take a little time to digest. That’s why I say, 'Thank Me Later!'"
Did You Know?
• Drake is a Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, rapper, and actor.
• He’s Canadian. Drake grew up in one of the most affluent areas of Toronto, Canada. His mother is Canadian, and his father is from Memphis, Tennessee.
• He began his career on 'Degrassi: The Next Generation.' Drake started on the show at age 14, playing the character “Jimmy.”
• He’s the prodigy of rapper Lil Wayne. Drake’s music career took off with a mix tape that Lil Wayne heard and liked. The rest is history.
• His new record, ‘Thank Me Later’ is in stores now! Pick up a copy of the record online and in Walmart stores nationwide.
Forever
The atmosphere at Club Nokia in Los Angeles is heavy with anticipation. When the Canadian rapper finally takes to the stage, the fans let loose. Opening with crowd favorite, ‘Forever,’ Drake raps the unforgettable lyrics: “It may not mean nothing to y’all / But understand nothing was done for me / So I don’t plan on stopping at all…”
BedRock
“Y’all make some noise for my Young Money family!” asks Drake as he introduces the Soundcheck crowd to some talented players: Mack Maine, Lil Twist, Tiger Tiger, and Nikki Manaj. Drake stamps ‘BedRock’ with his signature creative genius, even sampling the late Aaliyah’s, ‘Are You That Somebody’ into the mix.
Successful
The second single from Drake’s EP ‘So Far Gone’ is a set highlight. Drake has said in interviews that he wrote ‘Successful’ during a confusing time in his career - and a bad breakup. On the eve of his full length debut, it's a victorious anthem. Declares the rapper: “Life change for us every week / So it’s good, but I know this ain’t the peak.”
Best I Ever Had
Drake’s first single wasn’t just a smash hit, it was also nominated for two Grammy awards: Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Song. Today, Drake wins over the audience with his stunning debut hit. Sings the multi-talented rapper: “You can have my heart or we can share it like the last slice.”
Over
“I know way too many people here right now that I didn’t know last year…” Closing with the lead single from his debut album, ‘Thank Me Later,’ Drake proves the album is well worth the wait. The first single from his debut record may be called ‘Over,’ but the triumphant track is a signal that the Drake is just getting started.

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