MP3Waxx Music & Music Video Promotion & Marketing

The recent news of Toronto-born recording artist Drake receiving a key to Shelby County has sparked both support and backlash from fans. Memphis, the county seat of Shelby County, Tennessee, holds significance for Drake as he spent his childhood summers there, and his father, Dennis Graham, hails from the state’s second-most populous city. Throughout his career, Drake has consistently shown love and paid tribute to his “second home” through his music and videos. During the key ceremony, Shelby County Chairman Mickell Lowery expressed admiration for Drake, stating, “We love our own. Memphis music touches the world. You got a lot of Memphis blood in you, and you’re definitely touching the world.” Footage of the event quickly went viral on social media, leading to a mixture of reactions from fans and critics alike. One Twitter user voiced their discontent, claiming that the recognition was disrespectful to Memphis rap stars such as GloRilla, Young Dolph, Key Glock, Three 6 Mafia, Yo Gotti, and Moneybagg Yo. GloRilla, a Memphis rapper, responded by quote-tweeting the critic and mentioning that she herself had received a key to Shelby County nearly a year ago. Interestingly, GloRilla recently expressed her admiration for Drake during the 2023 BET Awards. The 23-year-old artist, known for her EP “Anyways, Life’s Great,” expressed her desire to collaborate with the OVO Sound leader in the future. She shared, “Most definitely. We’re gonna try to make it work.” GloRilla’s track “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” even earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance in 2023. Moreover, GloRilla’s success was further recognized at the BET Awards, where she received six nominations and performed her song “Lick or Sum.” In 2022, she had previously won the Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist award at the BET Hip Hop Awards. The reactions to Drake receiving a key to Shelby County highlight the diverse perspectives of fans. While some celebrate the recognition and acknowledge Drake’s connection to Memphis, others express disappointment on behalf of local rap artists. Nevertheless, GloRilla’s response indicates her support for Drake and her eagerness to collaborate with him in the future. As the music industry continues to evolve, artists like GloRilla are making their mark and garnering recognition for their talent and contributions.