Drake performed “one of the greatest songs of all time” in Toronto.
It looks like Drake is still moving away from rap. Last month, he surprised fans with a dance album, Honestly, Nevermind, a big pivot away from his hip hop roots. Criticism has been mixed, to say the least. Some have praised Drizzy’s new direction, while others have not been so kind.
On Friday, Drake was completely bent on pop to feel good. The rapper appeared with the Backstreet Boys as they closed their main ensemble at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto. He was an honorary “sixth member” of the group when they performed their eternal hit “I Want It That Way”.
Drake told the crowd he was honored to be a part of the performance. “At 13, I had a bar mitzvah, and at my bar mitzvah, for the first time in my life, this girl I was in love with approached me and played one of the greatest songs in the world.” He said. “She asked me if I would dance with her, and it was the first time I felt recognized, and it was the first time I felt I had a chance to be great.” The song in question? “I want it that way.”
So it was a significant moment for Drake to join the Backstreet Boys in their rendition of “one of the best songs of all time,” as the Toronto rapper described it. “If she can see me now,” Drake said. During the performance, he mixed his own song, “Hold On, We’re Going Home.”
See the full interpretation below.
[via]