Drake surprised fans on Saturday night with an unexpected appearance at Club Nostalgia, where he spontaneously took the stage for a karaoke session. During the impromptu performance, the Canadian rapper shared that one of his earliest musical influences was Jamaican artist Sizzla Kalonji.
Accompanied by Fat Joe and other companions, Drake reminisced about his past, recalling his days outside Club 26, where he used to distribute flyers until he could enter the venue. He mentioned eagerly waiting for the DJ to play two specific Sizzla songs during those nights.
“I used to wait for two songs,” Drake revealed, breaking into a rendition of Sizzla’s “Hush” featuring Kim Davis, a track released 16 years ago. “That’s a big tune! I used to wait every night to hear that song.”
Drake’s extensive knowledge of music, spanning from the pre-1990s to the early 2000s, was evident throughout the night. Alongside fellow rappers Fat Joe and T-Rex, he posed for photos inside the club. Reports suggest that T-Rex hosted the party, with Drake and Fat Joe showcasing their talents and Drizzy exuding his trademark Canadian hospitality.
In a friendly musical exchange, Drake and T-Rex engaged in a mini-battle, with Drake passionately singing Usher’s “U Don’t Have To Call,” prompting the crowd to join in on the fun.
Fans took to social media to express their excitement at witnessing Drake in his element. One fan commented, “Shout out to the nostalgia party! Seeing @fatjoe perform and Drake as an emcee was unreal.”
Drake’s affinity for dancehall music and Jamaican culture has deep roots, dating back to his upbringing in Toronto, where a vibrant Jamaican immigrant community heavily influenced the city’s musical landscape. The OVO rapper’s connection with Jamaica is well-documented, including his 2010 visit to shoot the music video for “Find Your Love” alongside dancehall artist Mavado and model Maliah Michel.
Despite not having collaborated with Sizzla Kalonji to date, Drake’s recent homage may pave the way for future musical connections with the Jamaican artist.
