Drake Focused on New Album Amidst Music Video Shoot and Legal Drama

Drake is deep in album mode, according to OVO rapper Smiley, who recently revealed that the Canadian superstar was actively recording his upcoming project even during breaks on the set of the “Nokia” music video. “He had producers around him and was recording in between takes,” Smiley shared during a livestream.

Smiley also recalled a recent party where Drake vanished from the festivities, only to be found in a separate room eating pasta and writing music with wired headphones on. “He’s operating on a whole different level right now,” Smiley said.

Drake confirmed the album rumors during a stream with Adin Ross, saying he’s currently working on a solo record. “It’s a slap,” he promised.

Meanwhile, outside the studio, Drake remains entangled in a legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG). The rapper amended his defamation lawsuit against the label, claiming Kendrick Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us” during the Super Bowl—which censored the word “pedophile”—backs his claim that UMG harmed his reputation.

UMG dismissed the updated complaint, cautioning that the discovery process could backfire on Drake. However, Drake’s team responded confidently, stating the artist has “nothing to hide” and welcomes testimony from UMG executives like Lucian Grainge and John Janick.