Rapper Drake to come to UK
during the first half of the UK men’s basketball against Wake Forest for the second round of the NCAA tournament at New Orleans Arena on Saturday, March 20, 2010. The Cats won 90-60 over the Deacs. Photo by Adam Wolffbrandt
April 22, 2010
From Canadian high school student,to teen sopa opera actor, to international rap star, Aubrey Drake Graham has seen it all.
On Tuesday Graham, better known as Drake, along with guests K-Os and Francis & the Lights, will bring his “Away From Home Tour” to UK.
Drake was born in Ontario, Canada, where he lived until he left Forest Hill Collegiate Institute in order to pursue a career in acting.
In 2001 he was cast to play the role of Jimmy Brooks on the television show “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” He left the show in 2009 and pursued a career in music.
He began to catch public attention with his 2009 mixtape, “So Far Gone,” which featured his first well-circulated single “Best I Ever Had.”
In the summer of 2009, Drake signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money entertainment label. His first LP is slated for a release this summer.
The “Away From Home Tour” will take Drake to college campuses across the nation. His appearance at UK shouldn’t be a surprise for many, as the rapper was spotted at numerous UK men’s basketball games this past season.
“I’m just a natural fan. I love the team,” Drake said of UK in a March 21 New York Times article.
Drake made his UK debut at Big Blue Madness, where he was a coach for one of the teams during the Blue/White game. He also attended games throughout the season, including games during the team’s Elite 8 run.
Student Activities Board Concert Director Chris Duncan said Drake’s affiliation with UK made him an obvious choice.
“Last year when we booked Jason Mraz, we sent out surveys and there was a big demand for hip hop,” Duncan said. “Drake’s appearance at UK games and the tournament made him an easy choice.”
The concert is powered by Reverb, which launched the Green Music Group. As a result, the production of Drake’s show, from the lights to the sound, is green.
In addition to being as energy efficient as possible, there will be “Eco Villages” in the mezzanines of Memorial Colliseum during the performance.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the ticket office in the Student Center or at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $15 for students and $30 for general admission.
