Jay Z, Kanye West: Drake is Their Biggest Competitor in Hip Hop, Both Rappers Revealed [VIDEO]
In recent weeks, Kanye West and Jay Z have both acknowledged Drake as the greatest challenger to their status as rap's biggest and brightest stars.
West was part of the star-studded lineup at Drake's OVO Fest in Toronto on Monday night, and he made a highly flattering statement about the Canadian rapper.
"Me and Hov would've never made Watch the Throne if [Drake] wasn't putting pressure on us like that, so I just wanna pay my respects," 'West told a packed house in Toronto.
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Since the release of his second album, Take Care, Drake has been climbing to the top of hip-hop's totem pole. The aforementioned record won the 2013 Grammy for Best Rap Album and has sold over two million copies to date. Drake has also produced or been featured on a myriad of hit songs. But the nod from a peer was one Drake appreciated, despite his already seminal success.
"That was probably the most important moment in my career to date," Drake told MTV News after the show. "I think me and Kanye have wanted to express our respect for each other for a long time and sometimes rap, the business, the competitiveness and just the heart behind it forces you to not talk to the people you quietly admire."
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Back on July 19, during an interview with Rap Radar, Jay Z also revealed his competitive, but respect-based friendship with the 26-year-old.
"Even Drake and I have a great relationship," Mr. Carter said. "I know he feels like 'I'm the next one; I'm right here.' He's definitely the one that's reared his head as the guy; he's definitely Kobe Bryant."
Watch Kanye West's appearance at the OVO Fest below as well as Jay Z's interview with Rap Radar.
