What style of rap is Drake? Pop or not?

Drake, the Canadian-born hip-hop sensation, has left an indelible mark on the rap scene with his signature style. His approach to the genre is a captivating blend of diverse influences and a distinctive artistic vision that has captivated audiences worldwide. As we delve deeper into what style of rap is Drake? we’ll uncover the elements that set him apart from the crowd.

Drake’s rap style is a unique blend of hip hop, R&B, and pop. He is known for his melodic flow, catchy hooks, and introspective lyrics. Drake’s raps often deal with themes of love, heartbreak, success, and nostalgia. He is also known for his ability to tell stories through his music.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Drake’s rap style is his use of melody. Drake’s raps are often sung rather than spoken, and he frequently incorporates R&B and pop elements into his music. This gives his raps a more melodic and accessible sound than those of many other rappers.

Another key element of Drake’s rap style is his use of catchy hooks. Drake is a master of writing hooks that get stuck in your head. His hooks are often simple, but they are also very effective. Drake’s hooks are one of the main reasons why his music is so popular. Drake’s lyrics are notable for their introspective nature. Drake often raps about his personal experiences and emotions.

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Drake’s Early Musical Influences

Drake’s early musical influences were primarily in the hip-hop and R&B genres. He has cited Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Aaliyah, Beyoncé, and Usher as some of his biggest inspirations. Other artists who have influenced Drake’s music include Notorious B.I.G., André 3000, Three 6 Mafia, and Yo Gotti.

Moreover, Drake grew up in Toronto, Canada, and was exposed to a wide range of music from a young age. He began rapping and writing songs at the age of 15, and released his first mixtape, Room for Improvement, in 2006. His early music was heavily influenced by the hip-hop and R&B artists he admired, and he often sampled their beats and melodies.

As Drake’s career progressed, his music began to evolve and incorporate elements of other genres, such as pop, dancehall, and Caribbean music. However, his early influences remain evident in his music today.

For example, his song “Started from the Bottom” samples Jay-Z’s “Run This Town,” and his song “Hold On, We’re Going Home” samples Sade’s “Hold On.”

Drake has credited his early influences with helping to shape his sound and style. He has said that he learned a lot from listening to these artists and that their music inspired him to become a better rapper and songwriter.

Here are some specific examples of Drake’s early musical influences:

Jay-Z: Drake has said that Jay-Z is his biggest role model and that he has learned a lot from him about the music business. Jay-Z’s influence can be heard in Drake’s flow, lyrics, and business acumen.

Kanye West: Drake has also praised Kanye West for his creativity and innovation. West’s influence can be heard in Drake’s willingness to experiment with different genres and sounds.
Lil Wayne: Lil Wayne was one of the hottest rappers in the game when Drake was starting out. Drake has said that Wayne’s music inspired him to write more catchy and melodic songs.
Aaliyah: Aaliyah was one of Drake’s favorite R&B singers. Her influence can be heard in Drake’s smooth vocals and R&B-infused beats.

Beyoncé: Beyoncé is another one of Drake’s favorite R&B singers. Her influence can be heard in Drake’s powerful vocals and anthemic choruses.
Usher: Usher is known for his smooth vocals and danceable beats. Drake has said that Usher’s music inspired him to write more songs that could be played in the club.

Drake’s early musical influences have helped to make him one of the most successful and popular rappers in the world. He has been able to blend his influences together to create a unique sound that has resonated with fans all over the world.

Drake’s Signature Lyrical Style

Drake’s signature lyrical style is characterized by honesty, vulnerability, and introspection. He often raps about his personal experiences, relationships, and emotions, and he does so in a way that is both relatable and authentic. Drake is also known for his melodic flow, his ability to craft catchy hooks, and his use of wordplay and simile.

Here are some of the key elements of Drake’s signature lyrical style:

Honesty and vulnerability: Drake is not afraid to talk about his personal experiences, even the difficult ones. He has rapped about his struggles with fame, wealth, and relationships, and he has done so in a way that is honest and vulnerable. This has made him relatable to fans all over the world.

Introspection: Drake is a reflective artist, and his lyrics often explore his inner thoughts and feelings. He raps about his hopes and dreams, his fears and insecurities, and his journey to self-discovery. This introspection has made his music both meaningful and compelling.
Melodic flow: Drake has a unique melodic flow that is instantly recognizable. His flow is smooth and effortless, and he often uses it to create catchy hooks and sing-along choruses.
Wordplay and simile: Drake is a master of wordplay and simile. He often uses clever wordplay and vivid imagery to paint pictures in the listener’s mind. This makes his lyrics both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Here are some examples of Drake’s signature lyrical style:

“Started from the bottom; now we’re here.” This iconic line from Drake’s song “Started from the Bottom” is a perfect example of his honesty and vulnerability. Drake is rapping about his journey from obscurity to success, and he is doing so in a way that is both relatable and inspiring.
“I’m the one they want to be like.” This line from Drake’s song “5AM in Toronto” is a great example of his introspection. Drake is reflecting on his success and his impact on the culture, and he is doing so in a way that is both confident and humble.

“You’re the one that makes me feel like I can do anything.” This line from Drake’s song “One Dance” is a good example of his melodic flow and his use of simile. Drake is singing about the woman he loves, and he is using a vivid simile to describe how she makes him feel.
“I’m a one-man army, I’m a force to be reckoned with.” This line from Drake’s song “Worst Behavior” is a good example of his wordplay. Drake is using the words “one-man army” and “force to be reckoned with” to describe his strength and determination.

Drake’s signature lyrical style has made him one of the most successful and popular rappers in the world. He is known for his honest, vulnerable, and introspective lyrics, as well as his melodic flow and his use of wordplay and simile.

Drake’s Use of Melodic Rap

Drake is known for his use of melodic rap, which is a style of rap that incorporates elements of singing and melody. This style of rap is often characterized by its smooth flow, catchy hooks, and sing-along choruses. Drake is one of the most popular and successful rappers to use melodic rap, and he has helped to popularize the style in recent years.

Here are some of the ways in which Drake uses melodic rap in his music:

Melodic flow: Drake has a unique melodic flow that is instantly recognizable. His flow is smooth and effortless, and he often uses it to create catchy hooks and sing-along choruses.

Catchy hooks: Drake is known for his catchy hooks, which are often melodic and easy to sing along to. His hooks are one of the things that make his music so popular and appealing to fans.
Sing-along choruses: Drake’s choruses are often melodic and sing-along in nature. This makes his music more accessible to a wider range of listeners and helps to make his songs more popular.

Here are some examples of Drake’s use of melodic rap:

“Started from the Bottom, Now We’re Here”
“Hold On, We’re Going Home”
“One Dance”

“Hotline Bling”
“In My Feelings”

These songs all feature catchy hooks, sing-along choruses, and Drake’s signature melodic flow. They are all examples of how Drake uses melodic rap to create music that is both popular and critically acclaimed.

Drake’s use of melodic rap has helped to make him one of the most successful and popular rappers in the world. He has helped to popularize the style of rap and has inspired other artists to incorporate elements of melody into their music. Drake’s music is both catchy and meaningful, and his use of melodic rap is one of the things that makes him so unique and successful.

Evolution of Drake’s Rap Style

Drake’s rap style has evolved significantly over the course of his career. Early in his career, his style was more traditional hip-hop, with a focus on lyrical dexterity and complex rhyme schemes.

However, as he has progressed, his style has become more melodic and accessible, with a focus on catchy hooks and sing-along choruses.

Here is a brief overview of the evolution of Drake’s rap style:

Early career (2009-2011): Drake’s early mixtapes, such as So Far Gone and Thank Me Later, featured a more traditional hip-hop sound. His raps were often complex and technical, and he demonstrated a strong mastery of lyricism.

Mid-career (2012-2015): With the release of his albums Take Care and Nothing Was the Same, Drake began to experiment with more melodic and accessible sounds. His raps became more sing-song in nature, and he began to incorporate elements of R&B and pop into his music.
Recent years (2016-present): In recent years, Drake’s rap style has continued to evolve. He has embraced a more pop-oriented sound, and his raps have become even more melodic and catchy. He has also experimented with different genres, such as dancehall and trap.

Influence of Toronto on Drake’s Music

Toronto has had a significant influence on Drake’s music. The city’s multiculturalism, diversity, and vibrant arts scene have all shaped his sound and style.

Here are some specific ways in which Toronto has influenced Drake’s music:

Multiculturalism: Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and this is reflected in Drake’s music. He often incorporates elements of different genres and cultures into his music, such as dancehall, reggae, and Caribbean music.
Diversity: Toronto is also a very diverse city, and this is reflected in Drake’s lyrics and subject matter. He raps about a wide range of topics, from his personal experiences to social and political issues.

Vibrant arts scene: Toronto has a vibrant arts scene, and Drake has been involved in it since he was a young teenager. He has collaborated with many other Toronto artists, such as the Weeknd, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Majid Jordan.

In addition to these general influences, Toronto has also inspired Drake’s music in more specific ways. For example, his song “Started from the Bottom” is about his journey from growing up in the humble Weston neighbourhood to becoming a global superstar. The song features a reference to the Jane and Weston neighbourhood, where Drake grew up.

Another example of Toronto’s influence on Drake’s music is his song “Hold On, We’re Going Home.” The song samples the beat from Sade’s “Hold On,” which is a classic Toronto R&B song. The song also features a reference to the CN Tower, one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks.

Drake is proud of his Toronto roots, and he often references the city in his music. He has helped to put Toronto on the map as a major center for music and culture.

Drake’s Collaborations with Other Artists

Drake is known for his collaborations with other artists. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists, from hip-hop artists to R&B singers to pop stars. Some of his most notable collaborations include:

Rihanna: Drake has collaborated with Rihanna on several hit songs, including “Work,” “Too Good,” and “What’s My Name?”

Future: Drake has also collaborated with Future on several hit songs, including “Way 2 Sexy,” “I’m On One,” and “Jumpman.”
Nicki Minaj: Drake has collaborated with Nicki Minaj on several hit songs, including “Truffle Butter,” “Only,” and “No Frauds.”
Lil Wayne: Drake has collaborated with Lil Wayne on several hit songs, including “HYFR,” “The Motto,” and “Started from the Bottom.”

The Weeknd: Drake has collaborated with The Weeknd on several hit songs, including “One Dance,” “Pray for Me,” and “Crew Love.”

Other artists that Drake has collaborated with include:

Rick Ross

Kendrick Lamar
Jay-Z
Beyoncé

Usher
PARTYNEXTDOOR
Majid Jordan

Travis Scott
21 Savage
Young Thug

Lil Baby
Jack Harlow
SZA

Drake’s collaborations with other artists have helped him to stay relevant and successful in a constantly changing industry. He is able to tap into the talents and popularity of other artists to create new and exciting music. Drake’s collaborations have also helped to promote other artists and introduce them to a wider audience.

Drake’s Exploration of Emotional Themes

Drake is known for his exploration of emotional themes in his music. He often raps about his personal experiences, relationships, and emotions in a way that is both honest and relatable. This has made him one of the most popular and successful rappers in the world, as his fans appreciate his willingness to share his vulnerabilities.

Here are some of the emotional themes that Drake explores in his music:

Love and relationships: Drake raps about love and relationships in all their forms, from the excitement of new love to the pain of heartbreak. Some of his most popular songs about love and relationships include “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” “Marvin’s Room,” and “One Dance.”
Loss and grief: Drake has also rapped about loss and grief, particularly the loss of his friend and mentor, Lil Wayne’s manager Cortez Bryant. Some of his most emotional songs about loss and grief include “Redemption” and “Look What You’ve Done.”

Self-reflection and growth: Drake is also known for his introspective lyrics, in which he reflects on his own personal growth and development. Some of his most introspective songs include “Started from the Bottom” and “God’s Plan.”
Social and political issues: Drake has also used his music to address social and political issues, such as racism, poverty, and police brutality. Some of his most socially and politically conscious songs include “Black Lives Matter” and “Jodeci.”

Drake’s exploration of emotional themes in his music has made him one of the most popular and successful rappers in the world. He is able to connect with his fans on a deep level by sharing his own vulnerabilities and experiences. Drake’s music is both cathartic and inspiring, and it helps his fans feel less alone in their own struggles.

Drake’s Impact on Hip-Hop

Drake has had a major impact on hip-hop culture and music. He is one of the most successful and influential rappers of all time, and his influence can be seen in the work of countless other artists.

Here are some of the ways in which Drake has impacted hip-hop:

Popularized melodic rap: Drake is known for his melodic rap style, which incorporates elements of singing and melody. This style of rap has become increasingly popular in recent years, and Drake has played a major role in popularizing it.

Broke down barriers between genres: Drake has collaborated with artists from a wide range of genres, including R&B, pop, and dancehall. This has helped to break down the barriers between genres and create a more inclusive hip-hop scene.
Empowered a new generation of artists: Drake’s success has inspired a new generation of hip-hop artists. He has shown that it is possible to be successful in the music industry while staying true to your own sound and style.

Drake has also had a significant impact on hip-hop culture beyond his music. He is a fashion icon, and his influence can be seen in the way that many people dress. He is also a successful businessman, and he has his own record label, clothing line, and other ventures.

Drake is a global superstar, and his impact on hip-hop culture and music is undeniable. He is one of the most important and influential figures in the genre today.

Here are some specific examples of Drake’s impact on hip-hop:

Many rappers have adopted Drake’s melodic rap style, including Lil Baby, Jack Harlow, and Roddy Ricch.

Drake’s collaborations with artists from other genres have helped to break down the barriers between genres and create a more inclusive hip-hop scene. For example, his song “One Dance” features the Jamaican dancehall artist Kyla.
Drake’s success has inspired a new generation of hip-hop artists, such as Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Uzi Vert, and Cardi B.
Drake is a fashion icon, and his influence can be seen in the way that many people dress. For example, his OVO owl logo is popular with his fans.

Drake is a successful businessman, and he has his own record label, clothing line, and other ventures. For example, his record label, OVO Sound, has released successful albums by artists such as Majid Jordan and PARTYNEXTDOOR.

Drake is one of the most important and influential figures in hip-hop today. He has had a major impact on the genre’s music, culture, and fashion.

Drake’s Approach to Storytelling

Drake is a master storyteller. His songs are often cinematic and evocative, and they tell stories about his life, relationships, and experiences in a way that is both relatable and engaging.

Here are some of the key elements of Drake’s storytelling approach:

Personalization: Drake’s songs are often very personal. He raps about his own experiences, thoughts, and feelings in a way that is honest and vulnerable. This makes his music relatable to fans all over the world.
Detail: Drake is a master of detail. His songs are full of vivid imagery and sensory details that bring his stories to life. This makes his music immersive and engaging.

Emotion: Drake is not afraid to show emotion in his music. He raps about love, loss, joy, pain, and everything in between. This makes his music emotionally resonant and powerful.
Honesty: Drake is honest in his music. He doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, and he is always willing to share his true feelings. This makes his music authentic and credible.

Here are some specific examples of Drake’s storytelling approach in his music:

“Started from the Bottom” tells the story of Drake’s journey from obscurity to success. He raps about the challenges he faced growing up in poverty and the hard work and dedication it took to achieve his dreams.
“Marvin’s Room” tells the story of Drake’s heartbreak after his girlfriend leaves him. He raps about his pain, loneliness, and confusion in a way that is both raw and emotional.
“One Dance” tells the story of Drake’s passionate encounter with a woman at a club. He raps about the excitement and electricity of their connection in a way that is both sensual and romantic.

“Redemption” tells the story of Drake’s personal growth and development. He raps about the mistakes he has made and the lessons he has learned. He also raps about his hope for the future and his desire to be a better person.
“Look What You’ve Done” tells the story of Drake’s grief over the loss of his friend and mentor, Cortez Bryant. He raps about how much he misses Bryant and how his death has changed him. He also raps about the impact Bryant had on his life and his career.

Drake is one of the best storytellers in hip-hop today. He is able to connect with his fans on a deep level by sharing his own personal experiences and emotions in his music. Drake’s songs are both relatable and engaging, and they often tell stories that stay with listeners long after they have finished listening.

How Drake Balances Singing and Rapping

Drake is one of the most successful rappers and singers of all time, and his ability to balance both disciplines is a key factor in his success. He has a unique style that blends hip-hop and R&B, and he is able to switch between the two seamlessly.

One of the ways that Drake balances singing and rapping is by using his voice to create different moods and textures in his songs.

Drake can use his singing voice to create a melodic hook or to deliver a heartfelt verse, and he can use his rapping voice to add energy and excitement to a song. He is also able to use his voice to create different personas, from the confident rapper to the vulnerable singer.

Another way that Drake balances singing and rapping is by using different production techniques. He often uses beats and instrumentation that are common in both hip-hop and R&B, and he is able to blend the two genres together seamlessly. For example, he might use a hip-hop beat with an R&B melody, or he might use an R&B beat with a hip-hop-inspired rap verse.

Drake is also able to balance singing and rapping by writing songs that incorporate both elements. He often writes songs that have a melodic chorus and a rap verse, and he is able to transition between the two smoothly. He is also able to write songs that blend singing and rapping together throughout the entire song.

The Role of Authenticity in Drake’s Music

Authenticity plays a major role in Drake’s music. He is known for his honest and relatable lyrics, which often deal with themes of love, loss, and success. He is also known for his willingness to be vulnerable in his music, and he is not afraid to share his personal experiences with his fans.

One of the things that makes Drake’s music so authentic is that he writes about things that he knows well. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Toronto, and he has experienced firsthand many of the challenges that come with growing up in that environment.

He also has a deep understanding of hip-hop culture, and he is able to incorporate that culture into his music in a way that is both authentic and innovative.

Another thing that makes Drake’s music so authentic is his willingness to be open and honest with his fans. He is not afraid to talk about his struggles and his failures, and he is always willing to share his true feelings with his music. This authenticity is one of the things that connects him with his fans on a deep level.

Drake’s authenticity is also evident in his collaborations with other artists. He is always willing to work with new and upcoming artists, and he is always looking for ways to push the boundaries of hip-hop music. This willingness to collaborate and experiment is another thing that makes Drake such a unique and exciting artist.

Here are some examples of Drake’s authenticity in his music:

In the song “Marvin’s Room,” Drake sings about his struggles with heartbreak and loneliness. The song is raw and emotional, and it gives fans a glimpse into Drake’s vulnerable side.
In the song “Started from the Bottom,” Drake raps about his journey from obscurity to stardom. The song is an inspiration to many fans, and it shows that Drake is still humble and grounded despite his success.
In the song “Hotline Bling,” Drake raps about his insecurities and his desire for love. The song is relatable to many fans, and it shows that Drake is just as human as everyone else.

Drake’s authenticity is one of the things that makes him such a popular and successful artist. He is able to connect with his fans on a deep level by sharing his personal experiences and his true feelings. He is also a talented artist who is always looking for ways to push the boundaries of hip hop music.

Drake’s Versatility in Rap Subgenres

Drake is one of the most versatile rappers of his generation. He is able to seamlessly switch between different rap subgenres, including:

Gangsta rap: Drake has a number of songs that fall into the gangsta rap subgenre, such as “Started from the Bottom,” “Know Yourself,” and “HYFR (Hell Ya F*cking Right).” These songs are characterized by their aggressive beats and lyrics that talk about street life, crime, and violence.

Trap: Drake is also known for his trap music. Trap songs typically have slow, atmospheric beats and lyrics that talk about drug dealing, gangs, and violence. Some of Drake’s most popular trap songs include “Headlines,” “Worst Behavior,” and “Trophies.”
Drill: Drill music is a subgenre of trap that originated in Chicago. It is characterized by its dark, menacing beats and lyrics that often talk about violence and death. Drake has a number of drill songs, such as “Gyalchester,” “No Long Talk,” and “Summer Sixteen.”
Pop rap: Pop rap is a subgenre of rap that combines elements of hip hop and pop music. Pop rap songs typically have catchy melodies and lyrics that deal with topics such as love, relationships, and money. Some of Drake’s most popular pop rap songs include “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” and “Passionfruit.”

Conscious rap: Conscious rap is a subgenre of rap that focuses on social and political issues. Drake has a number of conscious rap songs, such as “God’s Plan,” “Preach,” and “U With Me?.”

In addition to these subgenres, Drake has also experimented with other genres of music, such as R&B, dancehall, and reggaeton. He is known for his willingness to push the boundaries of hip hop music and to collaborate with artists from different genres.

Drake’s versatility is one of the things that makes him such a popular and successful artist. He is able to appeal to a wide range of listeners with his diverse music. He is also a skilled songwriter and performer, and he is always looking for ways to innovate and evolve his sound.

Drake’s Chart-Topping Hits

Here is a list of Drake’s chart-topping hits:

God’s Plan (2018)
What’s My Name (2010) with Rihanna

First Person Shooter (2010)
What’s Next (2013)
Wait For U (2022) with Future and Tems

In My Feelings (2018)
One Dance (2016)
Work (2016) with Rihanna

Nice for What (2018)
Toosie Slide (2020)
Jimmy Cooks (2022) with 21 Savage

Way 2 Sexy (2021) with Future and Young Thug

Drake has the most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart among solo artists, with 11. He is also the only artist to have nine number-one hits in a row.

Drake’s Canadian Rap Identity

Drake is proud to be a Canadian rapper, and he often makes references to his homeland in his music. He has said that he wants to be a role model for other Canadian artists, and he has helped to put Canadian hip hop on the map.

Here are some ways in which Drake incorporates his Canadian identity into his rap music:

He uses Canadian slang and references in his lyrics. For example, in the song “Started from the Bottom,” he raps “Started from the bottom now we’re here, yeah.” The phrase “we’re here” is a common Canadian expression that is used to say that someone has achieved success.
He samples Canadian artists and producers in his music. For example, in the song “Headlines,” he samples the song “What’s My Name” by Canadian producer Boi-1da.

He shoots music videos in Toronto and other Canadian cities. For example, the music video for the song “One Dance” was shot in Toronto and features many iconic landmarks from the city.
He collaborates with other Canadian artists. For example, he has collaborated with artists such as The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, and Kardinal Offishall.
He speaks out about his pride in being Canadian in interviews and on social media. For example, in a 2016 interview with Billboard, he said that “I’m proud to be a Canadian. I think it’s a great country, and I think it’s important to represent it well.”

Drake’s Canadian identity is one of the things that makes him unique as an artist. He is able to appeal to a global audience with his music, but he also remains true to his roots. He is a role model for other Canadian artists, and he has helped to put Canadian hip hop on the map.

Critiques of Drake’s Style in the Rap Community

Drake is one of the most popular and successful rappers of all time, but he has also been the subject of some critiques from within the rap community. Some of the most common criticisms of Drake’s style include:

He is too commercial. Drake’s music is often more pop-oriented than traditional hip hop, and some critics argue that he has sacrificed his authenticity in order to appeal to a wider audience.
He is not a skilled lyricist. Some critics argue that Drake’s lyrics are simple and repetitive and that he does not have the same lyrical skills as other top rappers.
He is too focused on the image. Some critics argue that Drake is more interested in promoting his brand than in making good music. They also argue that he is too careful and calculated in his approach to music and that he lacks the spontaneity and creativity of other rappers.
He is not a true hip-hop artist. Some critics argue that Drake’s music is too pop-oriented and that he does not represent the true culture of hip hop. They also argue that he is too obsessed with money and fame and that he has lost touch with the struggles of the everyday person.

It is important to note that these are just some of the criticisms that have been leveled against Drake’s style. He also has many supporters within the rap community, who praise his versatility, his ability to make hits, and his impact on the genre.

Drake has responded to some of these criticisms in interviews. He has said that he does not care about whether or not he is considered a “true hip hop artist,” and that he is simply making music that he enjoys. He has also said that he is not afraid to experiment with different sounds and styles, and that he is always looking for ways to push the boundaries of hip hop music.

Ultimately, whether or not you like Drake’s music is a matter of personal preference. There is no denying that he is a talented and successful artist, but he is also a polarizing figure within the rap community.

Conclusion

What style of rap is Drake? Drake’s style of rap is characterized by its versatility and ability to seamlessly blend various sub-genres within hip-hop. He is known for his emotionally charged lyrics, melodic hooks, and a unique fusion of elements from trap, R&B, and pop music.

Drake’s ability to switch between introspective storytelling and club bangers has made him a dominant force in the rap world. His music often explores themes of love, fame, and personal growth, resonating with a wide range of audiences and solidifying his status as a hip-hop icon.