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he past decade has seen Drake ascend to the peaks of music charts, pop culture and internet memes. On the eve of VIEWS, his fourth studio album, we’re re-publishing our 2006 interview with the 6ix god and reflecting upon his accomplishments and how they compare to his teenage hopes and dreams.

When I found the interviews on an old hard drive, I knew I wanted to bring this content back online and while May is still around the corner, it felt more appropriate to put this out ahead of new album and give you the opportunity to see how far Drake has come, as an artist and as a person.

Looking back on someone’s career goals and personal aspirations a decade later will stir up mixed feelings. Pride from one’s accomplishments, some cringe-worthy naïvety, and guaranteed belly laughter.

This interview brings with it an honest look at a rising star’s modest beginnings. While Drake has managed to climb the ladder to uncharted fame and success, this interview will evoke flashbacks of the early 2000’s, long before Best I Ever Had.

*Below is the original interview, unchanged and intact. All photos courtesy of Drake.

Name?

Aubrey Drake Graham

Alias?

Drake

Who the F*#k are you?

The new version of Fresh Prince frequently referred to as Mr. Big Dreams…the only rapper up north that could claim king, but won’t because I always let the people decide. A self-proclaimed king is merely a peasant with a big mouth. And do not get it twisted because T.I. is my favorite rapper and he earned that title!

How do you put food on the table?

I lay down the placemats, assemble the cutlery in its proper order and then proceed to set the dishes onto the flat surface commonly named the ‘table’.

What city (or cities) are you reppin’?

Toronto and Memphis, Tennessee.

What’s on your feet?

Nike Dunks that you can’t find!

When’s the last time you indulged in sex, drugs, or rock & roll?

I don’t do drugs…but I recently indulged in some mediocre intercourse and a Bruce Springsteen CD.

What’s your steez?

“My style is very Tennessee mixed with some Terry Kennedy people barely remember me from back in the day.”

One word that describes you is?

Timeless.

Finish this sentence, ‘If I had a million in cash, I would…’ – Put my own album out. -Drake

What was the first name brand sneaker you ever got?

LA Gear…the white ones with the big lights before they got all concerned about the lights hurting the environment and all that bullshit.

Tell us something people don’t know about you?

I’m light skinned and I get nervous around stunning females.

Tell us something people should know about you?

I built my career on my own. I chose not to sign to a major so that I could make my own lane and keep my f*@!ing publishing!

How do you stay connected?

I have an iBook, a Blackberry, an i860, an i930, and a man named Branko who acts as a human telegram.

Why are you doing this interview?

Because Starting From Scratch won’t play my music. [update]

Give us a shameless plug:

Finish this sentence, ‘If I had a million in cash, I would…’

Put my own album out.

Are you the future of hip-hop in Canada?

We’ll see when the album drops.

How are people reacting to the mixtape?

The overall response is wonderful. I got a few execs over at certain management companies that are certain I won’t make it…but that’s why success is the sweetest feeling.

How is the transition from the small screen to the mic?

It’s tough at times because you automatically know people are doubting your talent and before you can impress them or have them appreciate your music, you have to prove to them you’re not wack.

Have you always been into music?

Yes. My family has a long history in the music business.

Did Lupe co-sign the Kick, Push Remix?

He announced that it was not the official remix on FNF Radio but I never claimed that it was. It was just getting mad play on Myspace and it was being talked about on his page too and I guess he wanted to clear it up. When I think about how many rappers probably did a verse on that beat it makes me feel good because there is a reason he felt the need to address mine. It was legit and it sounded like it should have been the official remix!

Have you received any flak for claiming the city of Toronto as your own?

No…Because I don’t go half way with it. Some rappers up top are scared to claim Toronto cause they can’t carry it on their own and then others will rep the city when it’s convenient. My family is from Memphis and I spent some time there but [Toronto] my home and I am proud of that!

On the track Money, you spit a verse, “…they know that a ni**a buy it if they got it in his size and he cops it in more colors than Popsicle Pete, till I’m piled to the top with receipts.” That sounds like the confessions of a true sneakerhead…do u have a sneaker obsession?

I have put myself in many compromising financial positions just to have a certain article of clothing. I have a Paper Denim & Cloth obsession, a Nike Dunk obsession, I had a Jordan obsession, I have a Crooks & Castles obsession, an Icarus obsession, Cmonwealth.com obsession…basically I have a problem. My whole team is the same way too so it doesn’t help.

Have you ever been in jail?

Never…unless you count this girl I dated…she was French.

Why haven’t you been signed yet? – Because I make music that may cause kids to actually think. -Drake

How did you hook up with Malice for the Do What You Do remix?

I got at him through this cat named Shomi (shout out to Shomi and Illusive Media) and from there it just became a family thing. I have so much love for artists in VA, there is too much talent out there! The StarTrak movement has always been a heavy one and Lord Willin’ is in my top five hip hop albums of all time so that collaboration was an honor and a blessing. For the album, I am hoping to work with the Neptunes and Kenna so we’ll see how that goes!

Your lyrics seems so honest and effortless, how is the writing process for you?

Sometimes I will sit on a song for a minute because I will wait to experience something that inspires me. I like writing honesty (sic) down on paper because I used to avoid the truth and this is like a cleansing experience for me. Then there are times where I don’t write at all, I will just come up with a verse while I am driving and record it into my phone.

When did you realize that you were actually a talented rapper?

About three minutes ago.

What’s is the beef with you and Little X?

That’s all over and done with…he is doing his thing and I respect him in a business sense.

Who do you look up to in the game?

Lyrically I look up to Nick because I feel like he is a genius with his metaphors and he forces me to dig deeper so that I can keep up. I also look up to Phonte, Elzhi, Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne, T.I., Slick Rick, Mos Def, and a lot of other people for their talent. My top inspiration in the game overall would have to be T.I. because I respect the way he carries himself in every situation.

Why haven’t you been signed yet?

Because I make music that may cause kids to actually think.

Can a rap artist make it in Canada?

The real question here is can a rap artist FROM Canada make it anywhere?

How did you hook up with Nickleus F?

Myspace…I knew about him like three years ago from this producer out in DC and I had been wanting to do a track with him for a minute…now we are family.

If you had to pick one song to be the soundtrack of your life, what would it be and why?

It would have to be Jay-Z “Lucky Me” which would then fade into Marvin Gaye “T Plays it Cool” which would progress into T.I.”I Can’t Quit” and then end off with the melodic sounds of George Benson “Affirmation”…I can’t pick just one so that’s my medley.

Top 5 tracks in tape deck/iPod/music player?

Nickelus F feat. Radio B – Livin the Life

Clipse feat. Pharrell – Mr. Me Too

Ryan Leslie – Lay U Down

Slum Village – Call Me

Colin Munroe – Don’t Think Less of Me

Any vices you want to share with us?

Nestea…I call it my vice tea…god I’m good!

Any last words?

Shout out to Yasmine cause I am talking to her while simultaneously doing this interview and she is the dime of all dimes…a woman with goals causes me to fall in like. Shout out to all my VA connects too!!! CommonWealth, Monsee, Jared, Icarus Clothing, Crooks & Castles, Shomi, Clipse, Nickelus F and Radio B, H Dollar…watch for that Do What U Do Remix Video featuring Malice and Nickelus F!!!

Keep Nickel Struttin cause I’m cool with my Penny Swagger…I’m out!