The main attraction at OVO Fest is Drake, of course, but the talent he ropes into performing each year is another big part of its appeal. We asked Drake for his thoughts on this year’s openers.
The Weeknd
The mysterious Toronto R&B sensation hasn’t even released an official record yet, but his dark, atmospheric and sometimes creepy take on the genre has made his three free mixtapes some of the most talked-about albums of 2011.
“I could do a whole separate interview about how talented [the Weeknd] is and what he means to the city. I’m so proud of him. He’s going to come out and prove how far he’s come in a year and how much he’s evolved as a performer.”
2 Chainz
Formerly known as Tity Boi, the Atlanta rapper releases his debut album, Based On A T.R.U. Story, on August 14, but is already enjoying a ton of buzz thanks to guest appearances on Nicki Minaj’s Beez In The Trap and Kanye West’s Mercy.
“I’ve known him for years, since when I was coming out on Lil Wayne’s stage as Jimmy from Degrassi. He’s one of the most exciting rappers out right now. I’m on his album, and we’ve done a lot of work together. I’m really excited to be bringing him to Toronto for his first solo show.”
A$AP Rocky
Like the two other supporting acts, A$AP Rocky has yet to release his official debut album, but there’s huge hype behind the Harlem rapper thanks to his LiveLoveA$AP mixtape and intense live show.
“He’s a great performer. He brings a real energy to the stage and has a crazy, wild team around him that jump around and get people riled up and excited.”
The secret surprises
Shortly before this interview, it was leaked on the-weeknd-xo.com that Meek Mill would be one of the surprise guests, but Drake says that announcement was news to him. Since then French Montana has also been tagged as a likely secret act.
