Album drops Sept 3rd
Drake has finally confirmed that his long-awaited album, Certified Lover Boy, is coming this Friday, September 3rd. He’s also shared the album’s artwork, designed by prolific English artist Damien Hirst, featuring twelve pregnant women emojis, on Instagram.
A clue was given on ESPN’s SportsCenter over the weekend when “CLB September 3” flashed briefly during a promo on screen. ESPN cheekily referred to the clip as being hacked, although it could’ve easily been missed if not paying attention.
The rapper’s long-delayed sixth album was reportedly leaked on social media earlier this year but removed swiftly from SoundCloud and Twitter. Nineteen songs were then streamed in what was initially thought to be a 19 track unmastered version of the album. However, the rapper has given little information about it to confirm those thoughts.
The rap superstar first announced the project in April 2020 and dropped the lead single “Laugh Now, Cry Later” with Lil Durk in August. In October, he shared a promotional video for the album that was expected in January, along with news he had to undergo knee surgery due to an injury. However, in January, he shared the album was delayed due to his recovery.
In January, Drake shared an owl with red eyes on his Instagram Story, prompting even more speculation CLB would drop for Valentine’s Day. Fans alluded to the owl as representing Drake’s OVO label with the red eyes indicating love for V-Day.
Surrounding the rumors, fans had been searching for clues on when the project may be released from the rapper’s associates, friends and even Drake himself. Drake’s OVO camp attempted to resolve the craze by sharing, “Anything CLB related will be posted by DRAKE himself. Until then hold a seat and wait on it.”
Drake also appeared in a State Farm commercial that premiered during Super Bowl LV, sparking more indication an album drop was looming.
The set is expected at midnight ET on Friday, September 3rd.
In March, Drake made Billboard Hot 100 history as the first artist to ever debut three songs in the top three spots in the same week. He was also awarded the prestigious Artist of the Decade Award at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards for having the most with 27.
