Long-awaited album leaked by user
Drake’s long-awaited sixth studio album, Certified Lover Boy (CLB), has leaked on Twitch and TikTok. On Monday night (March 1st), a social media account named “Drake Insider” tweeted a link to the leaked album on SoundCloud, but that Twitter account and SoundCloud info were removed shortly thereafter. However, a YouTuber named Meami_ami went live on Twitch with what appears to be a possible unmastered version of the album. As of this writing, 19 songs were leaked, but it’s unknown if any or all will appear on the final version of CLB.
After many delays, the album is now rumored to be officially released on April 30th. “What’s Next” was leaked over the weekend, something the rapper calls a “warm up” to his “next masterpiece,” DJ Akademiks confirms.
“Drake told me to sit tight n relax… he said that ‘Whats Next’ record is just a ‘warm up ting’. He’s working overtime creating this next masterpiece… CLB on da way… fr.”
Drake told me to sit tight n relax… he said that 'Whats Next' record is just a 'warm up ting'. He's working overtime creating this next masterpiece… CLB on da way… fr.
— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) March 1, 2021
The rapper was spotted shooting a music video in Toronto on Sunday (Feb 28th) as the DJ confirms something could drop as early as this week.
“He also told me he shooting some videos.. prollly drop something this week. The Goat is back. Aubrey Champagne Papi Drake Graham.”
He also told me he shooting some videos.. prollly drop something this week. The Goat is back. Aubrey Champagne Papi Drake Graham.
— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) March 1, 2021
Last week, Akademiks assured fans via Twitch that Drake will announce CLB ahead of time.
“He spent so much time on this project. He’s not trying to put out a surprise project. He’s gonna let people know at least a week before,” Akademiks says.
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.
“I was planning to release my album this month but between surgery and rehab my energy has been dedicated to recovery,” he shared on his Instagram Story. “I’m blessed to be back on my feet feeling great and focused on the album, but CLB won’t be dropping in January. I’m looking forward to sharing with you all in 2021.”
Last month, 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.
Many were even more convinced the album was dropping on February 12th after the Rap Caviar Spotify playlist tweeted, “It’s about to be a great night for new music! Who you bumping first tonight?” Thursday (Feb 11th) evening. The verified Spotify account replied, “And a surprise drop too.”
The “surprise drop” wasn’t actually a surprise after all. It was the fully re-recorded version of Taylor Swift’s “Your Song” which she had announced on Thursday. The Twittersphere blew up with disappointment with one user tweeting, “@Drake is really giving me high blood pressure. Please give us #CLB sir.”
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.
Brittany Vance contributed to this article.
