ILoveMakonnen Breaks His Silence on Drake—And It’s Not Pretty

When it comes to unexpected collaborations that shook up hip-hop and pop culture, few moments compare to ILoveMakonnen’s 2014 hit “Tuesday” featuring Drake. The song catapulted Makonnen into the spotlight, earning him a Grammy nomination and cementing his place in music history. At the time, his relationship with the Toronto superstar looked promising, with many fans assuming he would become a permanent fixture in the OVO Sound camp.

However, things did not unfold the way most expected. According to ILoveMakonnen, his once solid connection with Drake quickly soured, and the two drifted apart after only a short period of collaboration. In a new, candid interview with Erika Marie of HNHH, the Atlanta-born rapper finally opened up about what went wrong, how he really feels about Drake, and why their friendship fell apart so abruptly.

The Rise Of ILoveMakonnen And His Breakthrough With Drake

ILoveMakonnen was already building a name for himself on the underground scene when “Club Goin’ Up on a Tuesday” began gaining traction. The track’s hypnotic melody and laid-back vibe made it a viral sensation, catching the attention of none other than Drake, one of the biggest artists in the world.

Drake jumped on the remix in 2014, turning the single into a massive hit. The collaboration earned Makonnen critical acclaim, widespread recognition, and even a deal with OVO Sound, the record label co-founded by Drake. For a brief moment, it seemed like Makonnen was set to be one of OVO’s brightest stars.

But behind the scenes, things were not as harmonious as they appeared.

The First Signs Of Trouble Between ILoveMakonnen And Drake

According to Makonnen, the relationship began to unravel in 2015, barely a year after their collaboration. The issues reportedly stemmed from several factors: a shady comment Drake made at Wireless Festival, some resurfaced tweets criticizing the OVO founder, and the perception that Makonnen was no longer being supported by the label.

Speaking on The Wireless Festival incident, fans recall that Drake’s remark seemed dismissive of Makonnen’s role in their joint success. For Makonnen, it felt like a subtle but clear sign that the friendship was not as genuine as it once appeared.

At the same time, old tweets from Makonnen began resurfacing online, including comments that were interpreted as critical of Drake. Though written before the two even met, they were enough to create tension within the OVO camp and add fuel to the fire.

ILoveMakonnen Opens Up About The Fallout

In his interview with HNHH, Makonnen did not shy away from addressing the situation head-on. He explained that while he appreciated Drake for jumping on “Tuesday,” he eventually decided it was best to move forward on his own terms.

“I was the first person who was like, I’m off the Drake sht,” he said. “No shade. I’m not dogging him out. I f** with him, thank you for jumping on my record and all that, but I’m just gonna have to move my way and do my thing.”

He went on to clarify that his departure from OVO was not motivated by animosity or a desire to start a beef. Instead, it was about independence and carving his own path.

“It was never, oh, I’m going to straight with beef on OVO. I made a few jokes. I make a joke about everybody. I make jokes about myself. I’ve been through so many tragedies, you have to make some jokes, right?”

The Silence From OVO And Drake

One of Makonnen’s biggest frustrations appears to be the lack of acknowledgment from Drake and the OVO team after their collaboration. Despite the massive success of “Tuesday,” Makonnen claims he rarely received any recognition from his former label or its leader.

“I don’t have no ill will, no shade or hate towards Drake, but it’s just like, Drake and them don’t ever mention me. Drake don’t ever reach out to me. Drake acts like the whole OVO situation, they act like that ‘Tuesday’ sh*t just didn’t happen.”

Makonnen expressed disbelief that such a culturally significant song could be brushed aside.

“I’m like, how? Why are y’all acting like this? Y’all were really just all on my bumper, like we all Tuesday’d out. I’m banging y’all sht. I’m repping y’all sht. I don’t even know y’all like that, but I know Drake, and I f*** with you for giving me the opportunity, and I’m here and I’m doing my thing.”

This silence, according to Makonnen, confirmed his decision to separate himself and pursue a career outside of OVO.

Addressing The Old Tweets

Another point of tension between ILoveMakonnen and Drake was the resurfacing of Makonnen’s old tweets, many of which fans perceived as disrespectful toward the Toronto rapper. However, Makonnen insisted that these posts predated their relationship and should have been understood in context.

“I felt like, if anybody who could take criticism and know about the public and the crowd just talking sh*t about you, not even knowing you, it would be you,” Makonnen explained.

In other words, he expected Drake, as one of the most scrutinized artists in the world, to understand that criticism and jokes often come with the territory.

Fans React To The Fallout

As news of Makonnen’s comments circulated, fans were divided. Some sympathized with Makonnen, believing he was unfairly sidelined by Drake and OVO despite contributing one of their biggest hits. Others argued that Makonnen’s comments and resurfaced tweets made it difficult for OVO to continue supporting him.

On social media, debates erupted over whether Drake intentionally distanced himself or whether the fallout was simply a byproduct of the fast-moving music industry. Regardless of where fans stood, one thing was clear: the end of Makonnen’s partnership with OVO marked the loss of what could have been a powerful creative relationship.

ILoveMakonnen’s Career After OVO

After parting ways with Drake and OVO Sound, ILoveMakonnen continued to release music independently. While none of his subsequent singles reached the viral success of “Tuesday,” Makonnen remained dedicated to his craft, carving out a niche audience and experimenting with different sounds.

He collaborated with artists across genres, demonstrating his versatility and resilience in the face of setbacks. His story serves as an example of how difficult it can be for emerging artists to sustain momentum after a massive breakout hit, especially when industry politics and label dynamics are involved.

What ILoveMakonnen’s Story Reveals About The Music Industry

The candid remarks from ILoveMakonnen shed light on a broader issue in the music industry: how quickly relationships can shift, even between collaborators who once seemed inseparable. In many cases, the balance of power between an established superstar and a rising talent can create tension.

For Makonnen, the initial excitement of working with one of the world’s biggest artists eventually gave way to disappointment when the long-term support wasn’t there. His reflections reveal how important it is for artists to maintain independence and not rely solely on co-signs, even from global icons like Drake.

Could ILoveMakonnen and Drake Reconcile?

Despite the fallout, Makonnen’s comments suggest that he does not harbor hatred toward Drake. Instead, his tone was more reflective than bitter, acknowledging both the positives and negatives of their short-lived partnership.

Given Drake’s history of reuniting with former collaborators and the ever-evolving nature of the music industry, it’s not impossible to imagine the two working together again in the future. However, for now, Makonnen seems focused on moving forward independently, continuing to make music on his own terms.

The story of ILoveMakonnen and Drake is a cautionary tale about the complexities of music industry relationships. What began as a dream collaboration with “Tuesday” quickly unraveled due to miscommunication, resurfaced comments, and a lack of ongoing support.

Still, Makonnen’s honesty and willingness to share his perspective provide valuable insight into what really happens behind the scenes when rising stars collide with global superstars. While fans may continue to debate who was right or wrong, one thing is undeniable: “Tuesday” remains an unforgettable moment in hip-hop history, and Makonnen’s story adds an important layer to its legacy.