The 19 winning visuals for “Somebody Loves Me” were shared by Drake

Global rap superstar Drake has once again found a way to spotlight new talent, this time by sharing 19 unique visuals created for his hit track Somebody Loves Me. The visuals are the result of a creative competition launched in May by Drake and popular streamer Kai Cenat, designed to give rising directors and content creators a chance to showcase their skills.

The contest has now produced a range of eye-catching treatments, each reflecting different artistic interpretations of the R&B hit. From puppet-driven storytelling to heartfelt, emotional narratives, the finalists’ work demonstrates both originality and ambition.

The Drake and Kai Cenat Competition

In May, Drake and Kai Cenat announced the visual competition that invited aspiring filmmakers and content creators to design their own interpretation for Somebody Loves Me, one of the standout tracks from Drake’s $ome $exy $ongs 4 U project.

Participants were asked to submit a 30-second to one-minute preview of their visual treatment. From these submissions, 19 finalists were selected, each receiving $15,000 for their effort.

The official description on Drake’s site noted:
“Our finalists represent a diverse range of experience levels, as we were committed to giving new and emerging directors – including a few first-time directors – the opportunity to showcase their talent.”

This statement underscores the contest’s mission: providing meaningful opportunities to creatives who might not otherwise have access to such a large platform.

Highlights from the Finalist Visuals

While all 19 visual treatments are worth celebrating, a few in particular have drawn attention for their originality and execution.

Jordan Sook’s Puppet Concept

Artist Jordan Sook took a playful approach, designing puppets of Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR enjoying a wild night out. In his version, the puppet duo parties with friends, hops aboard Air Drake, and embraces the over-the-top lifestyle that fans often associate with Drake’s music persona.

This imaginative take combines humor with high production value, proving that even unconventional formats like puppetry can tell compelling stories.

Edgar Daniel’s Casting Call Narrative

Director Edgar Daniel crafted a visual centered on the process of hosting a casting call for women auditioning to be in the Somebody Loves Me music video. The approach leans into the behind-the-scenes aspect of music production, blending humor and realism while spotlighting the anticipation and excitement of auditioning for a high-profile project.

Kristen Lambie’s Heartfelt Story

In contrast to the playful entries, Kristen Lambie took a more emotional route. Her treatment follows an older man revisiting meaningful locations tied to a past relationship. The story portrays him reliving his younger self’s experiences of first love, joy, and tender memories.

The description explains:
“With every step, memories ignite – his younger self bursting to life, reliving the sweet innocence, joy and tenderness of first love. Past and present collide in a beautiful dance, celebrating the timeless power of love, memory and devotion.”

This touching narrative resonated with many viewers, proving that music visuals can tell profound, moving stories without relying on spectacle.

The Impact of the Contest

This initiative by Drake and Kai Cenat has been praised for its focus on emerging talent. For many of the finalists, this marks their first time being recognized on a global stage. Even if the competition does not ultimately name a single winner, the exposure and financial support offered are victories in themselves.

By giving young creatives the chance to work with such a prominent artist’s music, the contest demonstrates how artists with established platforms can directly influence and nurture the next generation of talent.

Drake’s Legacy of Supporting Creativity

This competition isn’t the first time Drake has uplifted new voices. Throughout his career, the Toronto-born rapper has been known for introducing rising talent to the mainstream, whether through features, collaborations, or creative partnerships.

By partnering with Kai Cenat, one of the most influential figures in online streaming, Drake tapped into a younger, digitally savvy audience while bridging the gap between music, internet culture, and film. The competition’s format also highlighted how digital platforms can transform the way artists and fans interact.

What This Means for Aspiring Directors

For aspiring directors and content creators, contests like this represent career-changing opportunities. With Drake’s massive global reach, even being selected as a finalist guarantees exposure to millions of potential viewers.

The $15,000 award given to each finalist also provides a financial foundation for them to invest in equipment, future projects, or training—resources that are often difficult for newcomers to secure.

More importantly, the initiative shows that authenticity and creativity matter just as much as professional experience. By including first-time directors alongside more seasoned creators, Drake and Cenat emphasized that anyone with vision and drive has a shot at success.

Drake’s Upcoming Album Iceman

Alongside the buzz surrounding the contest, Drake is also gearing up for his highly anticipated new album, Iceman. The project has already been teased with singles like “What Did I Miss?” and “Which One”, both of which have generated excitement among fans.

While Drake has yet to announce an official release date, reports suggest that the album may drop in late October or early November. Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel recently speculated about the release window, predicting a fall launch.

If true, Iceman would add to an already packed year for Drake, who continues to balance music releases, touring, and unique projects like the Somebody Loves Me visual competition.

Drake’s Connection with Fans

Drake’s ability to remain at the center of cultural conversations stems not only from his music but also from his engagement with fans. By launching contests, dropping surprise collaborations, and maintaining a presence both online and in public, he cultivates a bond that feels interactive rather than distant.

The Somebody Loves Me visuals contest is a perfect example of this approach. It transforms a hit track into a community project, making fans and creators feel directly connected to Drake’s artistic journey.

The Bigger Picture: Music Meets Visual Art

In today’s entertainment world, music and visuals are more intertwined than ever. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram rely heavily on strong visuals to elevate music content.

By encouraging creators to experiment with Somebody Loves Me, Drake reinforced the idea that great music videos or visual concepts can expand a song’s meaning, spark conversation, and keep it alive long after its initial release.

The diversity of the finalists’ treatments—from comedic puppetry to heartfelt storytelling—demonstrates the endless creative possibilities when music inspires visual art.

Conclusion: A Win for Creativity

Drake’s decision to share the 19 winning visuals for Somebody Loves Me marks a significant moment in his career and in the creative industry. Partnering with Kai Cenat, he opened doors for aspiring directors, rewarded them financially, and gave them invaluable exposure.

Whether or not a final winner is announced, the competition already stands as a success story—proving that opportunities can come from anywhere, and that talent shines brightest when given the right stage.

As Drake prepares for the release of Iceman, fans can expect him to continue blending music, culture, and creativity in ways that push boundaries. For now, the Somebody Loves Me visuals serve as a celebration of imagination, diversity, and the next generation of creative voices ready to step into the spotlight.