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Drake Says Record Labels Passed On Signing Him Due To His 'Corny' Outfits

Home / News / Drake Says Record Labels Passed On Signing Him Due To His 'Corny' Outfits

By Favour Adegoke on January 26, 2023 at 12:30 PM EST

Hip-hop icon, Drake, is reflecting on his career failures.

The singer and rapper, who has won multiple awards, recalled his humble beginnings during his recent performance at the Apollo Theater.

He shared that there was a time when he got rejected by multiple labels because of his "corny outfits." Still on the experience, the rapper said he went home and got to work making more music before an exec finally reached out to him.

Later on, Drake appreciated fans for standing by him over the years and promised new music in the near future.

Keep on reading to learn more.

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'They Said I Looked Corny'

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During his recent performance at the Apollo Theater, Drake took some time out to reflect on his first trip to New York, which he made in an effort to be signed by a record label.

He shared that he met up with a lot of executives at the time, but all the discussions ended with him being rejected.

"I came here with my uncle, trying to get signed, you know? I think I sat in front of everybody for like, a week straight. And I got turned down by everybody for like, a week straight," the rapper told the audience, recounting his career failures, per Insider.

Sharing more about the experience, Drake revealed that his clothing choices at the time were a major turnoff for the showrunners and largely contributed to why no one chose to sign him.

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"In all fairness, my outfit choices were horrible at the time," he added. "They said I looked corny. I don't disagree. I was probably wearing some Club Monaco khakis with a button-up or something. It was terrible."

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Drake Worked Harder On His Music

Drake Makes Historic Debut at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 With 'Toosie Slide'
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Drake claimed that rather than giving up on his musical ambitions, he returned to his house and started working on more music in the hopes that someone would decide to believe in him.

After some time, he was contacted, and he started on the path to becoming one of the most well-known artists in the world.

He said, "I went back home, and I had to go back to my mom's basement 'cause it didn't play out like the way I thought it would. So I went back, and I wrote some more songs to see if I could get signed, and eventually, somebody called."

The rapper has since won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards from 47 nominations and over 29 Billboard Music Awards.

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Drake Talks About His Music Future

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At some point during his performance, Drake thanked fans for their unwavering support throughout the years.

He also revealed that their love inspires him to keep creating more music, assuring them that he does not plan to call it quits on his music career anytime soon.

"I've thought about maybe what it would be, like, 'Oh, it's been a good run. Maybe I should leave while it's hot, leave while it's good,'" the rapper said. "But the love that I still get to this day, after all these years, I'll let you know: I'll never leave you high and dry."

He added, "As long as you listen, I'll be here for you. In your darkest moments and your happiest moments, I'll be there for you."

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A Fan Fell From The Balcony During Drake's Concert

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Drake's two-day run at the Apollo Theater was definitely one to be remembered for years to come. However, it was nearly marred by an incident involving a fan.

While the "Jumbotron Shit Poppin" singer was performing on Sunday, a fan fell from the second floor into the orchestra pit.

A crew member quickly informed the rapper of the incident, which made him pause the concert as security officers tried to locate the individual.

Almost a quarter of an hour later, it was disclosed that the fall was not fatal and that the individual involved was receiving medical attention.

"Everybody is absolutely OK," a voice called out over the speaker, per Insider. "They are being checked on. Nobody's hurt. But I got even better news for you: We're at the Apollo, so the show must go on."

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