Drake under fire for Houston cameo with controversial country star

Drake is under fire after walking out with Morgan Wallen in Houston, drawing criticism from the Hip-Hop community.


Pop Culture & Art June 24, 2025
Photo: AFP

Drake is facing widespread criticism after making a surprise appearance with country singer Morgan Wallen during a recent show in Houston.

The move has sparked outrage in the Hip-Hop community due to Wallen’s past use of a racial slur, which resurfaced in public discourse following Drake’s onstage walkout.

Appearing alongside Wallen and former baseball star Roger Clemens, the Toronto rapper quickly went viral—not for music, but for what many saw as poor optics. Critics accused Drake of aligning with Wallen to tap into his fanbase, despite Wallen’s controversial history.

Wallen was recorded in 2021 using the N-word outside his home, which led to major fallout including suspension from his label and removal from radio and streaming platforms. Though he has since returned to touring and recording, the incident remains a sore point for many fans and artists.

Social media users expressed disappointment in Drake’s decision. One post referenced Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” highlighting Drake’s alleged exploitation of Black culture. Others pointed to a pattern of questionable behavior, citing Drake’s recent lyrical jab at Kendrick about “rapping like you tryna free the slaves,” and linking it to his appearance with Wallen.

Some Hip-Hop commentators labeled the move a "betrayal," arguing it distances Drake further from the genre that built his career. Others viewed it as a desperate attempt to remain relevant following his highly publicized feud with Lamar.

While Wallen has previously invited big-name guests during his tour, none have drawn backlash to the extent Drake has experienced. Fans and critics alike continue to debate the implications of the appearance.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ