Drake's latest album, Iceman, is a three-part release that showcases his deep-rooted connection to Toronto, the city that made him a global superstar. The album is filled with references to local landmarks, nightlife spots, and familiar faces, making it a treasure trove for hometown listeners and out-of-towners alike. Here are some of the most intriguing Toronto references that I found in Iceman:
The CN Tower's Iconic Presence
Drake's love for the CN Tower is no secret, and it's no coincidence that he chose this iconic landmark as the backdrop for the music video of '2 Hard 4 The Radio'. The song leans heavily into a bouncy hyper-West Coast sound, a notable stylistic choice given Drake's ongoing tension with Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar. By using the CN Tower as the setting, Drake not only pays homage to his hometown but also cleverly ties into his own musical style, creating a unique and captivating visual experience.
Taking Aim at DeMar DeRozan
Drake's verse on 'National Treasures' is a scathing commentary on former Toronto Raptors player DeMar DeRozan. The song positions Drake as untouchable in the city, taking direct shots at DeRozan's nine-season run on the Raptors that ultimately went championship-less. Drake's lyrics, such as 'Why did we think you could get us a ring?', highlight the public's disappointment with DeRozan's performance. The music video for 'National Treasures' was also filmed at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus, adding to the song's local flavor.
Toronto's Online Music and Gang Discourse
On 'Plot Twist', Drake references Toronto's online music and gang-affiliated discourse on subreddits like Torontology. He raps, 'I be with them guys from the 6ix that you n***** stay talkin’ on Reddit about', nodding to the city's online communities. The song also features Drake spelling out 'MOB OCTOBER GANG' letter by letter, further emphasizing his connection to the city's underground culture. The line 'Twistin’ that R in his face like Styles and P' seems to nod to longtime affiliates Preme (formerly P. Reign) and Styles, adding another layer of local flavor.
Drake's Unwavering Love for Toronto
Despite the song 'Burning Bridges', where Drake professes his love for a woman who dreams of starting a family with him in Los Angeles, he makes it clear that he's not leaving Toronto. He says, 'They love me too much here, I cannot relocate, I just can’t move away', reinforcing his deep-rooted connection to the city. The music video for 'Burning Bridges' was shot in Yorkville-based Italian restaurant Sotto Sotto, one of Drake's favorite spots in Toronto, further emphasizing his love for the city.
A Toronto Bar's Unexpected Moment
One of the more unexpected Toronto moments comes from 'High Fives', where Drake casually references King West arcade bar GRETA Bar. The lyric 'Maya, Maya, you workin’ at GRETA tonight or nah? / Pick up, I need a whole section for the mob' sparked buzz online, and GRETA staff revealed Drake had frequented the venue over the years. The mention ultimately turned into a full-circle Toronto moment for the bar, which hosted one of its busiest weekends yet following the album's release.
Love for a Queen's University Graduate
On 'Slap The City', Drake turns his energy toward a woman from Kingston-based Queen's University. He raps, 'You went to Queen’s University, now you a graduate, shout-out your family', and sings, 'Before I met you, I was alone. I feel like I’m always alone'. This reference not only showcases Drake's love for the city's universities but also adds a personal touch to his album, making it even more relatable to his fans.
