Drake's Isn't Ready For Retirement Just Yet As "Graceful Exit" Comments Are Explained

BY Erika Marie 2.9K Views
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More from Drake's clip with Yachty was shared, and it gives more context to his "graceful exit" remarks.

Fans were up in arms at the thought of Drake bowing out of his career. However, the full context of his comment has been shared. Earlier this week, Lil Yachty's casual chat with one of his best friends, Drake, surfaced online. The conversation arrived courtesy of Yachty's Futuremood brand; only a brief snippet was shared. In it, Drake seemingly pondered his "graceful exit," which many believed was a hint at retirement.

“I think I’m at the point now where I just wanna, like, I feel like maybe we talked about this the other day,” said Drake. “But I feel like I’m kind of introducing the concept in my mind of a graceful exit.” Not much else was shared in the clip, so the context of the OVO icon's comments was left for speculation. Now, more from that exchange has been shared, and fans are breathing easy.

Lil Yachty Question Drake About His Next Moves

Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration Concert
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 9: Drake performs onstage during "Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration Concert" at State Farm Arena on December 9, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Yachty asked Drake about casting vision for the next phase of his career. "A guy like you that, essentially, I feel like—and I hate, I'm not gonna say 'has everything.' Because no one has everything. But has accomplished so much in life and has reached so many levels, seen so many things, experienced so many things. What else is there to want? What does someone want who has—that's not even as far as materialistic. That could be as far as anything. But what is it that, to even search for or want as a human?"

This question led to the initial soundbite circulating, but now, the remainder of Drake's answer was also shared. "And almost just kind of—I feel like a lot of people that I've watched as the years have gone on, it's a really addictive competitive space," said Drake. "Oftentimes, you're addicted to the competition itself. And so, sometimes it'll baffle you. Like, why are these people still making attempts at like, trying to be present in the space? And then, you'll realize that they probably—their needs and desires and their soul was probably fed for so long off of being 'a guy' or 'the guy,' they can't let it go."

Drake Is Excited About The Next Generation

Drizzy said he's not ready for retirement just yet. But he would like "to gracefully continue making projects that are extremely interesting." He suggested this time in his life is about considering his "graceful exit" as he looks forward to the next generation of artists. Swipe above to check out Drake's remarks.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.