Over the past couple of years, Drake and his OVO Sound squad have been both celebrated and criticized for their use of Caribbean influence in their music. Drizzy has been experimenting with rhythmic dancehall sounds since 2010's "Find Your Love," but it wasn't until his collaboration with Bajan superstar Rihanna on "Work," that he seemed to really get bit with the bug, following up on the song's success with the release of "Controlla." The man mixing in the role of engineer on "Work" was Drake's most prolific collaborator, Noah "40" Shebib, who may not have the Caribbean born roots that partner Boi-1da has, but confesses to bearing the soul of Jamaica.
As the years have come along, Drake has only advanced his usage of dancehall, from his patois accent on songs like "Blem" to the classic syncopated drum pattern on the 40 produced "One Dance." And along the way, it has in turn been responsible for inspiring the Lebanese-Irish Canadian producer's craft, as it has helped him develop as a person. Shebib admitted this much with a passionate homage to Jamaica on Instagram on Sunday, August 6, as the island celebrated its Independence.
In full, 40 wrote:
"Thank you Jamaica you have given me so much. My brothers, my best friend of 28 years, his brother who is also like my brother cause I don't have a real one, my other mother, my favourite food (next to Lebanese obviously). The coffee, the culture, the dance, the talks and of course the sound. The vibes, the feelings, the cadence the timing, the rawness, the meaning the influence the guidance and the politics!!!! BASS! All this bass today, we can thank Jamaica for that. Gadget!!! Rasss the ting gave me Gaj u know! My mentor and teacher. The man who makes all our SOUNDS HEAVY! Gave us Sly, Robby, Beres, Peter, Bob, like what?! DANCEHALL?! These are real tangible influences in my life and my music and who I am as a man in my heart. One of my favourite places on earth, no question. There's no where as real. Literally made me who I am thousands of miles away in a cold city in Canada called Toronto. If that's not a testament to the power and influence of that culture then I don't know what is. Blessings on your Independence day and guidance and protection forever!!! JMJMJM"
Source: sohh.com
