How a borrowed Ferrari helped forge one of rap's most powerful partnerships
In short: In 2016, Drake didn't just offer a birthday gift; he provided a luxury experience that inspired 21 Savage to buy his own supercar. This gesture marked the beginning of a high-stakes musical alliance built on street credibility and massive commercial success.
The bond between Drake and 2/Savage is often compared to the legendary Lakers duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. Their partnership began to crystallize in 2016 when Drake, recognizing the Atlanta rapper's rising influence, famously described him as a powerful new figure in the genre. A defining moment of their early friendship occurred during 21 Savage's 24th birthday, when Drake arranged for the rapper to drive a red Ferrari in Beverly Hills. While many believed the car was a gift, 21 Savage later clarified it was a weekend loan, though the experience was so impactful that he purchased a Ferrari for himself shortly after.
Musically, the pair established a formula of menacing, paranoid rap set against heavy production. Their first collaboration, "Sneakin'", debuted in October 2016 and helped set the stage for a string of hits. While some tracks, like the leaked "Issa", failed to make official albums due to label concerns regarding early leaks, others became massive successes. "Knife Talk" was originally intended for a 21 Savage project but was completed just in time for Drake's 2021 album, Certified Lover Boy.
The partnership reached a commercial peak in November 2022 with the release of their joint project, Her Loss. Beyond the studio, the relationship is characterized by mutual respect; 21 Savage has praised Drake's habit of using his platform to elevate emerging artists, noting that Drake provides significant support to newcomers without seeking credit. Despite the massive revenue these collaborations generate, 21 Savage's management has noted that the two artists have never even discussed specific fees for their features.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How Drake & 21 Savage Became Rap’s In-Demand Duo: A Timeline Of Their Friendship, Collabs, Lawsuits And More | Grammy
- Also: Relationship of 21 Savage and Drake
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