After years of web whispers and rap beef ammunition, Drake has lastly addressed the persistent cosmetic surgery rumors throughout his look on Bobbi Althoff‘s Not This Once more podcast on September 2nd. The “Hotline Bling” famous person tackled the hypothesis head-on, bringing his attribute humor to what has develop into one in all hip-hop’s most enduring conspiracy theories.
When immediately requested about stomach etching—a beauty process that sculpts muscle definition by eradicating fats—Drake gave a easy “No” to host Bobbi Althoff. Nevertheless, the 38-year-old artist wasn’t content material with simply shutting down the ab surgical procedure rumors. As a substitute, he playfully acknowledged the broader hypothesis surrounding his look.
“Folks additionally say that I obtained a BBL [Brazilian Butt Lift]. They name me ‘BBL Drizzy,’” Drake joked throughout the interview, referencing the viral nickname that emerged throughout his extremely publicized feud with Kendrick Lamar earlier this 12 months.
The cosmetic surgery rumors have been swirling round Drake since 2016, initially sparked by media persona Joe Budden’s social media publish suggesting the rapper had visited celeb plastic surgeon Dr. Miami. Since then, the hypothesis has develop into a recurring theme in hip-hop, with artists like Pusha T, Megan Thee Stallion, and most notably Kendrick Lamar incorporating references into their lyrics.
Throughout their epic rap battle in 2024, Kendrick took specific intention at these rumors, rapping on “euphoria”: “Let your core viewers abdomen that, then inform ’em the place you get your abs from.” The diss observe “Meet The Grahams” doubled down on these accusations, making a viral second that saved the hypothesis alive.
Curiously, Drake made an surprising confession throughout the podcast interview. When discussing his viral shirtless selfie from earlier this summer season—the one which reignited cosmetic surgery discussions throughout social media—the Toronto native admitted to some digital enhancement. “I got here from the gymnasium, I used to be sweaty in that pic,” he defined, earlier than confessing to “perhaps” utilizing the “element” instrument on picture modifying app Facetune. “Possibly I heightened the saturation or one thing on it. I believe I hit it too exhausting. They don’t seem like that.”
This candid admission about picture modifying provides one other layer to the continuing dialog about authenticity in celeb tradition. Whereas Drake firmly denies any surgical procedures, his willingness to cop to utilizing Facetune exhibits a refreshing honesty in regards to the pressures of social media perfection. He’s chosen to interact with the hypothesis playfully, even embracing the “BBL Drizzy” moniker that emerged from his feud with Kendrick.
In the meantime, his followers proceed to defend their idol throughout social media platforms, with many declaring that the rumors stay unsubstantiated regardless of years of hypothesis. The controversy has actually offered loads of materials for each his critics and supporters, preserving Drake’s title trending throughout varied platforms.
Because the mud settles from his newest clarification, one factor stays clear: Drake is aware of how one can maintain folks speaking, whether or not via his music, his social media presence, or his willingness to deal with even essentially the most persistent rumors with a smile and a joke.
