Drake and Toronto. Toronto and Drake. Few artist-city relationships in the 21st century have been more symbiotic, as the rapper has risen to worldwide fame spinning tales of urban revelry and heartbreak over icy, wintry beats.
Along the way, the rapper has kept his beloved hometown teams close to his heart. Drake has served as the Raptors' global ambassador for over a decade, and slapped a picture of former Blue Jays outfielder Joe Carter's iconic World Series-home run on the cover of his 2015 single "Back to Back."
Tuesday evening, however, Drake took his affection to the next level. In conjunction with celebrity jeweler Alex Moss, the musician unveiled a chain celebrating Toronto's three Big Four sports teams — the Raptors, Blue Jays and Maple Leafs.
Drake’s new iced out chain dedicated to Toronto is incredible 🔥💎
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) October 11, 2023
(Made by @alexmossny) pic.twitter.com/gr8L7WfyK7
The chain, which also depicts Toronto's CN Tower, drew a variety of reactions on social media.
The piece's design — particularly its depiction of the Raptors and Blue Jays — received a bevy of positive feedback.
Execution is insaneeeee Blue Jays and Raptors aint have to go that hard 😮💨 https://t.co/B5olSUoO8d
— Floorin Forun (@VinceVeryForun) October 11, 2023
Some took the opportunity to shade Drake's recently released album, For All the Dogs.
😮💨 The chain better than the album https://t.co/Rprj94muyB
— AyoShawn 🎹🔥 (@AyoShawn01) October 11, 2023
A few observers, however, pointed out some of Toronto's teams were missing.
Argonauts (and former Mississippi State) defensive back Jamal Peters vouched for the city's CFL franchise, which turned 150 on Oct. 4.
Definitely should have put the Argos on there 😂😂 https://t.co/EW3YzPGaAQ
— Jamal Peters (@JamalPeters21) October 11, 2023
Toronto FC got some love, even as it languishes in last place in MLS's Eastern Conference.
But he was bigging @TorontoFC when they won the MLS Cup and now… c’mon @drake
— Mexi:Can Futbol 🇨🇦🇲🇽 (@Mexi_CanFutbol) October 11, 2023
There were even a few votes cast for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League — lacrosse is one of Canada's national sports, after all.
He forgot to add the @TorontoRockLax https://t.co/fJ7msjp0R1
— Evan grimes (@fearthe_G) October 11, 2023
