Drake has once again thrown his support behind fellow Canadian artist Tory Lanez — this time in the middle of a resurfaced interview clip that’s now going viral.
On Sunday, August 24, fans spotted Drizzy in the comments section of a 2019 Genius interview featuring Lanez. In the clip, Lanez recited bars from Lil Wayne’s classic Dedication 2 freestyle “Cannon” during a sit-down with journalist Rob Markman.
While most viewers were just revisiting the throwback moment, Drake used the opportunity to take a jab at Markman — and to reaffirm his stance on Lanez’s imprisonment.
The 6 God wrote:
“Of course this good Markman couldn’t finish the bar… Free Tory.”
Rob Markman Fires Back
It didn’t take long for Rob Markman to clap back. Taking the feud to X (formerly Twitter), the veteran journalist shaded Drake with a sly reference to his recent legal battles with Universal Music Group.
Markman tweeted:
“I could call him names too but you know he love to sue.”
The quick comeback got plenty of laughs online, with fans praising Markman for refusing to let Drake’s comment slide.
A History of Tension Between Drake and Markman
This isn’t the first time Drake has singled out Rob Markman publicly. Their tension stretches back years.
- 2019 Joe Budden Live: During one of Joe Budden’s Instagram Live sessions, Drake jumped into the comments, pressuring Budden to play old diss tracks.
- He specifically referenced Pusha T’s brutal diss “The Story of Adidon,” saying: “Yo play your diss songs for me right now I want to see if they ring off. Play ‘Story of Adidon’ right now and see if it rings off. I promise the only person that’s gonna know the words is Rob Markman.”
- The jab sparked chatter at the time, and now in 2025, Drake seems to be keeping that same energy.
Tory Lanez’s Current Status
Drake’s “Free Tory” remark instantly reignited controversy online, given Lanez’s current prison sentence.
- Conviction: In December 2022, Tory Lanez was found guilty on three felony counts connected to the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
- Sentencing: He was officially sentenced to 10 years in prison in August 2023.
- Prison Violence: Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Lanez was hospitalized following a stabbing incident behind bars, sparking concerns about his safety.
Despite the gravity of Lanez’s case, Drake’s unwavering loyalty has been consistent — even if it risks backlash from critics who see his support as dismissive of Megan Thee Stallion’s trauma.
Fan Reactions: Divided as Ever
Social media quickly lit up after Drake’s latest comment. Some fans applauded him for standing by Tory Lanez, while others criticized him for doubling down on a controversial stance.
- “Drake standing by his boy no matter what. Respect.”
- “It’s wild that Drake still says ‘Free Tory’ after everything. Bad look.”
- “Rob Markman cooked him with one line.”
- “Drake really can’t leave this Tory Lanez thing alone huh?”
The discourse mirrors the larger cultural split that has surrounded the Lanez-Megan case from the beginning.
Why This Moment Matters
Drake isn’t just a bystander in hip-hop — he’s arguably its biggest global star. That means his public words carry weight, and his “Free Tory” comment instantly trends whenever he says it.
At the same time, his ongoing shots at Rob Markman show that Drake is still deeply invested in industry feuds — mixing loyalty with petty online banter.
The bigger question: Will Drake’s stance affect his public perception? Or has his fan base come to expect — and even embrace — his unapologetic commentary?
The Bottom Line
Drake has once again made waves by publicly siding with Tory Lanez, reigniting his long-running feud with Rob Markman in the process.
For some, it’s proof of Drizzy’s ride-or-die loyalty. For others, it’s another controversial move that risks alienating fans who support Megan Thee Stallion.
One thing’s clear: in true Drake fashion, he’s keeping his name — and his opinions — at the center of the conversation.
Do you think Drake is right to keep saying “Free Tory,” or is it time to let it go? Share your thoughts below!
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