Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR are facing accusations of copying creative elements from other artists just as they gear up to release their much-anticipated collaborative album, $ome $exy $ongs 4U. The controversy began when rapper Freddie Gibbs took to social media on Thursday (February 13) to suggest that the duo had lifted the title concept from his 2022 album, $oul $old $eparately.
Freddie Gibbs Calls Out Similarities
Initially appearing mildly irritated, Gibbs took a sarcastic approach to the situation. “Damn, they even stole the rabbits too,” he tweeted, referencing the rabbit imagery prominently featured in his album’s artwork and promotional materials.
He followed up with a clip from his $oul $old $eparately trailer, mocking Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR by captioning it, “$$$4U,” a play on their album title. To drive his point home, he later invoked the famous moment when Soulja Boy called out Drake for allegedly copying his flow during a 2018 interview on The Breakfast Club.
While some fans dismissed Gibbs’ accusations as coincidental, others rallied behind him. One supporter referenced an old Drake tweet from 2013 that simply read, “$$$…the green persuader,” as a subtle hint that Drake may have had this concept in mind for years. Another user posted a photo of Gibbs and Drake together, writing, “This is part of his playbook.”
Album Cover Controversy: John River’s Work Allegedly Used
Beyond Gibbs’ claims, allegations of creative theft also extend to the album’s cover art. A hip-hop fan page on Twitter highlighted striking similarities between the $ome $exy $ongs 4U visuals and those from Canadian rapper John River. The connection is particularly noteworthy as River is also from Mississauga, the same hometown as PARTYNEXTDOOR.
According to the tweet, River had previously met with PARTYNEXTDOOR and other OVO members to discuss his music video for Hope City II. The discussions reportedly revolved around Mississauga’s Marilyn Monroe Towers, a pair of distinctive skyscrapers that were prominently featured in River’s video. These same towers are now a focal point of Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s album cover, leading to speculation that the concept was repurposed without credit.
Industry Reactions & Public Speculation
As of now, neither Drake nor PARTYNEXTDOOR has responded to the accusations. However, the situation has sparked widespread debate among hip-hop fans and industry insiders. Some argue that artistic inspiration often overlaps in the music industry, making such allegations common. Others believe that Gibbs and River have valid points, given the detailed similarities between their works and $ome $exy $ongs 4U.
This isn’t the first time Drake has been accused of borrowing creative ideas without acknowledgment. Over the years, various artists have alleged that the OVO Sound boss has taken inspiration from their work, sometimes without proper credit. Given his immense influence in the industry, these claims often fuel heated discussions on social media.
Will Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR Address the Controversy?
With the album set to drop soon, all eyes are on Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR to see if they will break their silence on the matter. If they choose to respond, it could come in the form of a statement, a tweet, or even a lyrical rebuttal within their new music. Until then, fans and critics alike will continue speculating about whether these accusations hold weight or if they are simply a case of creative coincidence.
As the controversy unfolds, one thing remains certain: $ome $exy $ongs 4U has already generated significant buzz, ensuring that all eyes will be on its release, whether for the music itself or the drama surrounding it.
Stay Tuned for Updates
For the latest updates on this developing story, stay connected to entertainment news sources and keep an eye on social media reactions from the artists involved. Whether this turns into a full-blown industry scandal or simply fades into the background remains to be seen.