This has been a big year for Drake, from having the most-streamed song, to having one of the most buzzed-about albums—and even some of the most talked-about relationships (more on that later). But the Toronto rapper has done some serious trolling this year, too. From that time he had us convinced that he was dating Taylor Swift, to the not-so-subtle hints that he's involved with Jennifer Lopez, see how Drizzy played us in 2016.
1. When He Teased His Album with Cryptic Symbols and Logos (And Then Changed the Title)
Before officially announcing his new album, Drake dropped major clues about his upcoming project around the world—literally. In February, during All-Star Weekend, the rapper put up a massive billboard (which later became a running trend for him) reading "VIEWS" in the city of Toronto. Similar ads previewing the project, then known as Views from the 6, were also seen in the airport and later, in London too. Then he had a brief Kanye moment and made an impromptu edit to the album title, deleting "From the 6" from the name before the LP dropped at the end of April.
2. When He Memed Himself
When Views finally did release, the internet, knowing no limits as usual, instantly turned the cover art into a meme. Soon the tiny image of Drake atop the CN tower was photoshopped over everything from other celebrities' heads to the Seinfeld diner. Drake, however, played along on Instagram, proving he gets the last laugh.
Drake/Instagram
3. When He Heckled from the Sidelines at Several Basketball Games
This hometown hero knows how to rep his team on the court, but he doesn't quite know when to stop. The Raptors fan was a vocal addition to the floor seats, who isn't afraid to argue with the refs or taunt opposing players, providing the Internet with viral content along the way.
4. When He Teased His and Kanye West's Collab
Kanye West first dropped a hint that he and Drake were making music together when he made a surprise cameo at OVO Fest in August. Later, a billboard (here it is again) put up in Los Angeles hinted at the project too. (It contained the logos of both artists' record labels.)
While Kanye confirmed in an interview that they are joining forces, Drake still hasn't made any official statements—but he did Instagram a pretty telling hint.
5. All Things Rihanna-Related
Following Rihanna and Drake's on-and-off relationship has been the roller coaster of 2016. They got physical in her steamy "Work" music video, had flirtatious joint performances and were seen out together several times. To top it off, Drizzy dedicated an entire billboard to her (yes, another one) for the VMAs, surprised her at the ceremony, presented her award, professed his love for her and showered her with kisses after the show. Then, because all good things must come to an end, the couple broke up in October.
Getty Images
6. When He Fueled Taylor Swift Dating Rumors
In an inexplicable turn of events, the rapper was rumored to be romantically linked with Taylor Swift just weeks after his breakup with Rihanna made news. Sources claimed the two flirted at his 30th birthday party and were reportedly spending time together afterwards, though neither artist commented on their supposed romance. But because he has no chill, Drake posted a mysterious photo of himself and Swift from the celebration to pique the rumor mill once more.
7. When Those Dating Rumors Just Resulted in a Music Collab and Parody Video
It turns out, Drake and Taylor were hanging out because they're collaborating on some new music, which surprised fans just as much as the romance gossip did. Their joint work will reportedly sound "very different," but there's no sign of it being released soon. However, Drake did show off his spin on Swift's "Bad Blood" with a hilarious Apple Music ad, which premiered at the American Music Awards. It was his response to the singer's viral commercial earlier this year, where she jammed out to Drake and Future's "Jumpman."
8. When He Promised His "More Life" Project Would Come in December (But It Didn't)
During his birthday weekend, Drake announced he would release new project called More Life, a playlist of original songs, in December. At the same time, he dropped four new songs, which previewed what the rest of the work would be like.
Though hype for the project grew in the weeks following his announcement, More Life never came. Instead, the rapper took to Instagram to clarify that it's actually slated for 2017. Bummer.
9. When He and J-Lo Sparked Dating Rumors
Of course, Drake had to squeeze in one more act before the end of the year. Word of the rapper's supposed romance with Jennifer Lopez began when he posted a photo of the two of them backstage at her Las Vegas show after he watched her perform. Apparently, the the two continued spending time together in the days that followed, including last night, when they both shared a shot of the two them cuddling up together on the couch. But is this just a publicity stunt for the pair's upcoming music collaboration as it was for him and Taylor? The answer may lie in 2017.
Drake/Instagram
Here's to the Drake trolling us again next year.
Erica Gonzales is the Senior Culture Editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage on TV, movies, music, books, and more. She was previously an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. There is a 75 percent chance she's listening to Lorde right now.
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