A shooting incident outside rapper Drake’s Toronto mansion early Tuesday morning has left a man, reportedly a security guard for the artist, injured. According to Inspector Paul Krawczyk of the gun and gang task force, the incident occurred around 2 a.m., with the victim sustaining a gunshot wound. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle and are currently at large. The police have indicated that the shooting was captured on video but have not provided a description of the suspects.
The shooting took place outside the gates of Drake’s 50,000-square-foot mansion in the North York neighbourhood known as Bridle Path. However, authorities clarified that the rapper was not involved in the incident. Drake had previously been granted permission to build fences twice as high as allowed by city law, citing security concerns.
The shooting follows a weekend marked by escalating diss tracks between Drake and Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar. The musical rivalry, which has simmered for some time, intensified with the release of six songs in 72 hours, featuring personal attacks involving family members and allegations of abuse against women on both sides.
Inspector Krawczyk stated at a news conference that the motive for the shooting remains unclear, as it is still early in the investigation. While unable to confirm Drake’s presence at the time of the incident, authorities have been in contact with the rapper’s team, which is cooperating with the investigation.
The victim, who has not been identified, is reported to be in serious condition at the hospital.
A spokesperson for Drake declined to provide a comment on the matter.
Lamar’s track “Not Like Us,” released on Saturday, prominently features a map with an aerial shot of Drake’s residence on its cover art. The song, which accuses Drake and his associates of being “certified pedophiles,” is currently dominating global and U.S. streaming charts on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. The cover art depicts Drake’s home with markers representing registered sex offenders.
Drake has previously made references to his residence, dubbed “the Embassy,” in tracks such as “7AM on Bridle Path.”
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Representatives for Lamar have not responded to requests for comment.
Mayor Olivia Chow, briefed by the police on the incident, emphasized her disapproval of any act of violence in the city, urging law enforcement to apprehend those responsible.
Also Read | Drake, Kendrick escalate feud with ‘Family Matters’ and ‘Meet the Grahams’