Shad Addresses Drake’s Junos Mention

During a remote appearance at Sunday’s Juno Awards, Drake used his time inducting Nelly Furtado into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame to promote his own work and reference a long-standing rap rivalry. He briefly mentioned Shad, the rapper from London, Ontario, reviving a competitive narrative from over a decade ago.

Shad has since responded directly to the mention. In a social media post, he clarified the timeline and context of their past exchanges, pointing out factual inaccuracies in Drake’s framing. His response was measured, focusing on setting the record straight rather than escalating the dispute.

The incident highlights how certain narratives in Canadian hip-hop, particularly those involving Drake’s early career and his perceived competitors, continue to surface. It also shifts focus momentarily from the celebratory intent of the Junos back to the enduring tensions within the country’s music scene.