Popcaan’s longstanding connection to Drake, having been signed to OVO Sound since 2016, was reflected in his reaction when Kendrick Lamar’s music played backstage at Unruly Fest.
During an interview with Link Up TV, Popcaan abruptly stopped mid-conversation, his eyes widening in apparent disapproval as Kendrick Lamar’s song unexpectedly played in the background.
“I don’t care. I don’t wanna hear that. Change the station,” he said.
The moment happens around the one-minute mark below.
This isn’t the first time Popcaan has stood 10 toes down for Drake.
After “Views” dropped, Mr. Vegas accused Drake of being “fake” for allegedly failing to give due credit to dancehall artists like Beenie Man and Popcaan who appeared on the album.
Mr. Vegas questioned Drake’s intentions, wondering why he’d feature Beenie Man on a track only to seemingly overshadow him, and then use his vocals as a mere introduction. He felt Drake was “rampaging” his artists, utilizing them for his own benefit
The controversy stemmed from “Controlla,” which sampled Beenie Man’s “Tear Off Mi Garment.” Although a leaked version of the song featured Popcaan, he wasn’t included in the final version. However, both artists received credits for their contributions to other tracks – Beenie Man for the “Controlla” sample and Popcaan for the sample used in “Too Good” with Rihanna.
Popcaan declared his loyalty to the OVO camp, implying he didn’t require Mr. Vegas’ support or intervention.
We’re good, OVO Unruly’s got this. Don’t try to step in for me, you don’t know the dynamics between Unruly and OVO.”
