Drake, who once claimed to be "in love with" Rihanna since the day they first met, now seems to have a different opinion about her. In a song called "Fear of Heights" from his latest album, For All The Dogs, released on Friday, October 6, the 36-year-old rapper appears to throw shade at Rihanna, 35, and her current partner, ASAP Rocky, who happens to be the father of her two children. Drake seemingly sings to his ex, questioning why people still believe he's fixated on her. He emphasizes that she cannot destroy him and implies that he'd rather see her with someone else, stating, "It's better him than me. Better that it's not me."
Drake continues to express his dislike, possibly referring to Rihanna's album ANTI released in 2016. He might also be acknowledging Rihanna's Barbadian background by using the term "Gyal," a Caribbean pronunciation of "girl." Drake then takes a shot at his ex by criticizing their sexual compatibility and claiming to have been involved with more attractive women. He suggests that Rihanna's current partner remains with her because he cannot leave, and speculates that their vacations are likely in Antilles. In another track called "Another Late Night," Drake references ASAP Rocky, mentioning both his stage name and nickname "Flacko."
Addressing the absence of a relationship with his ex, Drake is addressing the comments allegedly made by Rihanna. In a 2018 interview with Vogue, Rihanna acknowledged that they no longer have a friendship but emphasized that they are not enemies either. She simply accepted the situation for what it is.
Drake and Rihanna Getty Images (2)
Drake surprised everyone at the 2016 MTV VMAs when he appeared to present Rihanna with the Video Vanguard Award. On stage, he expressed his admiration for her music, which changes styles from album to album, and her videos, which evolve in artistic vision each year. But beyond that, he emphasized his deep affection for Rihanna, stating that he has loved her since he was 22 years old and considers her one of his closest friends.
However, despite the heartfelt gesture, Rihanna didn't fully enjoy Drake's open declaration of love. She confessed that waiting through his speech was the most uncomfortable part for her, as she isn't fond of excessive compliments or being put in the spotlight.
Rihanna and Drake pose backstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Following their Vogue interview, Drake stopped following Rihanna on Instagram. In January 2020, they reconnected after her breakup with Hassan Jameel, but coincidentally, Rihanna's relationship with Rocky was blossoming at the same time.
Soon after, in January 2022, Rocky and Rihanna announced their first pregnancy. They joyfully welcomed a baby boy in May. Then, at the 2023 Super Bowl, Rihanna unveiled her second pregnancy. In August, she gave birth to another baby boy, this time with Rocky as the father.