Meet Drake.

If you're anything like me, when you heard that the highly anticipated Madness musical guest was a likely going to be a Canadian rapper, you were just happy to hear that Snow was doing well, let alone attending Kentucky's basketball kickoff.  But, after finding out that the greatest Canadian reggae rapper of all-time was actually not the surprise guest, you probably started to wonder who this Drake character is (and why he looks so much like another Drake).   According to a small sampling of my friends and KSR posters, he is either "the future of rap", "ok but nothing special" or a complete unknown, which reads very similiarly to a Bobby Maze scouting report. But, regardless of  what the streets commenters are saying about him, he's going to apparently be at Madness in some shape or fashion, so you might as well get to know him. Maybe you can even chant his name! Ladies and gentleman, meet Aubrey Drake Graham (courtesty of Wikipedia).

 - Aubrey Drake Graham was born in Toronto, Ontario, the son of Dennis Graham, a drummer who worked with Jerry Lee Lewis; he is the nephew of musicians Larry Graham and Teenie Hodges.  Graham's father is an African American from Memphis, Tennessee, while Graham's mother, an educator, is a white Jewish Canadian.  - In 2001, Graham began his acting career, playing the role of Jimmy Brooks, a character on Degrassi: The Next Generation. In the show, Brooks is a basketball star who became physically disabled after he was shot by a classmate.  - In 2007, he released Comeback Season to much critical acclaim and praise.  - In 2008, Lil Wayne was given some of Drake's music and he called Drake immediately to fly to Houston to come and tour with him.  - On February 13, 2009, Drake released his third official mix tape, So Far Gone, for free download on his blog site. It received over 2,000 downloads in the first 2 hours of release. Due to the success of the mix tape's two singles, "Best I Ever Had" and "Successful", it was released as an EP . MTV named it, "The Hottest Mix tape of 2009 (So Far)'.  - On the Billboard Hot 100 chart of July 4, 2009, both "Best I Ever Had", and "Every Girl" by Young Money Entertainment entered the top ten at positions 3 and 10 respectively. Drake is only the second artist to have his first two top ten hits in the same week.   - On June 29, 2009 it was confirmed Drake signed a record deal with Young Money Entertainment.  This followed what Billboard purported to be "one of the biggest bidding wars ever".  - On July 31, 2009, Drake fell on stage and injured his knee while performing "Best I Ever Had", with Lil Wayne in Camden, New Jersey  - Online rumors swirled stating that Drake was in a relationship with Rihanna. Both parties denied that claim, with Drake stating "we're just good friends."

So, there you go.  Drake is a half volunteer, half Jewish Canadian rapper and is the son of Jerry Lewis' drummer.  He is not dating Rihanna, despite igniting "one of the biggest bidding wars ever" after releasing the hottest mix tape of the year...so far.  And, don't be confused by his injured knee.  He is not a handicapped basketball player.  He just played one on TV. Spit that fire, Drake! (WARNING:  There are some words that you wouldn't use in front of your mother.  I'd advise headphones if you're at the office.)