Michael Rubin, the billionaire owner of Fanatics, did his friend Drake no favors when he confirmed a rumor that Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” was not allowed to be played at his annual all-white Fourth of July party.
Rubin addressed the rumor in an interview with The Breakfast Club on August 14, saying, “It’s true. Drake has been my friend for a long time. I’m not going to invite him – and he’s obviously in a difficult position right now. I’m not going to invite him there… I just didn’t think it was appropriate.”
Rubin’s efforts were nice, and he made sure his friend had a good time and wasn’t reminded of his longtime rival at one of the biggest parties of the year. Rubin may have kept that to himself, though. In rap beefs where rivals and critics look for any advantage, the last thing Drake needs is for the world to know that his billionaire buddy cleaned the party playlist for him.
Rubin could have avoided addressing the rumor, especially since interviewer Loren LoRosa had only asked if she would respond to general chatter on social media. But Rubin explained clearly: “So I sent a message and said, ‘Hey, let’s not play the music of someone who’s in a fight with someone (at the party).'”
When LoRosa asked if Drake made the request, Rubin took full responsibility. “It was my decision. I just thought it was the right thing to do.”
Rubin went on to say that he hosted a barbecue the day before the big party. When someone played Spotify’s Rap Caviar playlist, “Not Like Us” started. Rubin yelled, “Take that off! Take that off!” just as Drake arrived.
Rubin also dismissed memes and speculation that Drake was clearly expressing his feelings at the party, saying the musician “had a great time.” He added, “You have to be built for social media, you have to be tough, you have to take sh*t from people. Drake is an iconic artist that we all respect. What I said to Drake – and I honestly believe this – is that this is a huge test for him. You can’t get to where he is without people rooting for you.”
Oh how sweet.
