Drake Claims He’s Taking a Step Back From Music To Focus on Health

Summary:

Drake announces break from music to focus on health; battling gastrointestinal issues for years.
Drake plans to step away from music for at least a year to prioritize his health.
The rapper’s recent success and chart-topping hits make his hiatus a surprise to many fans.

Drake may be taking some time away from music to deal with some health issues that he’s been dealing with for quite some time.

Drake made the announcement Friday morning on his SiriusXM show “Table for One”.

The artist stated, “I need to focus on my health, first and foremost.” Apparently, he’s been battling a gastrointestinal issue … he says, “I’ve been having the craziest problems for years with my stomach.”

Drake and The Weeknd perform onstage during a date of Drakes "Nothing Was the Same" 2014 World Tour at Nottingham Capital FM Arena on March 16, 2014 in Nottingham, England. — NOTTINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 16: Drake and The Weeknd perform onstage during a date of Drakes “Nothing Was the Same” 2014 World Tour at Nottingham Capital FM Arena on March 16, 2014 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Ollie Millington/WireImage)

Drake did not give many details about his stomach issue, but the “One Dance” crooner says it will require enough of his time that “I’ma lock the door on the studio for a little bit. Maybe a year or something … maybe a little longer.”

Drake has recently been on tour with many fans dropping serious dollars to see the rapper.

The singer also has been cranking out singles over the years, so for many this comes as a shock.

Drake attends the LA Premiere Of HBO's "Euphoria" at The Cinerama Dome on June 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The musician is taking a break from music to focus on his health. — LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 04: Drake attends the LA Premiere Of HBO’s “Euphoria” at The Cinerama Dome on June 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Over the last 13 years, Drake dropped nine studio projects, most of which had #1 hits that streamed and dominated charts. Drake has also gained much success through radio play.

Just a few hours after making his latest album, the singer said though he has more important things to deal with. “I need to focus on my health, and I need to get it right.

Drake attends the "Top Boy" UK Premiere at Hackney Picturehouse on September 04, 2019 in London, England. — LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 04: Drake attends the “Top Boy” UK Premiere at Hackney Picturehouse on September 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)

Marking his first solo album since 2022’s Honestly Nevermind, For All The Dogs spawned his Hot 100 No. 1 single “Slime You Out” featuring SZA. The song marked Drake’s 12th No. 1 single on the Hot 100, tying him for fifth all-time. His latest feat moved him closer to surpassing Michael Jackson for the most among solo males, as the King of Pop sits at 13.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 23: (L-R) Drake, winner of the Artist of the Decade Award, and Adonis Graham speak onstage for the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, broadcast on May 23, 2021 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

The rapper also stated he would open for SZA after she had to cancel a few dates.

Aside from “Slime You Out,” Drake revved up anticipation on Thursday (Oct. 5) when he released his sixth entry in his “AM 2 PM” series with “8 AM in Charlotte.” The six-minute clip dropped during the early hours of the morning and starred his son Adonis.