Longtime Drake producer Noah “40” Shebib has defended the rapper against Meek Mill’s claim that Drake doesn’t write his own raps.
In a lengthy tweetstorm Tuesday night Mill alleged that Drake’s reliance on ghostwriters is a poorly kept secret. He also tweeted the name of Drake’s alleged ghostwriter, Quentin Miller, who’s actually credited on several Drake songs.
Enter Shebib, who also fired off several tweets Wednesday night rebutting Mill’s claims. Yes, Miller has made small contributions to Drake songs and receives appropriate credit, Shebib pointed out. But as Drake’s right-hand in the studio, Shebib says he has witnessed first-hand how involved Drake is in the creation of his own music. “No one is as talented as Drake,” he wrote.
Shebib doesn’t stop there:
“Rap has a stigma about writing your own lyrics and rightfully so… its a very personal art form and its rooted in speaking truthfully. Thankfully for me drake isn’t just a rapper. He’s also a musician and a producer and a creator. We go beyond the normal boundaries that rappers want to sleep themselves stuck in … Theres countless number ones and songs drake has written for others never mind himself, thats the funny part lol!”
Not writing every single word doesn’t mean Drake’s not writing any of the words, Shebib seems to say, and Drake’s track record as a songwriter is proven—he’s just open to collaboration and outside contributions if it serves his vision. “If someone wants to be upset that drake made a great album, go for it, get mad all day lol!” Shebib tweeted in conclusion. “But don’t ever question my brothers pen.”
Here’s the full set of tweets:
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