The move has sparked outrage in the Hip-Hop community due to Wallen’s past use of a racial slur, which resurfaced in public discourse following Drake’s onstage walkout.
Drake x Morgan Wallen 🔥 pic.twitter.com/f3DdkwgmGO
— Drake Charts ⁶𓅓 (@DrakeChart) June 23, 2025
Appearing alongside Wallen and former baseball star Roger Clemens, the Toronto rapper quickly went viral—not for music, but for what many saw as poor optics. Critics accused Drake of aligning with Wallen to tap into his fanbase, despite Wallen’s controversial history.
Drake and Morgan Wallen in Houston pic.twitter.com/UzVKSj8AhA
— Drake Direct (@DrakeDirect_) June 22, 2025
Wallen was recorded in 2021 using the N-word outside his home, which led to major fallout including suspension from his label and removal from radio and streaming platforms. Though he has since returned to touring and recording, the incident remains a sore point for many fans and artists.
Social media users expressed disappointment in Drake’s decision. One post referenced Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” highlighting Drake’s alleged exploitation of Black culture. Others pointed to a pattern of questionable behavior, citing Drake’s recent lyrical jab at Kendrick about “rapping like you tryna free the slaves,” and linking it to his appearance with Wallen.
The Black community booted Drake all the way to Morgan Wallen!!!
We all knew Kendrick won, but this a different level of victory pic.twitter.com/Eha9anvRk3
— JimmyDean (@JimmyDean407) June 22, 2025
Beggin’ Morgan Wallen, boy, you not fvckin’ beatin’ us pic.twitter.com/jo4tOztyB6
— yaya (@PhucShuMeanMane) June 22, 2025
In what world did Drake think it was a good idea to associate himself with Morgan “N Word” Wallen
— Spectre (@spectre0799) June 22, 2025
Now watch drake fans support morgan wallen and do damage control knowing fully well he’s a racist pos …..
Stan culture has a disease https://t.co/xjsiBBdkZP
— A BIG STEPPER✍️🗿 (@dex_osas) June 22, 2025
Morgan Wallen is racist.
We must cancel Drake.
We must also cancel any Black artist or Producer associated with Eminem pic.twitter.com/cuiY7lMxRi
— BLA$$$IC 💿✌🏿 (@blassicliberal) June 23, 2025
Some Hip-Hop commentators labeled the move a “betrayal,” arguing it distances Drake further from the genre that built his career. Others viewed it as a desperate attempt to remain relevant following his highly publicized feud with Lamar.
While Wallen has previously invited big-name guests during his tour, none have drawn backlash to the extent Drake has experienced. Fans and critics alike continue to debate the implications of the appearance.