Update: Drake Reportedly Fires Hip Hop Since 1978 Management
After the blockbuster success of his first two albums, Drake is pressing the reset button on his career, firing his entire management team and both of his agents, Page Six reports.
The rising superstar, whose sophomore album, Take Care, had a big debut at No. 1 on Billboard last week, has relieved Kyambo "Hip Hop" Joshua, Gee Roberson, Bryan Cortez and Al Branch of Hip Hop Since 1978, the famed management team that represents other hip hop staples such as Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. Drake also ousted his agents Dana Sims and Robert Gibbs at International Creative Management, going instead with Brent Smith of William Morris Endeavor.
The Canadian rapper's break with his business team is consistent with recent moves he has made to surround himself with the close-knit, largely Toronto-based crew of friends and associates who have been by his side since he was just a mixtape artist. Oliver El-Khatib, a Toronto native and member of Drake's October's Very Own crew, began taking on management duties for Drake earlier this year. Hip Hop Since 1978, meanwhile, is most famous for discovering Kanye West — an artist with whom Drake has had rumored tension in recent months.
According to the Post's source, Drizzy felt it was time to clean house.
"Drake just felt like there were too many hands in his pockets. He was getting pulled in too many different directions,” said the source.
UPDATE:
William Morris Endeavor has issued a statement confirming that Drake is their client and that he still is managed by Hip Hop Since 1978.
"WME now represents Drake in all areas worldwide. Contrary to previous reports, there has been no change with Drake’s management team, and he continues to be managed by Gee Roberson, Al Branch, Kyambo Joshua and Bryant Cortez of Hip Hop Since 1978."
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