Drake is one of the biggest rappers and musicians in the world right now. Whenever he goes on tour or performs shows, fans are not only excited to see Drake himself, but also to see who he chooses to have open for him. Drake’s openers help set the vibe and get the crowd hyped up and ready for an incredible show. Over the years, Drake has had various hip-hop, R&B, and pop artists open up for him. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable musicians who have had the chance to open for Drake.
The Weeknd
One of the most famous musicians to regularly open for Drake is The Weeknd. The two are fellow Canadian artists who rose to fame around the same time, and they have collaborated extensively over the years. Some of their biggest joint hits include “Crew Love”, “The Zone”, and “Live For”. Drake and The Weeknd have remained close friends. It’s no surprise that Drake chose The Weeknd as his opener numerous times between 2012-2015. The Weeknd even opened for Drake on his Would You Like A Tour? tour in Europe. Having The Weeknd as an opener was a smart choice since their musical styles blend together well. The Weeknd’s dark, moody R&B sound complemented Drake’s rap style.
Notable performances together
- OVO Fest in Toronto – August 2013
- Would You Like A Tour? in Berlin – March 2014
- Would You Like A Tour? in Stockholm – March 2014
Jhené Aiko
Another frequent opener for Drake is American R&B singer Jhené Aiko. She opened for Drake multiple times during his Europe leg of the Would You Like A Tour? in 2014. Drake and Jhené Aiko also have several collaborations together like “From Time”, “July”, and “BHWBC”. Having the smooth, chill R&B sounds of Jhené Aiko start off the show definitely got audiences in the relaxed mood before Drake took the stage. The two clearly have mutual artistic respect for one another.
Notable performances together
- Would You Like A Tour? in Amsterdam – February 2014
- Would You Like A Tour? in Antwerp – February 2014
- Would You Like A Tour? in Berlin – March 2014
PARTYNEXTDOOR
PARTYNEXTDOOR is another one of Drake’s frequent collaborators who has opened for him many times. As an R&B singer signed to Drake’s OVO record label, PARTYNEXTDOOR has co-written various songs with Drake like ” Come Thru” and “Preach”. PARTYNEXTDOOR has a similar moody, R&B style like The Weeknd but also mixes in more electronic and dance influences. Drake clearly wants openers who match his vibe and sound. In the summer of 2014, PARTYNEXTDOOR opened for several shows on Drake’s Would You Like A Tour? North American leg.
Notable performances together
- Would You Like A Tour? in Houston – July 2014
- Would You Like A Tour? in Austin – July 2014
- Would You Like A Tour? in Miami – August 2014
Migos
Drake has helped introduce various rappers to mainstream audiences by having them open his shows. One rap group he’s supported multiple times is Migos, the Atlanta trap rap trio consisting of Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff. While Migos were already gaining momentum, opening for the massive Would You Like A Tour? helped grow their audience even more. Migos opened 10 dates for Drake on the North American leg in 2014. Migos and Drake also have the smash collaboration “Walk It Talk It”. Drake clearly respects Migos’ infectious trap sound.
Notable performances together
- Would You Like A Tour? in Houston – July 2014
- Would You Like A Tour? in Kansas City – August 2014
- Would You Like A Tour? in Chicago – August 2014
J. Cole
Drake has opened up for fellow rap superstar J. Cole several times as well. J. Cole toured off his acclaimed 2014 Forest Hills Drive album with Drake as his opener for many shows in Europe, setting the stage nicely for Cole’s incredible live performance. Despite both being huge rap stars, Drake showed his humility by supporting his peer J. Cole on tour. Their song “In the Morning” also shows their creative synergy.
Notable performances together
- Forest Hills Drive Tour in Amsterdam – February 2015
- Forest Hills Drive Tour in Antwerp – February 2015
- Forest Hills Drive Tour in Manchester – February 2015
Future
Future is another major rapper who Drake has collaborated with who also opened shows for him. The two teamed up for the co-headlining Summer Sixteen Tour in 2016. For the first leg, Future actually opened for Drake before they began alternating the headline slot. Drake and Future’s chemistry is clear on their mixtape What a Time to Be Alive. Future’s drum-heavy trap sound worked very well opening for Drake. Their song “Jumpman” even became a huge hit.
Notable performances together
- Summer Sixteen Tour in Kansas City – July 2016
- Summer Sixteen Tour in Dallas – July 2016
- Summer Sixteen Tour in Chicago – August 2016
Conclusion
From R&B singers to rappers, Drake has chosen some excellent opening acts over his touring career. He tends to pick openers with sounds and styles that mesh well with his own music. Artists like The Weeknd, Jhené Aiko, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Migos, J. Cole, and Future represent the wide range of genres Drake pulls from. But no matter who is opening, Drake always delivers an amazing headlining set that shows why he is one of the most popular live performers today.