Drake Producer OVO40 Praises Jamaica’s Dancehall Culture

Jamaican celebrated it’s 55th Independence Day on August 6th and Drake‘s main producer and business partner Noah “40” Shebib praises the island’s dancehall culture.

40, who is of Lebanese/Canadian descent, grew up on reggae/dancehall music and that has heavily influenced his work over the years as seen in a lot of Drake’s biggest records like “One Dance” and “Controlla.” In fact, the entire Views album was built on a dancehall foundation. As part of Jamaica’s 55th celebration, the producer thanked the island for its influential culture.

“Thank you Jamaica you have given me so much,” Noah “40” Shebib wrote. “My brothers, my best friend of 28 years, his brother who is also like my brother cause I don’t have a real one, my other mother, my favourite food (next to Lebanese obviously). The coffee, the culture, the dance, the talks and of course the sound. The vibes, the feelings, the cadence the timing, the rawness, the meaning the influence the guidance and the politics!!!! BASS! All this bass today, we can thank Jamaica for that. Gadget!!! Rasss the ting gave me Gaj u know! My mentor and teacher. The man who makes all our SOUNDS HEAVY! Gave us Sly, Robby, Beres, Peter, Bob, like what?! DANCEHALL?! These are real tangible influences in my life and my music and who I am as a man in my heart. One of my favourite places on earth, no question. There’s no where as real. Literally made me who I am thousands of miles away in a cold city in Canada called Toronto. If that’s not a testament to the power and influence of that culture then I don’t know what is. Blessings on your Independence day and guidance and protection forever.”

Drake himself is also a huge fan of dancehall music and is close friends with Popcaan who he also signed to OVO Records.