Drake made the statement during the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective event, which took place over Grammy weekend.
Drake made a video appearance to award his godfather with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. And, as is customary with Drizzy, the address was equal parts humorous and heartfelt.
Drake started, "I'm here tonight on behalf of the Black Music Collective," before winking at the camera. "To present Ed Sheeran with the Global Impact Award..."
Drake takes a brief pause when someone appears on the scene and whispers a correction in his ear.
See More: Drake Is The first Artist To Reach 75 billion Spotify streams
"Lil Wayne? Oh, it makes more sense." He went on, eliciting laughter from the audience. “That’s a lot better, by the way. I love you so much. I don’t wanna make this personal because the Global Impact Award would be about how you affected everybody, not just me. I know I probably get annoying with saying how much you mean to me and my family, but I think I speak on behalf of everybody when I say that our careers, our cadences, our melodies, maybe our face tats or our outfits or our decisions, in general, would not have been the same without your natural gift to be yourself.”
DRAKE HONORS LIL WAYNE AT BLACK MUSIC COLLECTIVE DINNER. 👀#Drake has taken another shot at the #Grammys, this time at the Black Music Conference dinner, where #LilWayne was honored for his achievements earlier this week. pic.twitter.com/cL8rVYj53W
— WhatsOnRap (@whatsonrap) February 3, 2023
Missy Elliott, Dr. Dre, and Epic Records CEO Sylvia Rhone were even identified at the Hollywood Palladium on Thursday night. Chloe Bailey and Ciara also performed live during the occasion.
Discover More: Why Is Drake The Most Influential Artist Of His Generation