Drake’s Father Defends R. Kelly And Jussie Smollet In New Interview
Drake’s father, Dennis Graham, recently spoke out about R&B singer R. Kelly and actor and singer Jussie Smollet.
In a new interview with Variety, Graham talked about his new single, “That On That,” a future collaboration with his son, Drake, and when asked about his thoughts on R. Kelly he said, “He’s a good friend of mine. I wish him the best. I hate that it’s happening to him. There’s a reason why women come out after the fact. He has my support 100%.”
He then gave his thoughts on Smollet. “Jussie has been misunderstood. As a matter of fact, they know that,” Graham said. “That story that came out about Jussie in Chicago is not true about Jussie. Jussie is a friend of mine, also. They have totally reconstructed his story.”
During the interview, he was asked what was Drake like when his mixtape, So Far Gone, which just turned 10, dropped. He said that moment was “beautiful,” and that he will actually be joining Drake on his European tour.
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 21: (L-R) Rappers Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Wayne look on as recording artist Drake accepts the Top Artist award onstage with his father Dennis Graham during the 2017 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena on May 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“Oh boy, he was just getting started. I went on his first tour with him. I have pictures of being on the tour bus with him,” Graham said. “It was so exciting. With him signing to Young Money, and knowing he was on his way, and [Lil’] Wayne had his back, that was the most beautiful thing. I’m just about to leave now to go with him on his European tour.”
Glennisha Morgan is a Detroit-bred multimedia journalist and writer. She writes about intersectionality, hip-hop, pop culture, queer issues, race, feminism, and her truth. Follow her on Twitter @GlennishaMorgan
