Drake Launches $300K Fan Challenge for “Somebody Loves Me” Video
Drake isn’t known for frequently giving out advice or motivational messages on social media, which makes his latest move all the more special—and potentially life-changing for aspiring directors. The Toronto superstar is teaming up with streamer and cultural force Kai Cenat to crowdsource ideas for the music video to “SOMEBODY LOVES ME,” a standout track from $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, his collaborative album with PARTYNEXTDOOR.
In a move that blends artistry with opportunity, Drake and Cenat are inviting fans and creatives to submit short video treatments for the “SOMEBODY LOVES ME” visuals. According to Akademiks TV, 20 selected entrants will each receive $15,000 to bring their 30-second to one-minute ideas to life. The best submissions could be turned into full-length music videos, giving fans a rare chance to direct a Drake project.
Drake offered some wisdom for those hoping to stand out. While acknowledging the limited budget and timeframe, he emphasized that the best ideas don’t need to be extravagant. Instead, they should focus on originality, execution, and emotional connection.
“This is about using your creativity, racking your brain, to make something work that’s genius,” Drake said. “Once you get that bit of financial boost, you can get that idea across the line. […] Find those ideas that are right there in front of you that everybody’s going to watch and wish they came up with.”
Drake even referenced a music video he admires—one in which the artist surprised fans at their homes with new music—as an example of how simple concepts can have a big impact. Though he didn’t name names, the message was clear: innovation trumps production scale.
The competition deadline is Saturday, May 24, and submissions must be emailed to [email protected]. Interested fans are encouraged to keep their clips creative, cost-effective, and emotionally compelling. This unique initiative not only gives fans the opportunity to work alongside Kai Cenat and Drake, but also provides a significant platform to showcase their talents on a global stage.
The launch of this challenge adds more excitement to what’s already shaping up to be a packed year for Drake. While the $ome $exy $ongs 4 U project continues to gain traction, the 6ix God has also hinted at a new solo album. In a recent stream with Adin Ross, he confirmed he’s already working on his next project, calling it “a slap” and describing it as the start of a “new chapter” in his career.
With Kai Cenat in the director’s seat, a global fanbase submitting ideas, and Drake at the creative helm, the “SOMEBODY LOVES ME” video promises to be one of the most collaborative—and unpredictable—visual rollouts of his career.
