Drake had one heck of a night at the BBMAs, from finally clearing the air with Ludacris over their previous “Supa Dupa Flow” flap, to winning over twelve awards, including Top 200 Artist, but the highlight was — of course — his performance, where he rapped “Gyalchester” in the middle of the freaking Bellagio fountain, surrounded by fireworks and water spouts as he danced more energetically than he has since his ACL injury in 2009.
This was Drake’s first television performance since the release of both Views and More Life, and he promised “something special” to mark the occasion. While only the court of public opinion can determine whether he delivered, his eight years on the Billboard charts have more than earned him his spot at the awards show.
Drake’s More Life, released in March, held the top spot on the Hot 100 until dethroned by Kendrick Lamar’s Damn. in late April. While Drake did not join his Young Money cohorts, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, for Nicki’s show-opening, BDSM/Mad Max-inspired performance, they were able to hold it down for him while he performed from the center of the fountain at the Las Vegas Bellagio for the pre-show. Watch the whole thing above, and wait for the fireworks moment.
