It’s not every day you hear about a hip-hop titan like Drake admitting his formative romantic experiences were soundtracked by a '90s boyband. But in a candid moment, the 6 God himself revealed that his very first kiss unfolded to the sweet sounds of the Backstreet Boys. This heartfelt confession emerged after a memorable on-stage collaboration, solidifying the legendary status of both Drake’s career and the enduring power of pop anthems.
The story surfaced in a recent interview with Billboard, where Backstreet Boys member Kevin Richardson recounted a surreal encounter in Toronto back in 2022. Richardson shared how, during their DNA Tour stop in the rapper's hometown, fate intervened at Drake’s regular haunt. "Drake comes in," Richardson recalled, painting a picture of unexpected celebrity convergence. The maître d', clearly accustomed to Drake’s patronage, extended an invitation for the musician to greet the boyband once they were finished with their meal.
What followed was a meeting where Drake, ever the storyteller, dropped the bombshell about his first kiss. He confessed to Richardson that the pivotal moment occurred while one of the Backstreet Boys' most famous songs was playing. This intimate revelation clearly resonated with Richardson, especially considering what happened next: Drake expressed a desire to join them for their upcoming concert, asking, "Could I come through?"
And come through he did. In July 2022, Drake graced the stage with the Backstreet Boys during their Toronto show, performing their mega-hit "I Want It That Way." Dubbing himself the "sixth member" for the night, Drake took the opportunity to share the profound personal significance of that particular song. "At 13 years old, I had a bar mitzvah, and at my bar mitzvah, for the first time in my life, this girl I was in love with came up to me while one of the greatest songs in the world was playing, and she asked me if I would dance with her," he explained to the rapt audience.
Drake elaborated on the emotional weight of the experience, describing it as the first time he felt truly "acknowledged" and believed he might have a chance at being "cool." He even cheekily added, "If she can see me now, you know what I'm talking about?" This moment transcended a mere celebrity cameo; it was a deeply personal nod to a formative memory, forever linking his adolescence to the music that defined a generation and fueled his own early romantic stirrings.
This intersection of hip-hop royalty and pop royalty highlights the universal nature of music and memory. The Backstreet Boys, who achieved global superstardom in the late '90s and early 2000s, created a soundtrack for countless young fans, and their influence clearly extended far beyond their core demographic. Drake’s career, which began in the mid-2000s, has consistently shown an appreciation for pop culture touchstones, blending genres and eras in a way that resonates with a diverse fanbase.
For Drake, this wasn't just about performing a throwback hit; it was a full-circle moment. It was a chance to publicly honor the music that played a role in a significant personal milestone, a memory that helped shape his perception of himself and his place in the world. The fact that he chose to share this with Kevin Richardson, and later the world, speaks to the genuine respect and perhaps nostalgia he holds for the artists who provided the backdrop to his youth.
The bottom line: Drake's revelation is a charming reminder that even the biggest stars have relatable beginnings. It underscores the profound impact music has on our lives, capable of marking firsts and shaping our sense of self. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of the Backstreet Boys and a uniquely relatable glimpse into the adolescence of one of hip-hop's most influential figures. Reporting via XXL. Read the original story here: https://www.xxlmag.com/drake-first-kiss-backstreet-boys-song/
