In a revealing new interview with TrillMarty on YouTube, Lil Novi, son of Hip-Hop icon Lil Wayne, has set off a firestorm within the rap community by suggesting his father ghostwrote much of Drake’s early work.
During the candid conversation, Lil Novi and his crew cover everything from musical inspirations to Young Money’s enduring influence. When the host asks who’s the bigger artist—Lil Wayne or Drake—Novi doesn’t hesitate, answering: “Lil Wayne … my dad wrote most of his shit. On God, if it wasn’t for my pops, there wouldn’t be no Drake.” He adds nuance, acknowledging Drake’s talent but claiming that without Wayne’s contributions, Drake wouldn’t be where he is today.
These comments land squarely on a longstanding sensitive topic in Hip-Hop: ghostwriting. Drake, signed to Wayne’s Young Money label in 2009, credits his mentor for guidance, but has never admitted to Wayne writing for him.
Ghostwriting controversies go to the core of authenticity in Hip-Hop, where lyricism is prized for its personal storytelling. Critics argue that not penning one’s own lyrics can undermine a rapper’s credibility.
A flashpoint came in 2015 when Meek Mill accused Drake of using Quentin Miller as a ghostwriter on “R.I.C.O.,” sparking a public feud. Reference verse contributions leaked, and Miller publicly clarified he was a collaborator, not a covert ghostwriter. Drake’s producer 40 defended Drake, noting that occasional outside contributions don’t negate Drake’s own writing skills.
Drake has shared anecdotes of Lil Wayne offering structural advice, emphasizing clarity and emotional depth in his compositions. But there’s never been confirmation that Wayne ghostwrote lyrics verbatim. Some observers suggest Lil Novi might be overstating Wayne’s role. As one social media user commented: “This makes zero sense considering how different their rap style is … And Wayne said early on that he’d get inspiration from Drake’s writing.”
Beyond the headline-making claim, the interview gives insight into Lil Novi’s personal ambitions and artistic identity. He acknowledges feeling pressure to step out of his father’s shadow but is determined to carve his own musical path, favoring an underground sound and taking time to develop fully.
Lil Novi’s claim that Lil Wayne ghostwrote much of Drake’s early lyrics is bold and provocative. It revives debates about authenticity and mentorship in hip-hop. But without tangible proof, no documented lyrics or official admissions, the claim remains speculative.
What’s clear is that Drake’s rise was supported by Wayne’s mentorship and Young Money’s infrastructure. Whether that mentorship included actual lyrical writing or was more about guidance is still up for debate.
