Drake’s Transition from Acting to Music

Before Drake became a global music icon, he was known as Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation, a role he played from 2001 to 2008. While his acting career brought him recognition, Drake’s passion for music was growing behind the scenes. By the mid-2000s, he had already begun recording mixtapes like Room for Improvement (2006) and Comeback Season (2007).

Drake has said that his acting paychecks barely covered living expenses, which made him realize that music was the path to a lasting career. His breakout mixtape So Far Gone in 2009, featuring hits like “Best I Ever Had,” marked the official shift from actor to musician—a risk that ultimately paid off.

Drake’s Verse About Mayhem Morearty

In some of his early freestyles, Drake referenced Mayhem Morearty, a Toronto rapper involved in local hip hop circles. This mention has sparked curiosity among fans: who is Mayhem Morearty, and why did Drake include him in his freestyles?

ALSO CHECK OUT DRAKE VS. KARDINAL OFFISHALL BEEF

Kama Explains the Origin of the Beef

In an exclusive discussion, Kama breaks down who Mayhem Morearty is and reveals the origins of his longstanding feud with Kardinal Offishall. This beef, rooted in early Toronto rap rivalries, has been part of the local music scene for years, and Drake’s freestyle references tie into these dynamics.

Kama also notes that some artists trying to build fame in Toronto were connected through Apple, a mutual friend who linked to both Drake and Kama’s circle. This adds context to why Drake’s freestyles occasionally referenced the beef—highlighting the interconnected world of Toronto hip hop during his rise.

Why This Matters

For fans of Canadian hip hop and Toronto’s rap scene, this is a rare look at the early connections that shaped Drake’s music and the local rap landscape. It also sheds light on Kama’s perspective, adding insider knowledge about the history of Toronto rap beefs, including the tension between Mayhem Morearty and Kardinal Offishall.