Drake has reportedly ended his professional relationship with longtime booking agent Brent Smith, raising eyebrows within the music industry. This split, which has been described as low-profile, coincides with ongoing tensions between Drake and fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar, whom Smith also represents. According to Billboard, the split suggests that the personal and professional dynamics between these artists may be more intertwined than fans initially perceived.
Implications for Drake’s Career
Brent Smith has represented Drake for over a decade, initially through WME before transitioning to Wasserman Music in 2020, where he currently serves as executive vice president. Insiders have indicated that Drake and Smith have not collaborated for significant portions of 2025, if not the entirety of the year. The source cited by Billboard suggested that the deterioration of their working relationship could be linked to the ongoing feud between the two rap icons.
In a significant shift, Drake has aligned himself with the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for his live representation. Agents Alex Mebed and Daryl Eaton will now oversee his bookings. This move signals a new chapter for Drake, particularly as he prepares for a substantial tour in 2026, organized in partnership with Live Nation.
Industry Reactions and Future Prospects
The music industry is closely observing how these developments will impact both artists. Interestingly, sources indicate that Kendrick Lamar is comfortable sharing a booking agent with Drake, despite their rivalry. This dynamic adds another layer to the narrative of their professional lives, which has often been overshadowed by personal conflicts.
As anticipation builds for Drake’s upcoming album, ICEMAN, fans are eager to see how the artist will navigate this new representation landscape. Concurrently, Kendrick Lamar has achieved significant milestones, recently breaking the record for the highest-grossing hip-hop tour alongside SZA. Reports suggest that their “Grand National” tour has generated over $332 million, a figure expected to rise as more shows remain on the schedule.
In this intricate web of competition and collaboration, the future remains uncertain. The unfolding story may lead to further developments in the ongoing rivalry, and fans are left speculating whether Drake’s new album will address these tensions. As the landscape of hip-hop continues to evolve, the implications of these changes are likely to resonate across the industry.
