Dancehall legend Sean Paul didn’t mince words when asked about Drake’s attempt at a Jamaican accent.
Speaking with REAL 92.3 LA, the Grammy winner kept it real, admitting that while he respects Drake for embracing Jamaican culture, the patois doesn’t always land.
“Probably what he thinks of my North American accent. Probably the same thing,” Sean Paul joked. “It ain’t that great. … But it’s a thing. It’s a thing, man. I’m proud that our culture has big players in the game loving it and wanting to use it. So, I’m not going to knock dude for that.”
The host chimed in, noting that many listeners share the same sentiment—that Drake’s patois often comes off “funny” and “crazy,” with some even saying, “No sound authentic now.”
Sean Paul also brought up a lighthearted moment with Snoop Dogg, recalling how the rap icon sometimes teases him by calling him “Shamp” in a playful accent.
While Paul’s take was fairly diplomatic, it could still spark a reaction from Drake, who’s known to respond when veteran artists weigh in on him. Just earlier this month, Drake posted on Instagram, “Oh nice…more unsolicited advice from rappers we loved in 2005.”
Fans quickly speculated he was throwing shade at Memphis Bleek, who had recently discussed Drake’s tactics in his feud with Kendrick Lamar during an interview with Shannon Sharpe—especially the move to involve UMG legally.
