9 Drake Fans At OVO Fest Explain How They Feel About Ghostwriting
In the wake of the Drake-Meek Mill melée, we asked concertgoers to answer the question: Is ghostwriting a big deal?
A couple of weeks after Meek Mill accused Drake of not writing his own raps, the whole world seems to have come out of the woodwork with strong opinions about the practice of ghostwriting. Music publishing is a dense and complex industry, and there are important differences between the implications of using unacknowledged ghostwriters and employing the help of professional songwriters in exchange for publishing credits. However inaccurate the term is, though, the concept of ghostwriting has been getting people in their feelings. At OVO Fest earlier this week, we asked attendees—presumably Drake fans—to explain their take on the matter. Is it really a big deal? Were they disappointed in Drake? Read their answers below.
1. "If you have an understanding with the person, then it’s ok. As long as it’s a song that the artist can relate to, then it’s cool. But you really shouldn't be singing about things that have nothing to do with your life." - Basil, 17 (L)
2. "I mean, doesn’t Sia do that, too? She wrote that song for Rihanna. It’s not that different." - Mara, 17 (R)
3. "I think everyone has help. It's just rappers are more touchy about it. You're supposed to tell your own story." - Cynthia, 20
4. "Coming from a guy who's a Meek Mill fan, I don't mind it at all. As long as the song is good, it doesn't matter at all." - Donte, 19
5. "It happens all the time but in the creative process, you wanna be able to claim what you write. None of this stuff is that serious, though." - Geoff, 26
6. "Are you invested in Drake or are you invested in the songs? You can't be upset over who wrote it, but you can be upset that he hasn't owned up to it yet. I've never spent money on a Drake record, so I don't feel robbed or anything." - Jordan, 25
7. "I love Drake, but for him to have a ghostwriter, that's disappointing. Maybe it's a publicity stunt, like, to distract us from what's happening in the media." -Tatjana, 20 (L)
8. "I don't really mind, because no one else can sing the songs the way he does. Think about it." - Janice, 20 (R)
9. "Meek Mill made the mistake of thinking people actually care. It happens more than people realize." Branton, 17
