Drake at OVO Fest in 2011, courtesy of Carrie Musgrave (Flickr)

Putting a smile on everybody’s face, but surprising no one, Drake discussed his love for Toronto in a new interview with NOW Magazine.

Drake, who got a brand new “416” tattoo to commemorate Toronto’s area code, has never shied away from showing his hometown some love. In the past, he’s done this by filming the Headlines music video in the SkyDome (Rogers Centre), refurbishing the Toronto logo to promote his new album, or through a shout out on Saturday Night Live.

“When I think of myself, I think of Toronto,” said Drake to NOW’s Benjamin Boles. “My music would never sound the way it does if it weren’t for Toronto.” 

The OVO Fest, an annual concert started and put on by Drake, will return to the Molson Amphitheatre for its third incarnation this Sunday, with special guests The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky and 2 Chainz. Known for its surprise cameos from Jay-Z, Eminem and even Stevie Wonder, this is one blow out show you do not want to miss. 

Drake says he started OVO Fest because, “We actually do get some great things in Toronto compared to many other places,” but, “Sometimes we do get skipped over here.” 

Making a rare visit to the city, the 25-year-old rapper is also in town to finish his final high school credit, in between stops for mango sorbet at Summer’s Sweet Memories Ice Cream.

[NOW Magazine]

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Joanna Adams is the online and social media editor for Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at‏ @nowstarringTO.