Day one of Drake’s annual OVO Fest was a headliner for more than a single reason. The Canadian audience was in for a real treat with artists like Champagne Papi, Drake, and Grammy Award winner Nelly Furtado. But the biggest highlight of the day was Drake bringing his first girlfriend, his In My Feelings muse, Keshia Chanté on stage. However, it doesn’t end there, fans couldn’t help but notice how similar Chanté looked to R. Kelly’s ex-wife Aaliyah, the late singer for whom Drake has often confessed his undying love.

Drake and Keshia Chante
Drake wrote ‘In My Feelings’ for Keshia Chanté

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The first girlfriend Drake’s ever had in his life is his KiKi

While giving the audience a real good time at the show, Drake then made a surprisingly mushy announcement before singer Keshia Chanté’s performance. He said,

“This next person coming to the stage, I used to get in my mom’s car and I used to drive all the way to the west for this one right here, you feel me? So I have to personally introduce her… This is my first girlfriend I ever had in my life.”

Drake and his undying love for Aaliyah

Aaliyah
Aaliyah has been in Drake’s heart ever since her untimely demise

Aaliyah Dana Haughton passed away at a very young age of 22 in an aviation accident, but she achieved more than many have in careers longer than her age. She has to her credit a hand in redefining contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop. The young artist held earned titles like “Princess of R&B” and “Queen of Urban Pop”. Apart from all of this, Aaliyah had also earned the love and respect of a young budding musician who had never even met her.

Ever since 2001, when Aaliyah passed away, Drake has tried his utmost to keep her memory alive in unimaginable creative ways. A lot of his music pays homage to the long-lost muse, and his letter to her on the 9th anniversary of her passing away is the biggest testament to his admiration, which many dub as an unhealthy fixation. An excerpt from the said letter addressed to Aaliyah:

“I remember getting the news that you had passed and it connected with my heart like a clean shot from Muhammad Ali. I was crushed. Not only was I one of your biggest fans but I was truly in love with you. I loved the way you carried yourself, the way you dressed, the confidence with which you addressed passion and relationships in your music. I said to myself that even if we never met, I wanted a woman in my life just like you… I hope I make the right life choices so I can end up in heaven where I know you rest your head. I’ll continue to make music in your honor until the day we finally meet. Dinner’s on me!”

Drake has truly taken his passion for Aaliyah to drive his career higher up. The fact that he’s got her face permanently tattooed on his back spells out passionate love for some, an overwhelming obsession for others, but to each their own…

Also Read: Young Celebs Who Died Too Soon; Gone But Not Forgotten!

Source: HNHH and Complex