Drake gives Bow Wow his flowers at 40th birthday party: ‘It wouldn’t be no Drake without (Bow Wow)’

Drake told guests he studied Bow Wow’s music videos and “106 & Park” appearances while growing up before Bow Wow performed “Like You.”

Drake thanked Bow Wow for helping shape his career during his 40th birthday celebration in New York City on Saturday, Oct. 24. Drake’s Bow Wow tribute came before the former child star performed at the party, years after the Toronto rapper first credited him publicly. The celebration followed a birthday bash featuring the Backstreet Boys and recalled a 2021 moment when Drake thanked Bow Wow for paving the way.

Drake praised Bow Wow’s music videos and appearances on BET’s “106 & Park,” saying he watched him while growing up and learned how to make songs and present himself as a star, Complex reported. Speaking to guests at the party, Drake said, “It wouldn’t be no Drake without Bow Wow.”

Bow Wow returned the compliment, telling the crowd that Drake was the only person he would agree to perform for at the last minute without asking questions. He went on to perform his 2005 single “Like You.”

The appearance was part of the second night of Drake’s birthday celebrations. On Friday, Oct. 23, roughly 400 guests attended a party at Casa Cipriani in Manhattan, where the Backstreet Boys performed their 1999 hit “I Want It That Way” alongside Drake.

Guests received Chanel and Hermès handbags. A source who attended told People that cash prizes started at $10,000 and included a $1 million top prize.

Drake wore a cheetah-print Chrome Hearts jacket and red leather pants for Saturday’s gathering. He also performed with Jamaican artist Popcaan.

His admiration for Bow Wow stretches back years. In March 2021, after Drake became the first artist to place three new songs in the top three positions of the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously, he made a point of thanking Bow Wow at a celebration.

In 2023, Bow Wow accompanied Drake onstage in Atlanta, where Drake described him as someone he had wanted to be like while growing up.

Drake’s Bow Wow tribute on Saturday brought that longstanding admiration back into the spotlight, this time with Bow Wow performing for him on his 40th birthday.