Source: MTV Canada (2007)
Show: MTV e2
Subject: Aubrey “Drake” Graham & Trey Songz
While eTalk gave us the polished news report, MTV Canada (specifically the MTV e2 block) brought a grittier, street-level vibe to their coverage of Drake‘s first music video shoot. Aired during Toronto Fashion Week in March 2007, this segment features a loose and confident Aubrey Graham joking with collaborator Trey Songz and discussing the “historical moment” of their link-up.
The $217,000 Flex
One of the most fascinating details in this clip comes from director Shane Stirling. After Drake jokingly claims the video cost $25 million, Stirling clarifies the actual budget: $217,000.
He notes that the previous benchmark was $216,000, implying they intentionally spent an extra grand just to break the record. For an unsigned Canadian artist in 2007, this price tag was astronomical and signaled that Drake’s team was betting the house on his success.
Class Over Crass
Drake also speaks candidly about the casting process for the “Replacement Girl” video. Trying to distance himself from the typical hip-hop video tropes of the mid-2000s, he emphasizes that they were looking for “fashionista” types rather than video vixens.
“We were looking for natural beauty, exotic looks… girls who stand out without having their booty hanging out or all breasts in your face.”
The clip ends with Drake once again manifesting his Hollywood dreams, shouting out Denzel Washington regarding an audition for The Great Debaters—a role he desperately wanted but ultimately didn’t get.