Drake Signs with ASCAP

Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum selling artist/songwriter/producer Drake has signed with The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), it was announced by ASCAP Vice President of Rhythm & Soul Membership Nicole George-Middleton.Drake is fresh off his win for Best Rap Album at the 55th annual Grammy Awards for his critically-acclaimed 2011 sophomore set, Take Care. That same night, the Toronto rapper announced the release of his forthcoming third album, entitled Nothing Was the Same. The album’s lead track, “Started from the Bottom,” was co-written by two-time recipient of the prestigious ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award Noah “40” Shebib and produced by up-and-coming producer Mike Zombie ““ both ASCAP members.Commenting on his move to ASCAP, Drake stated: “For me, a big part of making music is getting the opportunity to work with people I love, trust and respect. As an organization run by music creators, ASCAP represents a whole community of kindred spirits. Joining ASCAP was just a natural choice for me because I know my music is in the best possible hands.””We are really excited to build on our longstanding relationship with Drake’s team,” commented George-Middleton. “Working from the beginning with his collaborators Noah ##Q##40′ Shebib and Boi-1da, it felt only right to have Drake join the ASCAP family.”ASCAP EVP of Membership Randy Grimmett commented: “We’re thrilled to now officially count Drake among our many multi-talented members. This new addition only strengthens ASCAP‘s reputation as home to the world’s greatest songwriters. We can’t wait to see what’s to come for Drake in the future.”With this announcement, Drake joins a long list of music titans at ASCAP, including Pharrell Williams, Quincy Jones, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Dr. Dre, as well as his longtime OVO partners and producers Boi-1da and Noah “40” Shebib.