It’s no secret Makonnen’s relationship with Drake and OVO is a complicated one; however, the 28-year-old Atlanta artist insists there is no beef on his end.
"I think it’s a whole bunch of misunderstandings. Things get so blown out of proportion from other people that aren’t really there […] There really is no issue with me and Drake," Makonnen told Rap-Up. "We just haven’t had communication so other people that are around that like to stir up shit, they sort of made it seem like we have some sort of issue with each other, but it’s like, they’re them, I’m me. It’s just a lot of miscommunication. From what I’ve heard, it’s all love. […] I don’t have anything to say. People need to ask OVO where they stand with Makonnen because they’re the ones who brought Makonnen to the world stage."
Shortly after the release of 2014’s iLoveMakonnen EP, it was announced that the rapper/singer had signed to Drizzy’s fledging label OVO; however, less than two years after inking the deal, Makonnen announced he was no longer part of the OVO family, claiming it was his decision and that there was no bad blood.
"I cannot thank OVO, 40, Oliver, Future & Mr. Morgan, enough for all that they have done for my career. No words can express how much I appreciate Drake for being a part of the success of Tuesday," he told Complex back in 2016. "I’m sure the haters will have something negative to say, but all in all my choice to be solely on Warner Bros Records was the right thing for me and for my best interest. Sorry there’s no beef to report, DRINK MORE WATER."
It initially seemed their working relationship had ended amicably, but then, following the 2016 VMAs, Makonnen posted several now-deleted tweets that suggested there was some hostility: “All I have is love and respect for everyone, I was there tonight to meet and greet everyone with love, this is so weird," one post read. “Idk what is all this about?" He then posted a message directed at Drake, writing: "I have no beef or animosity towards u, what happened just now is beyond me, I hope we can talk about this."
Makonnen later discussed the altercation in an interview with the Fader. He claimed he was threatened during a VMA after party held at the Up&Down nightclub.
"I'm here in the middle of the floor, no security, and they coming and I just step to the side and they see me and stop and the biggest motherfucker in the game goes, woo woo woo, 'Next time I'ma fuck you up!'" he said. "[W]e have a platinum-selling record together! The guy! The leader of the crew! This a nice VMA party, bruh. This ain’t no little back alley on the southside of Atlanta."
Though it definitely seemed like there was some degree of animosity, Makonnen now claims it was just a misunderstanding that was further complicated by rumors and lies spread online. He told Rap-Up he’s open to speaking with Drake and OVO, and that "there’s no issue or no hard feelings for anybody."
You can check out the full exclusive interview, in which Makonnen also discusses coming out as gay and his upcoming project, at Rap-Up's website.