The DFW Rappers Drake Should Collab With As a New Texan

It’s called the “Drake Stimulus Package.” In the context of a rap consignment, the term is derived from the superstar’s track record of transforming buzzworthy artists into superstars.

Though he was undeniably popular before meeting Drake, Highland Hills’ 4Batz is a recent recipient of the package. The two collaborated on a remix of the new artist’s hit song “act ii: date @ 8” and partnered on a short-term license agreement to release the debut EP last March.

Drake became famous outside of his acting career in 2009, and the stimulus package’s mythos was born in 2016 with the classic Migos track “Versace.” Before moving from California to Texas, Drake spent 10 years showcasing the package’s strength with numerous collaborations from stars such as YG, the late Drakeo The Ruler and even his archnemesis Kendrick Lamar.

Drake became a Texan last summer, obtaining a driver’s license and purchasing a $15 million Houston property. On 2024’s biggest rap song, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Drake is referred to as a “colonizer,” which he sort of confirmed with last week’s release of his first Spanish track, “Modo Capone,” on Chino Pacas’ new album Que Sigan Llegando Las Pacas.

In California, Drake’s music often pays homage to the state’s illustrious rap history. The Canadian superstar has often called Houston a second home, and his musical longevity is expected to continue in the Lone Star State. It may be a short drive away from H-Town, but North Texas is the perfect place to expand.

Drake is never lying when he's talking about assists

This doesn't even include the 2020s pic.twitter.com/It3jSWBue0

— Hip Hop By The Numbers (@HipHopNumbers) April 13, 2024

Drake name-dropped Dallas in his 2010 debut album, Thank Me Now, on the track “9 am in Dallas.” He also expressed his love for North Texas in a 2022 track titled “Major Distribution,” where he raps: “Twenty-nine, I keep a business office /I’m in love with Houston, Dallas, Austin.”

2024 has seen several DFW recording artists spread their sound throughout the country. We have compiled a list of artists who meet the stimulus package’s criteria based on the 6 God’s previous track record.

Here are the prospects.

BigXThaPlug

This is a predictable choice, we know. The potential collaboration between BigXThaPlug, the biggest indie rap star in North Texas, and Drake, the biggest rap star everywhere, is inevitable. As X’s trailblazing trajectory continues, a collaboration with the 6 God is only a matter of time. This dream collaboration will surely be aligned with a product deal, since X is backed by Steve Stoute, a well-known marketing expert.

Yella Beezy

Beezy and Champagne Papi’s careers previously collided in 2018, when Beezy’s biggest hit, “That’s on Me,” clashed for radio supremacy with Drake’s “Nice For What,” “God’s Plan” and “In My Feelings.” Lil Wayne, Drake’s mentor, is reportedly the executive producer on Yella Beezy’s upcoming album, which includes the track “Hit.” All the stars aligned, making a possible collaboration perfect timing. In 2019, Yella Beezy revealed that he had multiple conversations with Drake. Reviewing a photo on Instagram of Drake and Yella backstage with Revolt, the North Texas rapper said, “I caught two of his shows in Texas – Dallas and Houston – I just went to bump heads with him. Chop it up with him. Just to see how his shows are done. Get pointers and tips. I see how you actually got to perform in front of thousands, thousands of people, you get what I’m saying, in a big-ass arena.

“I just see how you got to move around, how you have to bring different acts in like you actually have to put on a show-show. Like what I’m doing, I put on a show. But, you gotta perform like an hour. You gotta have some shit that’s gonna keep the crowd going.”

BashForTheWorld

A Drake collaboration with the migo would further his exploration of Latin music. It would also be exciting to hear Drizzy rap like our own “2024’s best rapper to watch.” With BashForTheWorld’s rising popularity, the 6 God would have another opportunity to add a headlining collaboration to his portfolio, like he did with Bad Bunny in “MIA.”

Zillionaire Doe

From Future to Blockboy JB to Summer Walker, Drake has a long history of launching new artists to the top of the charts after amplifying their regional debuts. Zillionaire Doe is the face of the New Dallas movement, which makes him a prime candidate for a defining feature. Similar to 2018’s “Look Alive,” Drake using his Southern charm again on a Zillionaire track like “Back To The South” or “CBFW” makes the most sense.

BAK Jay & FBG Murda

Like 2018’s Lil Baby and Gunna, Drizzy’s attachment to the duo for a Dallas track could result in magic. BAK Jay and FBG’s recent sold-out concert is an incentive since Drake often taps into the fanbases of younger artists, helping maintain his own relevance. He has repeated this cycle frequently throughout his career. BAK Jay and FBG Murda have regional tracks, but a Drake feature on a track like “Buckets” or “BAK & Better” would make the duo immortal.

4Batz

While Drake appeared on the remix to 4Batz’s debut single, fans were surprised to see Drake absent from the anticipated EP, U Made Me A St4r, in May. Then Drake announced his return to R&B with an upcoming joint album with PARTYNEXTDOOR in August. 4Batz is a more popular act now, so a joint album with Drake would be more prominent.
4Batz’s heartbroken persona could bring Drizzy back to the themes of heartbreak that popularized his earlier music – fans frequently request for the icon to return to songs like “Find Your Love,” “Best I Ever Had” and “Fall For Your Type.”

ZiggyMadeIt

Drake has a long history of having his biggest songs produced by emerging producers. As a buzzing producer sought after by various superstars, ZiggyMadeIt fits the description of what the “Started From The Bottom” hitmaker might seek in his next hit. ZiggyMadeIt’s production is tailor-made, and what’s next? The son of veteran LowDeezie, Ziggy’s undeniably catchy beats erased the nepotism asterisk early to secure a bright future on his own merit. Drake would make a great addition to the producer’s ever-growing resume, which includes Lil Uzi Vert, Travis Scott and Lil Durk.