"If I ever have a downfall, it's gonna be my loyalty" — DJ Akademiks opens up on never meeting Drake and being branded a "billboard"

On September 17, 2024, media personality DJ Akademiks addressed speculation during a live stream, responding to claims that Drake is using him as a "billboard" for promotion.

He emphasized that his loyalty and honesty are simply reflections of his passion for the artists and the culture. The media personality even suggested that this unwavering loyalty could ultimately contribute to his downfall in the industry.

"If I ever have a downfall, it's gonna be my loyalty," DJ said.

The clarification came after an interaction during a livestream on September 15, 2024, where a friend accused Akademiks of being used by Drake as a "billboard" for promotion. His friend stated:

"You think Drake shows you love? He's using you as a free Billboard! Free promo! That's not love, bro! He's using you! That's a free promo! You are the biggest HipHop media platform!"

This assertion seemingly stemmed from DJ Akademiks' consistent public support for Drake since the Drake-Lamar beef.

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DJ Akademiks reveals he's never met Drake amid billboard accusations

On Tuesday, DJ Akademiks addressed online concerns suggesting that he is being used by Drake, with critics arguing that Drake does not reciprocate the support. Speaking on his Twitch channel, Akademiks stated that his support for artists, including Drake, is not conditional and does not hinge on receiving anything in return.

"I am a very loyal person. I am somebody who one side, starts liking your music and, on one side, may like you as a friend, or I f**ked you. Usually, it is not conditional like you do for me or whatever it is usually on my loyalty period," DJ said.

DJ Akademiks also touched on how online commentators and media personalities are attempting to impose their expectations on his relationship with Drake. He clarified that he is comfortable with the fact that he has never met Drake in person, acknowledging that, on certain occasions, he may have been responsible for missing the opportunity to do so.

"I told you I am okay with not meeting him, and I had like multiple opportunities to meet him like... I mean I was literally too drunk, felt asleep, and went home whatever," Akademiks said.

The internet personality further insisted that he does not expect Drake to return anything, as he does not look at his relationship on a "transactional level," especially with someone whom he supports.

"Here is a thing I do not expect him to give me. It is so interesting that when people look at it so transactionally, I never look at an artist that I support on a transactional level," DJ added.

This is not the first time DJ Akademiks has shown support for Drake. His unwavering loyalty has even caught Kendrick Lamar's attention. In an untitled track released on Instagram, Lamar appeared to take a subtle jab at Akademiks, referencing his vocal support for Drake.

"Influencers talk down 'cause I'm not with the basic sh*t/But they don't hate me, they hate the man that I represent and The radio personality pushing propaganda for salary / Let me know when they turn up as a casualty," Lamar rapped.

DJ Akademiks concluded the stream, suggesting that Drake considers him a fan. The Canadian rapper has not yet responded to the DJ's stream or online claims.