The Grammy Award-nominated artist addressed his previous with Drake and defined the true purpose behind his viral kitchen video throughout a fundraiser to rebuild a Portland studio.
iLoveMakonnen went viral this week after posting a video of himself working in a kitchen throughout a fundraiser in Portland, prompting a wave of hypothesis about his profession and previous ties to Drake.
The clip, which circulated extensively on social media, confirmed the “Tuesday” artist behind a counter getting ready meals. Whereas some praised his humility and work ethic, others questioned how the Grammy Award-nominated artist ended up in that place. A number of customers introduced up his former affiliation with Drake and OVO Sound, reigniting long-standing conversations about his trajectory within the music trade.
However in response to Makonnen, the kitchen shift wasn’t a few fall from grace—it was about giving again. He was volunteering to assist elevate cash to rebuild Burn Cash Studios, a Portland-based recording house he incessantly used that was destroyed in a hearth earlier this month.
“I’m not embarrassed. I’m simply surviving like each human has to.”
That’s what iLoveMakonnen advised me after I requested concerning the viral video of him in a restaurant kitchen.
Everybody shared the clip, however no one reached out to listen to the story behind it. Till I did.
A thread…🧵 pic.twitter.com/ban45oodOG
— Z (@BrianZisook) August 30, 2025
Talking with Audiomack co-founder Brian Zisook, Makonnen defined his determination to step away from the normal music enterprise. “Music was a method out. However as soon as I noticed the politics, the egos, and the pretend s###, I knew this wasn’t for me. Respectfully, I wish to take away myself.”
Although he’s not concerned within the trade machine, Makonnen hasn’t stopped creating. He’s launched 4 singles prior to now two months and says he nonetheless enjoys making music—however on his personal phrases. “I’d like to preserve making artwork, however the enterprise facet? I would like out.”
The 36-year-old additionally addressed the fixed comparisons to Drake, who remixed “Tuesday” and signed him to OVO in 2014. “Folks all the time tie my story again to Drake. However I haven’t had a relationship with him since 2015.”
Since distancing himself from the highlight, Makonnen has taken on numerous jobs to remain afloat. “The one factor that basically makes me joyful is after I can assist someone else,” he stated. “I’m not embarrassed by any of it. That is survival. That’s actual life.”
The fireplace that destroyed Burn Cash Studios occurred earlier this month in Portland.
