Drake’s electrifying performance on Saturday was a heartfelt tribute to the United Kingdom, which he regards as the leading nation in hip-hop culture.
Drake electrifies the stage at the Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park, London, on July 11, 2025.
Simone Joyner/Getty Images for ABA
Drake’s heartfelt tribute to London reached a thrilling peak on Saturday night (July 12) as he took the stage for the second night of his Wireless Festival 2025 takeover. This performance featured a grittier edge, as he shifted away from the melodic tunes that had his fans swaying during Friday’s show, opting instead to embrace his raw and intense style. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans prepared for a night filled with electrifying beats and powerful lyrics.
“London, tonight is going to be different,” Drake declared to the ecstatic crowd. “All that sweetheart, singing stuff? That’s over tonight. This is for my real ones. I see my crew came out tonight.” His commanding presence set the tone for an unforgettable evening, promising a performance that would resonate deeply with his devoted followers. The energy in the air was palpable as fans eagerly awaited the night’s festivities.
Drake’s intense performance style was evident right from the start, as he kicked off the second night with his hard-hitting track “IDGAF,” featuring Yeat. The exhilarating anthem from the 2023 album For All The Dogs reverberated through Finsbury Park, with a sea of 50,000 fans passionately rapping along with The Boy. The fierce MC didn’t hold back, taking shots at both LeBron and Kendrick, while boldly declaring the U.K. as the supreme leader in the hip-hop scene. He also performed his new single “What Did I Miss?” from Iceman, which had quickly become a fan favorite, demonstrating the audience’s engagement as they sang along despite the song being only a week old.
In addition to showcasing his musical prowess, Drake’s moments of generosity shone through during the performance. He invited several U.K. stars to share the spotlight with him, including renowned artists like Skepta, Central Cee, and Dave. He also extended invitations to his friends from the U.S. to join him on this exciting overseas adventure, emphasizing his desire to connect the hip-hop communities across the Atlantic.
Continue reading to discover the electrifying highlights that made Drake’s second night at Wireless Festival 2025 an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
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Drake Adjusts Lyrics on ‘Nonstop’ to Subtly Shade LeBron
The ongoing Drake-LeBron saga took another turn on Saturday when Drake made subtle changes to the lyrics of “Nonstop” to hint at his new rivalry with LeBron James. He rapped, “How I go from 6 to 23, no LeBron,” cleverly flipping the original line. This lyrical tweak further strained the once brotherly bond between the two stars. This change follows recent fan observations of Drake covering up his LeBron tattoo in favor of new ink dedicated to the reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
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Drake Celebrates as Fans Chant ‘F— Kendrick’
The lingering effects from the Kendrick and Drake rivalry ignited across the pond on Saturday night as fans shouted expletives aimed at the pgLang MC. Amid the chants of “F— Kendrick” echoing throughout the crowd, Drake caught wind of the situation and humorously instructed his right-hand man Chubbs to “grab me a shot. I’ll drink to that.” His lighthearted response showcased his ability to engage with the audience while navigating the tension.
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Drake Highlights London’s Abundant Talent
Drake has always embraced the opportunity to share the spotlight with rising stars. On the second night of Wireless Festival, he transformed the stage into a showcase of some of the U.K.‘s most promising talents. Fans erupted with excitement as established acts like Skepta and Headie One commanded the stage, but the loudest cheers erupted when Dave and Central Cee teamed up to perform their high-energy hit “Sprinter.” This collaboration not only celebrated their artistry but also highlighted the vibrant U.K. music scene.
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Drake Declares the U.K. the Dominant Force in Hip-Hop
Before inviting Skepta on stage for a fiery performance of “Shutdown,” Drake made a bold statement about the U.K.‘s place in the world of hip-hop. “Nobody can out-rap London — nobody,” he passionately proclaimed. “No disrespect to America. No disrespect to my country. But, nobody can out-rap London rappers. This is the best, this is the highest level. This is what I aspire to be.” His words resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the U.K.’s growing influence in the global music landscape.
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Drake Delivers an OVO Fest-Style Performance
On Friday, Drake expressed his desire to bring an energy reminiscent of his OVO Fest performances during his three-day stint at Wireless. On Saturday, he proved his commitment by inviting a diverse lineup of guests, including Yeat, Latto, Sexyy Red, and 21 Savage, showcasing his extensive connections in the industry, even amidst his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar. This star-studded collaboration added an extra layer of excitement to the night.
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Drake Prioritizes Female Artists on Stage
Despite his earlier claims that Saturday’s set would be strictly “for the dogs,” Drake welcomed Latto and Sexyy Red to the stage, bringing a powerful female presence to the night. The talented femcees delivered a plethora of anthems, starting with Latto, who captivated the audience with her hits “Brokey” and “Big Mama.” Following her, Sexyy Red kept the energy high with her infectious tracks, including “Pound Town,” “Get It Sexy,” and “SkeeYee.” Even in a testosterone-driven environment, the women commanded attention and left a strong impression with their dynamic performances.
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Drake Revives ‘NOKIA’ & ‘SOMEBODY LOVES ME’ for the Crowd
Although Drake aimed to showcase a tougher persona on the second night, he maintained the celebratory spirit by reviving fan-favorite tracks “NOKIA” and “SOMEBODY LOVES ME” alongside PARTYNEXTDOOR. This performance followed their vibrant night one celebration, ensuring that fans were left feeling satisfied and swaying to their favorite melodies as the night progressed.
