Drake’s surprise project If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late was originally planned as a mix tape until Cash Money got involved.
Speaking with HipHopDX, KP from DatPiff.com told the outlet the project was slated to be hosted by DJ Drama and be a part of the famous Gangsta Grillz franchise, but instead became an album.
“Originally we were in talks to release it for free…and have DJ Drama host and even make it an official Gangsta Grillz…however the label was not in favor of that and they struck an agreement to release the project the retail route and it would count towards one of his albums,” KP says in an exclusive statement to HipHopDX. “It was a mutual decision since he wanted to give it away. They [the label] said, ‘Hell no,’ not in those words, so they ‘agreed’ to do it this way as a middle ground and it would count towards his Cash Money deal album total. The label had zero input or creative control over” If Youre Reading This Its Too Late.”
The release of the project proved lucrative for Aubrey, as the album skyrocketed to number one, selling more than 500,000 copies it’s first week.