The controversy over whether or not Drake writes his own raps has sparked a debate across hip-hop about the use of ghostwriters and songwriters in general within the genre. Artists have weighed in on both sides of the argument, most notably Meek Mill who kicked off the debate in addition to OG Maco, Rick Ross and others. Now Drake's close friend and collaborator Noah "40" Shebib has weighed in and defended the Toronto rapper vehemently, saying "no one is as talented as Drake."
In a long Twitter "rant," Shebib explains that Drake is much more than just a rapper: He is also a "musician, producer and a creator," and notes that Drake has also written songs for other rappers. Diddy has admitted in the past that he has used Drake as a cowriter.
Shebib comes from a unique perspective as someone who has apparently been in the studio with Drake for "5,000" hours over his lifetime and knows him very well. The tweets confirm Quentin Miller, the man some believe to be Drake's writer, has been in the studio with Drake, but only for a short period of time and there is nothing malicious since he is credited. Below is a section of his Tweets and see the rest here.
No one can question my involvement in drakes career. We have come a long way together. So let me start by putting something into perspective
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
I can't count the hours that myself and drake have spent writing producing and recording music. Let's just say... 5000 hours... — Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
I've spent maybe 30 min in a studio with Q. Nice enough guy, very talented... — Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
If your asking if he contributed to if you're reading this... Yes, he did. You can also see that by reading the credits. — Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
If your asking if q contributed to if you're reading this the answer is yes. You can also read that in the credits.
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
No one is as talented as drake. It's not worth my time. I need someone who understands song writing on a higher level... — Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
Thankfully for me drake isn't just a rapper. He's also a musician and a producer and a creator.
— Noah Shebib (@OVO40) July 23, 2015
