Long before he became a global music superstar, Drake got his start acting on the beloved Canadian teen drama “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” Now, in a new documentary about the series, the rapper is opening up about a particularly intense and pivotal moment from his time on the show: the school shooting episode that permanently altered his character, Jimmy Brooks.
A Shocking Revelation
Drake recalls the moment he and his castmates learned about the storyline during a script read-through. He explained that he was told to mentally prepare for the day’s script but wasn’t given any specific details about the shooting itself or that his character would be the victim. The news came as a complete shock to everyone involved.
“There was shock and sadness. We were holding hands and crying in the read-through. It was dark. It was intense,” Drake shared, reflecting on the gravity of the situation. He expressed his immediate concerns about the long-term impact on his character, questioning, “What now? I don’t want to spend the rest of my years in a wheelchair.”
The Power of “Degrassi”
The Toronto rapper believes the show’s willingness to tackle such heavy topics is what made it so impactful. “I think that was why I think that show’s so good, because life is f*cked up and they weren’t afraid to let you know that,” he stated. He admitted that playing Jimmy after the shooting required significant effort and provided him with “homework” as an actor.
What’s Next for Drake?
While reflecting on his past, Drake is also looking towards the future. He’s currently preparing to release his ninth studio album, titled “ICEMAN.” Although an official release date hasn’t been announced, fans have already gotten a taste of the new music with singles like “What Did I Miss?” and “Dog House.”
What are your memories of the “Degrassi” school shooting episode? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below!
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