André 3000 recently expressed gratitude to Drake for leaking his verse on Kanye West’s Donda track, “Life Of The Party,” despite the controversy surrounding its release. Speaking on The New York Times’ Popcast podcast, André reflected on the track’s journey, revealing that creative differences with Kanye had cast doubt on whether his verse would ever be released.
Drake leaked the song on his OVO Sound Radio show during his feud with Kanye. While André acknowledged disappointment that the song became a pawn in their conflict, he appreciated that fans could hear his work. He explained that Kanye’s decision to avoid curse words on the album led to disagreements over the track’s final form. “I said, ‘I’m cool with no curse words, but just take me off the song,’” André recalled.
Ultimately, the track was leaked before any resolution was reached. Despite the unconventional release, André admitted, “I kind of have to thank Drake for letting that song see the light of day.”
André admitted some disappointment in the verse being used as part of Drake and Kanye’s feud but emphasized his satisfaction that fans could enjoy it. “The history of it now is tied to their beef, which is unfortunate,” he noted. “But at least the verse was heard, and that’s something I can appreciate.”
The song, originally meant to reflect André’s unique artistry and storytelling, has now taken on a life of its own. While its release was far from conventional, André’s gracious acknowledgment of Drake’s role highlights his appreciation for the art being shared with the world, even under less-than-ideal circumstances.