Drake has officially ended his decade-long partnership with agent Brent Smith, a move that has drawn attention across the industry due to Smith’s dual role representing both Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The decision, discussed in detail on the latest episode of the Club Ambition podcast, comes after reports that Drake and Smith have not actively worked together for most of 2024. The separation was initially kept low-profile, but confirmation from industry sources has now brought the story into public focus.
Smith began representing Drake during his tenure at WME and continued the relationship after moving to Wasserman in 2020, where he rose to executive vice president. Throughout that period, he also maintained Kendrick Lamar as a major client. With Drake and Kendrick engaged in one of the most prominent rap feuds of the year, the shared representation has led to speculation about whether competitive tensions contributed to Drake’s decision to step away. While no official link has been made, the idea that one agent could navigate two opposing camps during an intense rivalry has fueled discussion among fans and commentators.
Drake has since transitioned his live representation to CAA, where Alex Mead and Darryl Eaton will now oversee his bookings. CAA’s involvement marks a significant shift for Drake at a time when rumors of a major 2026 tour continue to circulate. The move also aligns with Drake’s recent statements about tightening his inner circle and reevaluating the people around him.
The conversation took on added weight when the hosts highlighted prior reports that Smith departed WME after an investigation into complaints of bullying behavior, which resulted in the agency and Smith mutually parting ways. Although the incident predates Drake’s current decision, it has raised questions about whether internal issues played any role in the rapper’s departure from the longtime agent.
With Kendrick Lamar currently breaking touring records and Drake preparing upcoming releases, Smith remains closely tied to two of the most influential artists in the industry. Yet for Drake, ending a 10-year working relationship signals a clear strategic shift. A move of this scale suggests deliberate recalibration, one that may shape the rollout of his next era, including the anticipated Iceman project and any future touring plans.
Drake’s choice to leave a veteran agent with deep institutional knowledge of his career underscores the significance of this moment. For an artist with the ability to partner with any agency worldwide, such a departure rarely happens without strong reasoning. As the hosts noted, a split of this magnitude is unlikely to be a minor footnote. Instead, it marks a new phase in Drake’s evolving business and creative direction.
