Drake Reveals His Dad Has Cancer in Emotional New Single 'Make Them Cry'
Drake Reveals His Dad Has Cancer in Emotional New Single 'Make Them Cry'
Gina KalsiFri, May 15, 2026 at 11:02 AM UTC
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Drake and his father, Dennis Graham, in 2017
Credit: Chris Polk/BBMA2017/Getty
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Drake has revealed that his father Dennis Graham has been diagnosed with cancer
The rapper shared the news in emotional lyrics on a track called "Make Them Cry" from his new album, Iceman
Dennis, a Memphis-born musician, released a song honoring his bond with son back in 2021
Drake has revealed that his father Dennis Graham has cancer in a series of emotional lyrics on his new album, Iceman.
The Canadian rapper, 39, released the long-awaited record on Friday, May 15, alongside two other surprise albums, Habibti and Maid Of Honour.
Towards the end of “Make Them Cry," the opening track to Iceman, the musician revealed his 71-year-old father's health update, without disclosing the type of cancer his dad has been diagnosed with.
Drake, whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, candidly raps: “My dad got cancer right now, we battlin' stages / Trust me when I say there's plenty things that I'd rather be facin' / For real / And this time, ask me to dig deeper, I'll gladly explain it.”
Drake and his father Dennis Graham at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards
Credit: Todd Williamson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
To coincide with the release of Iceman, Dennis posted a heartfelt photo of himself and his son embracing on Instagram and captioned it: “The Ice Man and The Nice Man just doing what we do, don't get it twisted, 🔜🙏🏽.”
Many fans commented on the picture, sending their best wishes to Dennis. One wrote: “Prayers up daddy graham 🙏🏾,” while another said: “Get well soon ❤️ 🦉.” A third commented: “Gotta get you healthy pops. Sending love and prayers your way.🙏🏾.”
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Drake's father is no stranger to the music industry. He was formerly a drummer for his band, Dennis Graham and the North Memphis Band, as well as for Jerry Lee Lewis.
Dennis started to focus on music again in 2016 and released a single on Father's Day in 2021 inspired by his relationship with Drake. Titled “Father and Son,” the song honors the bond the two share.
“A father and son will always understand each other's heart / And they'll always sit together / Until it's all said and done/ So there's nothing / No, there's nothing in the world / Like a love between a father and son,” Dennis sings on the track.
In “Make Them Cry," Drake also opens up about personal struggles he has been facing and "fake fans." — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
He raps: “I'm 'bout to turn 40, dog, I'm battlin' agin'/ I'm battlin' the fact that the album ain't even drop and already they asses complainin'/ F--k it, I'll battle the label/ F--k it, I'll battle the majors, I'll battle the stations 'til my ass is back in rotation.”
Drake, his son Adonis and his father Dennis Graham
Credit: Drake/Instagram
His family is also further mentioned on the track, which is over five minutes long, with lyrics such as: “I have to father my mother and treat my son's grandfather like my older brother," and, “I know for sure that my parents, they look at me and see an overcomer / I'm looking back at them and these days, I see an older couple.”
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
