Drake pauses French Montana collaboration out of respect for Astroworld victims
Upcoming collaboration 'Splash Brothers' is now likely to feature on a deluxe version of Montana's album
Drake has delayed the release of his forthcoming song collaboration with French Montana, ‘Splash Brothers’, out of respect to the Astroworld victims.
The rapper, who appeared as a special guest at the end of Travis Scott’s headline set at the festival earlier this month and has been named in several lawsuits related to the tragedy, has halted his guest spot on Montana’s new album ‘They Got Amnesia’.
Sources told TMZ that Drake asked to pull the collab in response to the crowd crush incident that claimed the lives of at least 10 people and injured hundreds more. They said that he didn’t think it was appropriate to release new music in the wake of the tragedy.
Drake’s link-up with Montana was set to appear on the artist’s fourth studio album which is out tomorrow (November 19). The song is likely be released on an upcoming deluxe edition of ‘Amnesia’.
Montana and Drake have collaborated a number of times before including on songs ‘Pop That’, ‘Stay Schemin”, ‘No Stylist’ and ‘No Shopping’.
Montana’s ‘They Got Amnesia’ has dozens of guest spots including from John Legend, Rick Ross, Lil Durk, Doja Cat, Saweetie, Ty Dolla $ign, and the late Pop Smoke.
In a complaint filed by festival goer Kristian Paredes, 23, the rappers and show producer are accused of negligence and “inciting the crowd”, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The complaint also stated that Drake came on stage alongside Scott and helped “incite the crowd”.
It added that Drake continued to perform with Scott “as the crowd became out of control” and “crowd mayhem continued”.
Paredes claimed that he suffered bodily injuries at the festival, some permanent, and is seeking over $1 million in damages.
Representing attorney Thomas J. Henry said: “There is no excuse for the events that unfolded at NRG stadium on Friday night.
“There is every indication that the performers, organizers, and venue were not only aware of the hectic crowd but also that injuries and potential deaths may have occurred. Still, they decided to put profits over their attendees and allowed the deadly show to go on.
“Live musical performances are meant to inspire catharsis, not tragedy. Many of these concert-goers were looking forward to this event for months, and they deserved a safe environment in which to have fun and enjoy the evening. Instead, their night was one of fear, injury, and death.”
Scott, Drake, Live Nation and ScoreMore have not yet responded to requests for comment responding to the lawsuits.