Drake Gives Honest Answer To Why He Won’t Be Getting Married Anytime Soon, And We Can Respect It
Rapper, singer, and actor Aubrey "Drake" Graham candidly opened up about his future plans, revealing his thoughts on marriage and whether he envisions settling down with a fellow celebrity.
The 36-year-old may have gained professional success after dominating the music charts with his catchy tunes for over a decade following his departure from the Canadian hit series Degrassi: The Next Generation. Still, Graham's personal life is an entirely different story.
Over the years, Graham has been romantically linked to Rihanna, SZA, and Serena Williams, to name a few. Although those alleged relationships didn't work out, the "God's Plan" emcee welcomed a son, Adonis Graham, in 2017 with former model and artist Sophie Brussaux.
Drake Reveals Why He Hasn't Gotten Married
In a July interview on Bobbi Althoff's The Really Good Podcast, Graham explains why he isn't a perfect suitor for marriage and isn't interested in being with a celebrity despite his past high-profile relationships.
Drake On Marriage
In the discussion, the "Over" lyricist disclosed that he feels he wouldn't be an ideal partner for marriage because of his busy schedule.
"I don't know. I don't think I could offer somebody what they'd be looking for," he told Althoff. "Just consistency. My work is my priority. I wouldn't want to not be able to contribute as a partner."
Further into the interview, Graham added that he is also reluctant to get married because he doesn't want to disappoint anybody.
"I don't want to get married because, like, I just don't want to disappoint someone," the "Fancy" rapper said.
Drake On Not Marrying A Celebrity
As the topic shifted to the type of woman Graham would marry, the star shared that he would prefer a noncelebrity over a famous person because he finds them more intriguing.
"I probably will end up marrying somebody that's not famous," he stated, "Famous people aren't that anything. They're not that intriguing."
In light of Graham's recent admission on relationships and marriage, xoNecole looks back at his former romances.
Who Has Drake Dated?
Keep scrolling for a brief timeline of the women Drake has dated:
Keshia Chanté
Although the exact timeline of when former 106 & Park host Keshia Chanté dated Graham is unclear, new outlets report that the pair's romance occurred in the early 2000s when they were both teenagers.
Despite their relationship ending, it appeared that Chanté left a mark in Graham's life because years later, in 2022, the emcee revealed that she was the "Kiki" inspiration behind his hit song "In My Feelings" during OVO Fest as he introduced her onstage and mentioned the activities the pair would partake in, which is highly referenced in the track.
"This next person coming to the stage, I used to get in my mom's car, and I used to drive all the way to the west for this one right here, you feel me? So, I have to personally introduce her," he said. "This is my first girlfriend I ever had in my life. A real legend, somebody I love with all of my heart. Make some noise for Keisha Chanté.”
SZA
Following his split with Chanté, Drake was reportedly linked to singer Solána "SZA" Rowe around 2008 or 2009, depending on whose version of events you believe.
At the time, Rowe wasn't widely known. On the other hand, Graham gained notoriety following his mixtape So Far Gone, featuring the hit singles "Best I Ever Had" and "Successful." Although it is unclear how long they were together, the rapper mentioned his romance with Rowe in 2021's "Mr. Right Now."
"Yeah, said she wanna f--k to some SZA, wait. 'Cause I used to date SZA back in '08," he said.
After the track's release, Rowe took to Twitter to clarify a few things, including the former couple's dating timeline.
"So It was actually 2009 lol ... in this case, a year of poetic rap license mattered lol," she wrote. "I think he just innocently rhymed 08 [with] wait. Anybody who really knows me and was around during this time can confirm ... it's all love all peace."
The following year in December 2022, Rowe opened up in an interview with Audacy about where she stands with Graham, their past relationship, and why she isn't fazed by being name-dropped in any of his songs.
"We're cool. We've always been cool. It's never been weird," she said. "Anytime he's ever mentioned me, it's always been positive. He never said anything negative about me, and I'm grateful for that. I think really highly of him… I'm an artist now, I wasn't then, and he's King Drake!"
Rihanna
Graham's most notable relationship to date has been with singer and entrepreneur Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty.
The couple began dating in 2009, years after Graham appeared as an extra on Fenty's music video "Pon De Replay." Despite their chemistry, Graham and Fenty's romance wouldn't last long because, by 2010, the lyricist revealed to The New York Times that he felt like "a pawn" in their relationship.
“I was a pawn," he stated. "You know what she was doing to me? She was doing exactly what I've done to so many women throughout my life, which is show them quality time, then disappear. I was like, 'Wow, this feels terrible.'"
Shortly after that comment, Graham and Fenty would reunite that same year. However, their reunion was short-lived again because, in 2011, Fenty and Graham broke up for a second time. The following year, Fenty rekindled her relationship with her ex Chris Brown.
By 2016, all appeared to be going well with Fenty and Graham because the longtime musical collaborators released their hit song "Work." At the same time, Graham professed his love for Fenty when he presented her with the 2016 MTV Vanguard Award. Although it appeared Fenty and Graham would take the next step in their relationship following the public admiration from both parties, it sadly wouldn't last because, by 2017, they had broken up for the final time.
In a 2018 interview with Vogue, Fenty opened up about her nearly decade-long romance with Graham and where the pair stood after their final split.
"We don't have a friendship now, but we're not enemies either," she said. "It is what it is."
Since then, Fenty has moved on with rapper Rakim "A$AP Rocky" Mayers. The pair welcomed a son RZA Mayers in 2022 and are currently expecting their second child.
Serena Williams
During Graham's on-and-off relationship with Fenty, the "Hotline Bling" emcee was romantically linked to legendary tennis player Serena Williams in 2011 after he was seen attending one of her matches and shared a telling tweet online.
"@SerenaWilliams I cannot wait to put it on you and make you sweat……. during our match this weekend," he wrote.
Although neither party confirmed the romance, Graham and Williams appeared to be heating up when he mentioned her in his song "Worst Behavior" and later threw jabs at her ex, Common.
Although both men ultimately settled the feud, which was allegedly over Williams, dating rumors continued to follow the alleged couple when Graham kept attending the tennis player's games, and they were spotted making out in various locations.
But by 2015, Williams and Graham's alleged relationship would be over. Williams has since settled down with businessman Alexis Ohanian. The couple share a daughter, Alexis Olympia, and are expecting their second child.
Jennifer Lopez
In December 2016, actress and singer Jennifer Lopez and Graham ignited dating rumors after they shared an intimate photo of the pair cuddling on Instagram.
Although, at the time, it was reported that Graham and Lopez were professionally working together, a source told People magazine that they greatly respect each other and their friends are hopeful it could lead to a blossoming relationship.
"They seem to really like and respect each other, but it's early," they said. "Where it goes, we shall see. Friends of them both are hoping it becomes something, but it's too early to say more than that."
A short time later, another insider revealed that Lopez was "smitten" with Graham and enjoyed "spending time with him." The alleged couple's romance continued well into the New Year when Lopez was seen sporting a Tiffany necklace, reportedly worth $100,000, that Graham gave her. The duo allegedly continued dating for a while, and during that time, it was revealed to the public that Graham met Lopez's children.
But unfortunately, by February 2017, Lopez and Graham's brief union ended. Since then, Lopez has married actor Ben Affleck.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Prince Williams/Wireimage
On her debut album,CTRL,SZA crooned about her desire to be a “Normal Girl.” Now, nearly eight years since its release, her Not Beauty line represents her commitment to existing outside of traditional beauty norms.
The singer whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe first teased the idea of a lip gloss line during Super Bowl LIX in February, noting that the release would be happening “very shortly.” Not Beauty debuted simultaneously with the Grand National Tour, which she co-headlines with Kendrick Lamar, in Minneapolis on April 19.
Each Not Beauty pop-up would offer fans the opportunity to purchase the glosses, learn more about the brand, and have the opportunity to meet the superstar in the flesh regardless of their ticket status.
During the Los Angeles tour stop, which spanned three dates on May 21, May 23, with the finale on May 24, xoNecole had the opportunity to test out the glosses included in this soft launch, as SZA revealed in a statement that "this is just the start of other lip products, including plans to launch stains, liners, and creams all inspired by SZA's “infamous layered lip combinations.”
Courtesy
So, what is included in the first Not Beauty launch?
The current Not Beauty products available are lip glosses that come in three shades: In the Flesh, Strawberry Jelly, and Quartz.
During my visit to the first LA Not Beauty pop-up activation, I not only had the chance to purchase all three glosses but also took a peek inside the blow-up log tent. Inside, fans got to experience SZA’s love for nature and her fascination with bugs, which are prominently featured in her performances for this tour. At one point, she even had human preying mantis prancing across the stage y'all.
There were blow-up photos of the beauty that is SZA for fans (myself included) to take photos, but in wooden-like tree trunks were a deeper dive into some of the ingredients featured in her products and their benefits.
For example, the glosses feature Hi-Shine Lip Jelly and Shea Butter as key ingredients and some of the listed benefits included are:
- Shea Butter - “A powerhouse ingredient, offering both functional and nourishing benefits.”
- Hi-Shine Lip Jelly (featured in the In the Flesh shade) - “Formula glides on with perfect adhesion to the lips without stickiness).
Courtesy
What are in the products?
Featured in an orange package, with images of a bug and flower on the side, the back of the box reads: “It’s NOT BEAUTY, it just works. Developed by Solána “SZA” Rowe.
As someone who never leaves home without a good lip gloss, I loved how compact the wood panel packaging is. Perfect to slip into my purse, or in the case of the show at SoFi Stadium, into my pocket when I’m not carrying a bag.
Because I’m a sucker for a good black and brown lip liner and clear gloss combo, I decided to wear the Quartz flavor on night one of the Grand National Tour LA stop, and it did not disappoint. I’ll admit, it’s light weight feel made me nervous because it felt like there was nothing on my lips. However, when I checked my lips in my compact mirror several times throughout the night, I was shocked to find that my gloss was still intact. I only reapplied once out of the habit of looking cute and applying my gloss, but not necessity.
Here are some of the ingredients featured, but not limited to, in the Quartz flavor.
- Polyisoubutene
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea)Butter
- Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
- Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
- Tocopherol
Courtesy
Lip prep
I’m a simple girl who loves to stay true to her roots. So ahead of the show, I stopped by a local Inglewood Beauty Supply store and grabbed a Black and Brown shade lip pencil for just under $2 a piece.
Shading the outline of my lips with the black pencil first, I used the brown to lightly fill the inside of my lips before applying my Quartz Not Beauty shade gloss.
How to apply
There’s truly no right or wrong way to apply lip gloss (in my opinion), with this being a brush applicator sort of product, I simply untwisted the top and swiped the gloss around my top and bottom lip generously.
Courtesy
Results
Again, my Not Beauty Quartz product stayed on my lips from the start of the show, which began with a fire DJ set from LA’s very own, Mustard, to the conclusion when Kendrick and SZA reunited on stage to send us home to their duet, “luther,” featured on the rapper's GNX album.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy
The millennial in me is nostalgic at best...and at worst, deeply, deeply yearning. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the past.
In the days of old, community was never hard to find. It was a knock on the door from a neighborhood friend who needed no invitation. It was trading jokes over lunch and lingering strolls after the final bell. It was choir practice on Saturdays and giggling in the pews on Sundays.
The love was free and plentiful, and my cup runneth over.
But there was a certain rhythm to the ’90s and early 2000s. People were ever-present in the most ordinary ways, and fortunately, this followed me well into adulthood. The door knocks have since turned into tequila shots, and brunch on Sundays became my new sanctuary, but you know...same thing!
However, life has changed drastically, and with it, so have we. Sometimes by force (2020..no other words needed, amirite), and other times by the natural, inevitable flow of growing up.
As we age, our identities become more defined. And while the people we’ve always loved still matter deeply, we start to crave new connections and experiences that reflect who we’re becoming.
When COVID reared its ugly head, not only did it disrupt the lives we knew, it pushed us to reevaluate the lives we want… and the people we want in them. For many, it exposed a loneliness that had already been there beneath the surface. It made space for questions we hadn’t slowed down to ask: What do I truly enjoy? Who do I feel most myself around?
After months of quarantine and isolation, we were left craving connection in a deeper, more intentional way. This sparked a renewed interest in “the third space.”
Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, the term refers to those places beyond home (first space) and work (second space) where people gather, build relationships, and foster community. Think coffee shops, libraries, dance studios, run clubs, and other environments that offer connection outside of our daily obligations.
My own desire to find like-minded folks has only intensified over the past few years. And as a self-proclaimed medicine woman and wellness enthusiast, I went looking for spaces that felt good, and found more than a few.
So if you're in NYC and searching for places that feed your spirit (and tend to your interests), consider this your starter guide. Whether it's a wellness club, a run group, or a kickball league, these third spaces might just feel like home.
A Safe Space Mentor
My Shaylaaa.
What started out as a simple offering from founder Teya Knapp has grown into one of the most intentional, heartfelt communities I’ve had the privilege to be part of. Together with COO Jasmine Dayze, they have cultivated more than a collective—it’s a movement rooted in community care, softness, and restoration.
A nonprofit centered on mental health advocacy and equity, A Safe Space Mentor has redefined the possibilities of communal healing. With over 22 fully funded retreats to date (yes, free), monthly programs ranging from support groups and hikes to pottery classes, free therapy, and now a physical home at A Safe Place Studios, they’ve built an ecosystem where people can show up fully and be accepted just as they are.
I came across them by chance, but as fate would have it, it allowed me to bloom in ways I never saw coming, surrounded by women who affirm and love me in ways I didn’t know I needed. I’m serious, ya’ll. Even at the risk of sounding dramatic: expect to be changed, to find friends, possibly even family, and maybe a group chat, too.
Beyond their no-cost offerings, they also host weekly yoga and meditation classes, massages, and more. Learn more about this beautiful space here, and keep an eye out for their upcoming Juneteenth gathering.
NARC
Who needs Hinge when there’s a run club? (Kidding... kind of.)
NARC, short for Not a Run Club, is technically a run club but with a twist. Co-founded by Omari Ross and Noah Hutchins, NARC takes a holistic approach to fitness and community. Picture track workouts, dynamic circuits, core finishers, followed by a post-workout brunch with the crew. Sure, the occasional match may be made, but at its core, NARC is about connection, movement, and showing up for yourself and others.
It’s the kind of space where most people arrive solo but rarely leave without a new friend or a new perspective. And personally? I never tire of seeing Black men love on one another out loud.
If you’re looking for a solid sweat (not gonna lie, it gives Olympic training at times), laughs, and folks that show up rain or shine, they’ve got you. Beyond the track, they also host boxing classes, hot yoga sessions, social mixers, and a number of other events. NARC meets every Saturday at McCarren Park at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Learn more here.
The Music Nerds
My favorite part about The Music Nerds? The DJ. Scene Serene, a former music journalist turned vibe curator, created this club out of pure love for music and the Black people who create it. And that love is felt in every detail.
Past functions have celebrated Kendrick Lamar, Black women in music, and Virginia legends, each thoughtfully crafted to tell a story through sound. Here, you’re not just dancing, you’re feeling, remembering, and reflecting, too. Additionally, she kicks off each event with icebreaker quote cards to spark conversation, because the vibe isn’t just in the music; it’s also in the people.
That sense of connection comes full circle in her choice of venues, which are always Black-owned spaces that feel safe and inclusive for all Black folk. After all, if we don’t support each other, who will?
This isn’t just a party. It’s a celebration of culture, connection, and Black joy…and yes, it’s free! She’s cooking up some magic for the summer, so follow her here to stay in the loop.
SociaLight Social Club
For the anti-social socialite or the extrovert who wants a little more intimate play, the SociaLight Club might be your sweet spot.
Nayah, the founder, is all about curating intimate, low-pressure gatherings that bring people together through random yet delightful activities, all while supporting Black-owned businesses in the process.
From coworking days to supper clubs and nights building LEGOs, it’s the kind of space where you can show up as you are and end up discovering new people and new passions. It’s chill, it’s intentional, and very much a vibe. Keep up with her events here.
Recess Kickball League
Black folks deserve to frolic, dilly-dally, and straight-up play. And that’s the spirit behind Recess Kickball League. Though kickball is the anchor, it’s really about reclaiming joy through movement and connection.
Founded by five friends during the lockdowns of 2020 (Emmanuel Maduakolam, Christopher Thomas, Cris Jones, Daemon “Tubbs” Krueger, and Ermias Tessema), the club started as a way to get outside and let loose, and now it’s blossomed into a thriving community with leagues in both LA and Brooklyn.
If you’ve been looking for field day vibes and opportunities to love on your inner child, keep up with them here.
The Free Black Women’s Library
Tucked in the heart of Bed-Stuy, The Free Black Women’s Library is a cozy nook that centers Black women and holds space for book lovers, creatives, and community-builders alike.
Founded by OlaRonke Akinmowo, it functions as more than a library but a cultural hub. While every book is written by a Black woman or non-binary author, she also hosts grief workshops, writing circles, and curated events that honor both healing and imagination, too. Their monthly calendar is packed with offerings that meet you where you are, celebrating who we are and who we’re becoming.
And the best part? You don’t have to buy a book, you can swap one. Bring something you’ve read, and leave with something new. Keep up with them here.
Peak & Pace
This one’s for the runners and the lovers. If you’re looking to meet your future bae who’s into fitness and a good Sunday reset, Peak & Pace might just be your new favorite link.
Founded by London native Owen Akhibi after relocating to NYC, the club was born out of something a lot of us know too well: feeling a little lonely in a big city. So he created a space that brings people together who just so happen to run.
Every meetup ends with a social, and some runs come with fun themes like wearing flags repping your country to wristbands signaling your relationship status (lovers tap in!). Off the track, they host yoga, comedy nights, parties, and other events to build real connections. They meet every Saturday at Prospect Park at 10 a.m. Tap in with them here.
Free Peace Meditation Club
Free Peace Meditation Club offers a rare pause in the middle of NYC’s bustling Lower East Side, encouraging folks to be still in the midst of chaos while finding beauty in it, too. What began as a simple conversation between Kenji Summers and Angelo Baque has blossomed into a welcoming sanctuary where New Yorkers gather to unplug, recenter, and recharge.
Hosted monthly at the artfully decorated Awake NY, this community-driven experience invites participants to reconnect through guided reflection, mindful breathwork, and thoughtfully curated music that features the rich sounds of New York’s rap, R&B, and jazz artists. FPANYMC stands as a powerful affirmation that stillness is not a luxury but an essential practice. Keep up with them here.
Knot Okay Club
This one’s for the soft girls, the creatives, and anyone who’s ever needed to crochet their stress away.
Knot Okay Club brings Black women and non-binary folks together through fiber arts. It’s about slowing down, making something with your hands, and feeling held while you do it. The work might be small and intentional, but the connection? That’s the magic. Learn more about them here.
Girls That Gather
Lauren Franco started Girls That Gather after moving to NYC and realizing just how hard it can be to find genuine connections as an adult.
What began as a way to bring women together has grown into a go-to space for meaningful conversation and real friendship. From curated dinner parties to small, cozy events, everything is designed to feel easy and intentional. No awkward networking energy, just good vibes and even better people. Learn more about them here.
Adanne Bookshop
Adanne is one of those places that makes you want to linger.
Tucked away in Brooklyn and owned by educator Darlene Okpo, this Black woman-owned bookshop is as intentional as it is inviting. The books are curated with care, the energy is warm, and the events, from author talks to community gatherings to incense-making, always leave you a little more full than when you walked in.
It’s not just a bookstore; it’s a cultural anchor. Check out their events here.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Clarke Sanders on Unsplash