Drake opens up about father’s cancer diagnosis on surprise album Iceman

Drake has revealed that his father, Dennis Graham, has been diagnosed with cancer, sharing the emotional update in lyrics from his new album Iceman.

The 39-year-old artist, whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, addresses his father’s health on the track “Make Them Cry,” which appears on the opening of the surprise-released album dropped on Friday, May 15, alongside two additional projects, Habibti and Maid of Honour.

In the song, Drake directly references his father’s condition without disclosing the specific type of cancer, delivering a rare personal disclosure about his family life.

“My dad got cancer right now, we battlin' stages / Trust me when I say there's plenty things that I'd rather be facin’,” he raps, reflecting on the emotional weight of the diagnosis.

Drake also hints at the difficulty of processing the news while managing his career and public expectations, adding that he is prepared to “dig deeper” into his experiences through music.

Following the album’s release, his father, Dennis Graham, shared a photo of the two embracing on Instagram, writing: “The Ice Man and The Nice Man just doing what we do, don't get it twisted.”

The post quickly drew an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom sent messages of encouragement and prayers for Graham’s recovery.

Graham, a Memphis-born drummer who previously played with Jerry Lee Lewis and his own band, has long maintained a public presence alongside his son.

He has also returned to music in recent years, releasing work that reflects on his relationship with Drake, including the 2021 track “Father and Son,” which celebrated their bond.

In “Make Them Cry,” Drake also reflects on wider personal pressures, including criticism, ageing and tensions within the music industry.

He references approaching 40 and the strain of public scrutiny, rapping about battling expectations from fans and industry figures alike.

The album further includes introspective lyrics about family dynamics, with Drake reflecting on his evolving role as both a son and a father.

He also references his relationship with his own son, Adonis, and the responsibility of navigating three generations within his family.