Drake, the Canadian rap icon, is no stranger to mixing music with meaning. One of his upcoming songs, “Supermax,” is already sparking headlines for both its lyrical content and the names featured. The Toronto rapper previewed the track during his surprise ICEMAN Episode 1 livestream on YouTube, and it didn’t take long for fans to spot shoutouts to Lakers icons Shaquille O’Neal and Phil Jackson, along with NBA analyst Taylor Rooks.
The lyrics offer a peek into Drake’s mindset as he reflects on betrayal, fake love, and the pressures of public life, all while keeping his basketball roots front and center.
Drake Name-Drops Taylor Rooks, Shaquille O’Neal & Phil Jackson in ‘Supermax’ Preview
Fans got their first taste of Supermax during Drake’s surprise “ICEMAN Episode 1” livestream on July 5. In the video, Drake is seen driving through Toronto in a white truck, playing the unreleased track over the speakers.
DRAKE – SUPERMAX (NEW SONG) pic.twitter.com/4zaD8Rx4cv
— ALMIGHTEE. (@realalmightee) July 5, 2025
As he moved through the city, speakers blaring, one lyric stood out and had fans immediately reacting online:
“Losin’ all these friends really got to me, I was talking to Taylor over drinks, and it was getting deep.
“‘Not everyone can handle this pressure and, in the city, you’re the national treasure,’ that’s what she said to me.”
Shortly after, Taylor Rooks posted a screenshot from the video to her Instagram Story, possibly confirming the lyric was about her. Complex Music quickly caught the post and shared it on X, writing, “Taylor Rooks seems to confirm Drake was referring to her in his new snippet ‘Supermax’ via her IG Story ”
Taylor Rooks seems to confirm Drake was referring to her in his new snippet “Supermax” via her IG Story 👀 pic.twitter.com/M1slZqrzFc
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) July 6, 2025
The line immediately drew attention not just for its name-drop, but for the emotional tone behind it. Rooks’ quote is one of support and admiration, something Drake appears to be clinging to after what he paints as a difficult stretch of public and personal scrutiny.
But the most viral line of the song might be this one:
“Los Angeles love like Phil Jackson and Shaq O’Neal.”
Drake said Los Angeles love him like Phil Jackson and shaq O Neil. 🔥
— BorzGang (@HalloweenDrop) July 5, 2025
The comparison is layered. During the early 2000s, Jackson and Shaq were the faces of a Lakers dynasty, earning three consecutive championships and L.A.’s undying love. By invoking that duo, Drake suggests he receives the same kind of adoration from the city, a subtle flex for someone who’s felt misunderstood or doubted in recent months.
Shouting out Shaq, Jackson, and Rooks is far from out of character for Drake. The rapper has long positioned himself inside the NBA world, serving as global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors, sitting courtside during major games and name-dropping stars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant in past lyrics. His 2020 “Laugh Now Cry Later” video even featured Durant himself, and Kawhi Leonard also made a cameo in the music video for “Way 2 Sexy.”
Whether in music or front-row fandom, Drake has always had a foot in the basketball world. With “Supermax,” he’s doubling down — both for the sport and the love that comes with it.
