Drake took over the internet late Thursday night with the surprise release of three full-length albums, reportedly causing Spotify outages shortly after the drop. The Toronto superstar released Iceman, Habibti, and Maid of Honor following a 75-minute visual livestream on YouTube that explored his personal struggles and ongoing feud with Lamar Jackson.
Sports World Reacts To Drake’s Triple-Album Release
With no NBA playoff games scheduled for Thursday night, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton jokingly suggested the league made way for Drake’s release.
“No playoff games cuz Iceman here, respect @NBA,” he wrote.
No playoff games cuz Iceman here, respect @NBA
— Tyrese Haliburton (@Hali) May 15, 2026
Drake’s “Iceman Episode 4” livestream served as a visual companion to the lead project. While fans expected a single album announcement, the rapper stunned listeners by releasing three projects totaling 43 tracks.
“Nahhhhh. It’s officially time🐐Drake. 🫡,” wrote Washington Wizards guard Trae Young.
Nahhhhh.
It’s officially time
🐐Drake. 🫡— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) May 15, 2026
Chicago Bulls center Nick Richards found humor in Spotify reportedly struggling under the traffic surge.
“Spotify crashing is next level,” he wrote.
Spotify crashing is next level 😂😂
— Nick Richards (@iamnickrichards) May 15, 2026
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry took to his Instagram story to congratulate the rapper on the release.
“Congratulations @champagnepapi,” he wrote.
Steph congratulates Drake on his big night via IG 💯 pic.twitter.com/fEVirAhjMF
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) May 15, 2026
The visual album also appeared to hint at reconciliation between Drake and Future on the track “Ran to Atlanta,” potentially ending tensions between the longtime collaborators.
Drake also took shots at several figures, including A$AP Rocky and Rick Ross, while questioning DJ Khaled’s silence on geopolitical issues.
The reaction extended well beyond the NBA.
“Like 4 Songs In… Yeah Drake Is GOATED. 🧊,” wrote Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Max Crosby.
Like 4 Songs In… Yeah Drake Is GOATED. 🧊
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) May 15, 2026
“GEEEEEZZZZZ LOOUUUUUUIIISSSSSEEEEEE DRAKEEEEEEEEEE I PUT THE MAN IN MANIFESTATION OMG DRAKEEEE??????” added boxing influencer, Jake Paul.
GEEEEEZZZZZ LOOUUUUUUIIISSSSSEEEEEE
DRAKEEEEEEEEEE
I PUT THE MAN IN MANIFESTATION OMG
DRAKEEEE??????
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) May 15, 2026
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III declared Drake to be “on the Mount Rushmore of rappers” and called all three albums contenders for Album of the Year.
“Drake just dropped 3 Albums of the Year in one night. #ICEMAN,” he wrote.
Drake just dropped 3 Albums of the Year in one night. #ICEMAN
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 15, 2026
“Dat boi went 3 of em,” added Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Dat boi went 3 of em
— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) May 15, 2026
Former NFL Defensive Tackle Breiden Fehoko also praised the release.
“God Bless you @Drake 3 albums. Thankyou for letting me witness greatness,” he wrote.
God Bless you @Drake 3 albums. Thankyou for letting me witness greatness.
— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) May 15, 2026
Fehoko later added that the second verse after the beat switch on “National Treasure” might be Drake’s “best verse of all time.” The track had previously leaked online and also references late NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
Meanwhile, the NBA playoffs resume Friday with Game 6 matchups between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons, and the Minnesota Timberwolves and the San Antonio Spurs.
