Drake has canceled four tour dates in Australia and New Zealand due to a “scheduling conflict,” as announced by his representatives on Wednesday. This news follows the rapper's recent success, with his new album topping the Billboard 200 chart.
The exact nature of the scheduling conflict remains unclear, but Drake's team has indicated they will work to reschedule the canceled dates and potentially add more shows. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience,” the statement from Drake’s representatives read. “Drake and the entire team have had an incredible time doing these shows and are excited to return soon. We look forward to sharing the rescheduled dates with you as soon as possible.”
The Anita Max Win Tour, which began this month in Perth, Australia, was initially set to feature 16 shows across major cities in both Australia and New Zealand. The canceled performances include a show on March 4 in Brisbane, a March 7 show in Sydney, and two mid-March shows in Auckland, New Zealand.
This tour coincides with the release of Drake's latest album, “Some Sexy Songs 4 U,” a collaboration with PartyNextDoor, a longtime associate. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 this week.
This release marks Drake's first new album following a highly publicized feud with Kendrick Lamar. Lamar's diss track “Not Like Us” accused Drake of inappropriate behavior, leading Drake to file a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, claiming the allegations are false and that the label prioritized corporate interests over the safety of its artists.
Despite the controversy, Lamar's song has gained significant recognition, winning five Grammy Awards this month, including song and record of the year, and was performed during the Super Bowl halftime show to a large global audience.