Drake’s most recent album, “More Life,” was released last week, sending his fans into a frenzy. On it, Toronto’s beloved son mentions the popular Italian restaurant Carbone in a cunning nod to New York. Drake has always been a fan of the eatery, enjoying its pastas and parmesan dishes on his 29th and 30th birthdays. Big-budget rappers take their love of fine food very seriously. These are a few examples of gastronomic allusions in hip-hop over the years.
The song: “Do Not Disturb” – Drake (2017)
The restaurant: Carbone (inset)“Last table left in Carbone/Callin’ plays on the rotary phone”Drake famously loves the Cheesecake Factory so much, he even filmed a video there. But he is also fond of the spicy rigatoni and the veal parm at Carbone, the aforementioned upscale Italian eatery, which has locations in both the West Village and Las Vegas.
The song: “5 Minute Beats Take 1” – Action Bronson (2012)
The restaurant: Pies ‘n’ Thighs (inset)“Pies ‘n’ Thighs on my mind all the time/Roll the lime”Bronson isn’t shy about repping his favorite spots, including the Williamsburg-based fried chicken institution. The Queens rapper, who pals around with Altamarea Group head chef and owner Michael White, once wore a toque himself, and has carried his love of food into his music career.
The song: “Nine” – Smoke DZA (featuring A$AP Rocky) (2016)
The restaurant: Eataly (inset)“Eating chicken francese in Italy/Not Eataly, Italy!”Mario Batali’s giant Midtown metropolis is meant to be an authentic slice of Italy in the heart of Manhattan. But for this pair of Harlem emcees, it’s not authentic enough, and DZA serves up a side dish of shade.
The song: “Song Cry” – Jay Z (2001)
The restaurant: The Four Seasons (inset)“We was together on the block since free lunch/We should’ve been together having Four Seasons brunch”Jay Z is now known for his wine collection and as a partner at the Spotted Pig. But back when Hova was first tasting the high life with “The Blueprint” album, he would occasionally wish he could have taken his old flames with him to the Midtown institution, which closed last July but will reopen soon under new ownership.
The song: “Pour it Up” (Remix) – Rihanna (featuring T.I., Juicy J, Rick Ross, & Jeezy) (2013)
The restaurant: Peter Luger (inset)“My foreign cars, domestic beefs/Peter Luger, better seats”He might be a Miami man, but on his guest verse with Rihanna, Rick Ross showed that his baller traits include a love of Brooklyn’s famed steakhouse.