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Just when you thought Drake couldn’t get any sweeter…Students at one Philadelphia high school will get a chance to nurture their musical talents in a brand-new recording studio after he donated $75,000 a Strawberry Mansion High School. Despite the sweet name, this school is known as troubled and the principal, Linda Cliatt-Wayman has done all she can to improve the school and decrease the amount of violence on campus.

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Drake caught wind of a news report of Wayman’s struggles and it touched his sensitive heart and he made the big donation to help life the entire school’s spirit. Drake dropped by for a surprise visit to Strawberry Mansion while he was on tour last year, announcing his contribution to the school. “This is about you. This is about your principal. This is about your future,” he said. “I love you. I care about you. I want to see you succeed,” Drake told the students.

Although the studio was finished last summer, Principal Wayman said budget problems and the school’s reputation for violence made it hard to find an instructor. But the school has now hired a part-time music teacher, Ben Diamond, however Principal Wayman claims that the students were hesitant about using the equipment. In fact, many of them didn’t believe it even existed. Wayman played a song that was recorded in the new studio over the school’s P.A. system and curious students signed up.

“You have to prove everything to them,” said Wayman. “So many people disappoint them.”

The studio is inspiring students to team up and create music together–rappers are finding their voices, drummers are laying down beats and keyboardists and pulling everything together. It’s wonderful to see Drake’s thoughtful gift have so much impact on the students.

Drake loves the kids and he believes in them, so he’s investing in their future. But is there any other connection for Drake with this school? Why yes it is, Drake’s new album If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late features Philly rapper Meek Mill and guess what school Meek went to? Strawberry Mansion! Isn’t that sweet!?

 

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