The name Janice hasn’t exactly had the easiest run in Drake’s world lately, but it looks like the Toronto rapper is now trying to make amends (and bonus, there’s a party involved).
According to Virgin Radio Toronto, the Toronto rapper is hosting an exclusive “Janice” party in the city this weekend as a hyped-up apology to anyone named Janice who may have taken offence to his chart-topping Iceman hit “Janice STFU.”
The event takes place at the Cactus Club on Adelaide Street West this Sunday, June 28 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The catch? Only people named Janice are allowed in.
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And Toronto isn’t the only city getting the Janice treatment. Drake also teased Janice parties in other major cities, including New York, L.A., Miami and Houston, after posting an Instagram story showing a bin full of envelopes: “All my Janice’s in NY, LA, HOU, MIA, TO. Look out for my invitation for Sunday,” he wrote.
“Janice STFU” became the breakout song from Drake’s recent trio of albums, Iceman, Maid of Honour and Habibti, topping both the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 and the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song also went viral on TikTok, helped by its catchy chorus, which includes Lykke Li’s dance anthem “I Follow Rivers.”
The name “Janice” and the “STFU” reference reportedly trace back to a clip from Joe Budden’s podcast, and according to Genius, there’s a much deeper meaning to the song: it’s heavily directed at Kendrick Lamar, with Drake attempting to strip away Kendrick’s “saviour” image and accusing him of fake activism.
The party is the latest in a string of high-profile Drake stunts tied to the rollout of Drake’s albums! Back in April, the rapper installed a giant ice sculpture downtown with his album date hidden inside. He also staged a controlled explosion and took over the CN Tower, keeping fans guessing right up until the grand reveal of his surprise album trilogy.
If your name is Janice and you want to celebrate this weekend, bring some valid ID to the Cactus Club, 77 Adelaide St. W., on Sunday, June 28, from 1 to 4 p.m.