Drake has begun hinting at the arrival of his ninth studio album, ICEMAN, offering little more than a pair of carefully chosen words. In a recent Instagram Story, the Toronto rapper wrote, “MAKE THEM CRY,” without elaboration. The post circulated quickly, prompting a familiar cycle of online interpretation. Some fans read it as a clue to the album’s emotional tone, while others responded with impatience, urging him to release the project outright.
In a separate update, Drake suggested the album would arrive sometime in 2026, though he stopped short of confirming a date. The absence of specifics has done little to dampen interest. Instead, it has reinforced a pattern in his recent rollouts, where atmosphere and suggestion often precede formal announcements.
The timing of the teaser coincides with another stretch of commercial milestones. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry recently ranked Drake as the third best-selling artist worldwide in 2025, placing him behind Taylor Swift and Stray Kids. It also marked his eleventh consecutive year as the highest-ranked rapper on the organization’s annual list.
A Historic Run Sets the Stage as ICEMAN Looms in Mystery
Streaming records continue to follow. Earlier this year, Drake became the first rapper to surpass 2 billion Spotify streams in 2026. He later reached another benchmark, with 300 songs each crossing the 100 million stream mark. His 2025 collaboration with PartyNextDoor, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, has since earned multiple RIAA certifications, including platinum and gold distinctions across several tracks.
For now, ICEMAN remains more suggestion than substance. Drake has offered a mood and a title, but little else. The restrained approach leaves room for interpretation—and for anticipation—as listeners wait to hear what direction he chooses next.
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