After a day filled with commotion following Drake’s placement of a large collection of ice blocks in a downtown Toronto parking lot, an individual claims to have discovered what many hip-hop enthusiasts have been seeking: the launch date of Drake’s upcoming album.
A streamer named Kishka seemingly uncovered a blue folder hidden within one of the ice blocks on Tuesday afternoon, disclosing that “Iceman” is scheduled for release on May 15. In a live stream, he was subsequently presented with a bag of cash.
Drake officially confirmed the date on his social media account on Tuesday evening. Prior to this, the Toronto rapper had shared images of the icy installation on Instagram on Monday, along with coordinates to its location and the message: “Release date inside.”
Local residents quickly flocked to the installation, snapping photos and videos while speculating on when the ice might melt to unveil the release date for Drake’s highly anticipated project, “Iceman.”
Several individuals were seen ascending the ice structure, with videos showing people at the summit using sledgehammers to chip away at the ice, employing blowtorches to melt it, lighting fires on top, and even setting up a keyboard. Toronto Police Service spokesperson Laura Brabant confirmed that some individuals used pickaxes and hammers on the ice, prompting police intervention at the Bond Street and Dundas Street intersection late Monday night.
Although there were no reported injuries, the falling ice posed a hazard to those present, leading to the deployment of officers for crowd and traffic control. Metal barricades have since been erected around the site, situated in the heart of the city near the Yonge-Dundas intersection.
The ice installation quickly garnered online attention, with live streams and social media posts showcasing the spectacle. Notably, Canadian influencer Zachery Dereniowski, with over nine million Instagram followers, engaged the crowd by tossing car keys into the ice blocks, promising a free car to whoever found them.
This ice pile is the latest in a series of attention-grabbing promotional stunts for Drake’s album. Last week, a thunderous explosion illuminated the skies over Downsview Park in North York, a spectacle later shared by Drake on Instagram. Toronto police attributed the blast to a film shoot.
Earlier in the month, Drake’s usual courtside seats at Scotiabank Arena were encased in ice during a Toronto Raptors game, creating a viral moment in his absence.
Attendees at Drake’s ice block display on Monday expressed a mix of excitement, curiosity, and skepticism, with some viewing it as a clever lead-up to “Iceman.” However, others found the prolonged buildup underwhelming, comparing it to an ice hourglass.
Despite differing opinions, many acknowledged the installation as a unifying force in bringing Toronto residents together. Security measures were in place to confirm visitors’ age and deter them from touching the ice blocks, although some disregarded the warnings.