A Visual Recap of OVO's Houston Appreciation Weekend by Greg Noire

Among the key adjectives used to describe the narrative surrounding Drake, loyalty is one that permeates throughout both himself and the company he keeps. Although he is not from Southern America, Drake is aware of the indebtedness for which he owes to the area. In addition to his brief upbringing in Memphis, Tennessee with his father, the Texan city of Houston marks a significant point in Drizzy’s rise to prominence, as it is where he first met his mentor, boss and confidant, Lil Wayne. Impressed by a selection of songs by Drake that was presented to him, Weezy immediately invited the young Toronto rapper to join him on his tour, which at the time was in progress in Houston.

This past weekend, Drake hosted the second annual Houston Appreciation Weekend, serving as his tribute to the city. Among the list of events that weekend was a celebrity softball game, which took place on Friday at the University of Houston Cougar Field as a prelude to the Tings on Tings party later that evening. Attendees included New York Giants’ star wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr., Angela Simmons, Kirko Bangz, Ne-Yo, Jay Prince, Houston Astros Brandon Backe, Chris Sampson, Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue and Texans offensive lineman Duane Brown.

Houston-based photographer Greg Noire was on location and captured the event’s high energy through the lens. Enjoy in the visual recap above and visit his website for more music-inspired photography.