By Tai Saint Louis
In a live phone call on New York City’s Hot 97 Thursday morning (May 21), Canadian Hip-Hop sensation Drake denied that he is romantically involved with singer Rihanna.
During a promo call for a performance in conjunction with the station next week, the former child actor told morning show hosts Cipha Sounds and Paul Rosenberg that he and the starlet are just friends, despite reports to the contrary.
On Wednesday (May 20), the New York Post set of a storm of rumors when their popular rumor column Page Six ran an item announcing the two foreign-born stars were seen together at the Lucky Strike Lane and Lounge bowling alley in Midtown Manhattan on Monday (May 18).
The tabloid quoted a source as saying Rihanna was “drinking whiskey and apple juice and making out with [Drake] all night. They were really cute together.”
“It’s not at all,” Drake said on air. “I’m being honest. [She’s] just a friend, that’s all. A great artist. I have the most respect for her. I think she’s so talented,” he concluded, despite admitting that they were both at Lucky Strike on Monday.
The rumor was of added interest to the blogosphere as gossip columns have been seeking proof of Rihanna’s efforts to resume dating, following the tumultuous end of her long-term relationship with singer Chris Brown.
Prior to being linked to Drake, Rihanna was allegedly spotted on dates with L.A. Lakers center Andrew Bynum.