Rob Dillingham takes the stage during Drake concert at Rupp Arena

Everyone knows Rob has the Shifts. He’s spent plenty of time shining in the limelight at Rupp Arena. Tonight was a different experience for Rob Dillingham.

J. Cole and Drake packed the house for a Sunday night show at Rupp Arena. Drake has been a long-time friend of the program and the rising Kentucky star.

During the show, the hip-hop superstar invited Dillingham on stage for an ovation from the Big Blue Nation.

At his concert in Rupp Arena tonight Drake just brought Rob Dillingham up on Stage with him 🔥 pic.twitter.com/B2iykGYFhJ

— Blue Chips (@UKBlueChips) March 11, 2024

Drake gave Rob Dillingham a shoutout and brought him on stage during his concert tonight at Rupp Arena!

😼🏀🦉 #BBN pic.twitter.com/Q2B59ObaFO

— Jordan Adams (@Jordan_Adams4) March 11, 2024

Of course, Dillingham was not the only Wildcat who spent time with Champagne Papi. Before taking the stage, John Calipari posed for a photo with his very famous friend in front of the 2012 National Championship trophy that’s on display near the Kentucky locker room at Rupp Arena.

#LaFamilia! A superstar who’s never changed! The best!! pic.twitter.com/BQ9fXuiHNd

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) March 10, 2024

Kentucky Sports Radio does not have an RSVP list of Kentucky basketball players who attended the concert, but it’s safe to say a lot of ’em were there to celebrate the win over Tennessee. DJ Wagner and Kareem Watkins helped Lil’ Durk get to the stage.

DJ Wagner and his brother Kareem Watkins were a part of Lil Durk’s walkout at the Drake Concert in Rupp Arena tonight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UEInVNYobn

— Blue Chips (@UKBlueChips) March 11, 2024

Drake is a Frequent Flyer to Rupp Arena

John Calipari and Drake have been close since before Drake was “Drake.” When more people knew him as Jimmy from Degrassi, the Kentucky head coach invited him to Big Blue Madness in 2009. Drake also made a speech to the Big Blue Nation at the event in 2017, but everyone remembers Drake’s performance at the event ahead of the Cats 31-0 campaign in 2014-15.

Drake suited up in a Kentucky warm-up and went through the event as if he were a part of the team. He sat in the meeting room with Willie Cauley-Stein, then got into the layup lines alongside Tyler Ulis. That’s where things went sideways. Drake is great at making music. Making shots, eh, he’s still working on it.

Ahead of the show, Drake showed a little self-deprecation on Instagram.

“Rupp Arena tomorrow. I been waiting on this 12 years,” he said.

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.