Drake is hosting exclusive “Janice Apology Parties” in five major cities to apologize to women legally named Janice following the release of his hit track “Janice STFU.” The song, which features a vocal sample telling a woman named Janice to shut up, became a viral sensation after debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and breaking Michael Jackson’s record for most No. 1 hits by a male solo artist.
The rapper announced the parties on his Instagram Stories on June 25, sharing a bin full of physical invitations. He wrote to his followers: “All my Janice’s in NY, LA, MIA, TO, HOU, look out for my invitation for Sunday.” The events are scheduled for Sunday, June 28, in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto, and Houston.
The Toronto party will take place at Cactus Club on Adelaide Street West from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Entry requires a government-issued ID confirming the legal first name as Janice. No nicknames or middle names are allowed.
Internet Reacts with Jokes About Changing Names
Social media exploded with memes and funny comments after Drake’s announcement. Many users joked about legally changing their names just to attend the parties.
One user wrote: “grown men are gonna change their name to janice in the next 24 hours.” Another commented: “How long does a name change take?” while someone else said: “I’m changing my name and catching a flight then.”
Fans also appreciated Drake’s marketing skills. One person said: “Bruh be on point with marketing.” Another commented: “Most precise audience targeting of the year. Somewhere a woman named Janice is squinting at the invite trying to figure out if it’s an open bar or a diss track in disguise.”
Some users pointed out that Janice is often seen as an older-generation name. One Instagram user noted: “Finna be a whole lot of elders.” Another joked: “Take all the grandmas!! I’m sure there are many named Janice in the retirement homes.”
Why Drake Is Hosting the Janice Apology Parties
The parties stem from Drake’s song “Janice STFU,” which appears on his Iceman album from his recently released trilogy of albums, including Maid of Honour and Habibti. The track quickly went viral on TikTok and became Drake’s longest-running No. 1 song in Canada this decade.
The song’s title and tone drew mixed reactions online, with many women named Janice feeling targeted by the lyrics. Rather than letting the backlash continue, Drake decided to turn the moment into an exclusive celebration for the Janices of the world.
The track has been certified platinum by the RIAA and surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify. It also made music history by becoming Drake’s 14th No. 1 single, breaking Michael Jackson’s long-standing record for the most No. 1 hits by a male solo artist.
Joe Budden Connection to the Janice Song
Many fans believe the song is directed at podcaster Joe Budden, who previously revealed on The Joe Budden Podcast that “Janice” is a name he has been called before. Budden addressed the theory on a recent episode, saying: “The internet has put one and four together and I’m Janice.”
He added: “The funny st is I’m Janice even if I’m not Janice now. I see some n*as out there mad I’m Janice. They trying to talk me out of it. ‘It ain’t you. It ain’t Joe.’ Ay, it is if it ain’t.”
However, others believe the track contains subliminal disses aimed at Jay-Z. DJ Akademiks suggested on a stream that the lyrics reference Jay-Z, with Drake rapping: “You boys got big off my name, that’s big enough / We know how you OGs rockin’ already, my n***a, the jig is up.”
Swedeish Singer Lykke Li Reacts to the Track
The song’s chorus interpolates Swedish singer Lykke Li’s dance anthem “I Follow Rivers.” Lykke Li told Rolling Stone that she had been craving Drake’s music and expressed admiration for the track.
She said: “I think it’s potent. It has that raw, revenge, hip-hop energy.”
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What to Expect at the Janice Apology Parties
The events are described as lighthearted afternoon celebrations featuring Drake’s music, drinks, and photo opportunities for the exclusive guest list. While the Toronto party details have been confirmed, full venue and timing details for New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston have not yet been widely released.
It remains unclear whether Drake will personally attend any of the events, but the rapper’s team and OVO have confirmed the parties are invite-only affairs with physical invitations sent to targeted Janices in the five cities.
The parties blur the line between apology, spectacle, and marketing. One user commented: “bhwhwhaha wholesome af drake turning a diss into VIP apology parties for all the janices? legend. enjoy the free drinks, ladies!”
However, some expressed mixed feelings. One person said: “five cities worth of janices getting a personal apology from drake is genuinely bizarre logistics.” Another user remarked: “Drake out here doing a whole apology world tour just to avoid paying child support to the simulation.”
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