Drake, the Canadian rapper and singer, has sparked a social media backlash after he seemingly showed support for his fellow countryman Tory Lanez, who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.

On Sunday night, Drake posted a photo of Lanez on his Instagram story with the caption “3 you”, which many interpreted as a gesture of solidarity and a call for Lanez’s freedom. However, the meaning of the term “3 you” is not clear and has been the subject of speculation and debate among fans and critics.

The Origin and Meaning of “3 You”

According to Urban Dictionary, “3 you” is a slang term that originated in Toronto, Canada, and is used to express love, respect, or appreciation for someone. The term is derived from the emoji “🤟”, which is also known as the “I love you” sign in American Sign Language. The emoji consists of three fingers: the thumb, the index finger, and the pinky finger. Therefore, “3 you” is a way of saying “I love you” with three fingers.

However, some have argued that “3 you” is not a positive term, but rather a sarcastic or ironic one. Some have suggested that “3 you” is actually a diss, meaning “fuck you” or “screw you”. The reasoning behind this interpretation is that the emoji “🤟” can also be seen as a gesture of defiance or disrespect, similar to the middle finger. Additionally, some have pointed out that the term “3 you” sounds like “sue you”, which could imply a legal threat or a challenge.

The Reaction and Response to Drake’s Post

Drake’s post for Lanez has been met with criticism and outrage from many people, especially fans of Megan Thee Stallion, who accused him of being insensitive, disrespectful, and misogynistic. Some have also questioned Drake’s loyalty and friendship with Megan, who he has collaborated with on several songs, such as “Savage Remix” and “Girls Want Girls”.

Megan, who was shot in both feet by Lanez in July 2020, has not directly addressed Drake’s post, but she has previously expressed her frustration and disappointment with those who doubted her story or made jokes about her trauma. In November 2022, she responded to Drake’s lyrics on his song “Circo Loco”, where he seemingly accused her of lying about the shooting. She tweeted, “Stop using my trauma for clout. I don’t care who you are. You’re not funny.”

Lanez, who was found guilty of three felonies related to the shooting in December 2022, and sentenced to 10 years in prison in August 2023, has maintained his innocence and claimed that he was framed. He also shared a statement on Instagram after his sentencing, where he said, “I have never let a hard time intimidate me. I will never let no jail time eliminate me. Regardless of how they try to spin my words, I have always maintained my innocence and I always will.”

Drake and Lanez have had a complicated relationship over the years, as they were once rivals and enemies, but later reconciled and became friends. In 2017, they buried their beef and performed together on stage. In 2019, they released a joint song called “Litty Again”. However, Drake’s recent post for Lanez has raised doubts about their current status and the future of their collaboration.

The Implications and Consequences of Drake’s Post

Drake’s post for Lanez has not only sparked controversy and backlash, but also potential legal and professional implications. Some have speculated that Drake’s post could be seen as a violation of Megan’s restraining order against Lanez, which prohibits him from contacting her or coming within 100 yards of her. Drake could also face a lawsuit from Megan or her team for defamation or harassment.

Moreover, Drake’s post could also affect his reputation and career, as he could lose fans, supporters, and collaborators who disagree with his stance or feel betrayed by his actions. Drake, who is known as one of the most successful and influential artists in the music industry, could also face boycotts, protests, or cancellations from various platforms, media outlets, or organizations that stand with Megan and condemn Lanez.

Drake has not deleted or explained his post for Lanez, nor has he issued an apology or a clarification. It is unclear whether he will address the issue or remain silent. However, his post has certainly stirred up a lot of emotions and opinions, and has opened up a larger conversation about the impact and responsibility of celebrities in the public eye.