Drake Signs Contract With ASCAP

Drake leaves a publishing deal at BMI for a new home at ASCAP.

Reports this morning confirm that Drake has left a BMI publishing deal for new home, ASCAP. Billboard.com exclusively learned from ASCAP's VP of Rhythm & Soul Membership, Nicole George-Middleton that the Toronto, Ontario native is the publishing company's newest high-profile recruit.

"For me, a big part of making music is getting the opportunity to work with people I love, trust and respect," Drake said in a statement. "As an organization run by music creators, ASCAP represents a whole community of kindred spirits. Joining ASCAP was just a natural choice for me because I know my music is in the best possible hands."

Drake's first album with ASCAP will be the upcoming, Nothing Was The Same, the emcee/singer's third studio release. His current single and video, "Started From The Bottom," is currently in rotation.

Other ASCAP execution reactions to Drake's signing, are featured in the Billboard story.