Drake signs to Skepta's Boy Better Know record label ahead of surprise London performance

Drake Boy Better Know — Drake is now officially a member of Skepta's grime collective Boy Better Know Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Being a member of one of hip hop's biggest labels clearly is not enough for Drake as the Young Money rapper has reportedly signed to independent grime record label Boy Better Know. Confirming his allegiance and blossoming friendship with BBK's leader Skepta, Drake announced the exciting news during a surprise appearance in London.

Following his performance alongside Rihanna at the Brit Awards 2016, the 29-year-old headed over to Village Underground in Shoreditch, east London, where he joined Section Boyz and Skepta on stage unannounced to concert-goers. After revealing the news at the jam-packed gig, Drake wrote on Instagram: "The first Canadian signed to BBK. Big up my brudda @skeptagram for life yeah. And my section gunners too." Skepta had also shared a photo of the Hotline Bling rapper wearing a BBK T-shirt.

The first Canadian signed to BBK. Big up my brudda @skeptagram for life yeah. And my section gunners too. ??
A photo posted by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Feb 24, 2016 at 3:41pm PST

Fans have seen Drake and Skepta's friendship grow over the past few years and there have been several hints that the Canadian star would align his own label, October's Very Own, with BBK for some time. In July 2015, the rappers and their large crews shared the stage at London's Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park and they have already hit the studio together, collaborating on a remix of Afrobeats star Wizkid's track, Ojuelegba.

Drake clearly has a special place in his heart for London, making regular visits to the capital and using slang terms in his music. Reacting to the news of his BBK signing, MC Lady Leshurr, who was in attendance at the Section Boyz show, tweeted: "Drake is signed to BBK. The Music game has changed differently. Big up Skepta #KING."

Boy Better Know was formed in 2005 by Skepta and his brother and fellow MC JME, and has it has grown to become the pinnacle of grime, with other notable members and affiliates including the genre's godfather Wiley, Jammer and Frisco.

Drake is in the process of putting the finishing touches to his highly anticipated fourth studio album, Views From The 6, which is due for release in April.