In 2019, Las Vegas is living up to its rockin’ reputation with a stellar lineup of residencies including Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy winners and other musical legends. Some of the artists taking the stage this year include Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, and the Backstreet Boys. It was just announced by the Las Vegas Review Journal, that Drake will join the exclusive list of music’s elite holding a residency in Sin City. The Toronto rapper agreed to a multi-year deal, which would consist of a minimum of 10 shows for a total payout of  $10 million.

Before I go any further, many people will argue that “residency” is an ill-defined term. “I think people slap the tag on residencies right now that are not deserved,” says Bobby Reynolds, senior vice president of AEG Presents, one of the largest music companies in the world. He continued by saying, “An artist that plays four shows in four months is definitely not a residency.” For example, in 2017, Lil Wayne played five shows in five months at Drai’s Nightclub, which has hosted big hip-hop draws including Future, Migos, and Big Sean for similar numbers of shows.

Speaking about Drake’s XS residency, Reynolds adds, “That particular type of show, in my opinion, isn’t built for a sit-down theater. Not to undermine all of Drake’s success following the release of Scorpion, he is sure to change the way people view a Las Vegas “residency”. When speaking to a crowd at XS night club on January 10th, he said, “Vegas…When I came back, I thought it’d be back at T-Mobile Arena or some stuff. But I’ll be back here at XS all year.” He continued with,” You’ll have a lotta chances to see me, I make time to make that money.”

Drake was one of Forbes’ highest-paid hip-hop acts of 2018, landing him in the fourth spot behind Kendrick Lamar, Diddy and JAY-Z with $47 million. Drake’s Aubrey and the Three Migos Tour even went on to be recognized as the largest North American hip-hop tour to date, cumulatively grossing $79 million despite cancelled shows.

Drake has some big shoes to fill as previous acts that call The Wynn’s XS Nightclub their home include The Chainsmokers, Diplo, Marshmallow, Kygo and DJ Snake. I have no doubt that drake will leave his mark on the Sin City, and set the bar for any hip-hop act that dares to follow in his footsteps.