Drake, O2, gig review

O2 Arena, London

Drake performs in New York City (Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

You know you have made it when Jay-Z disses you in a rap as “Mrs Drizzy”, though Drake refuses to let this latest spat overshadow the first of three nights nights here.

Instead, he salutes as many fans as possible, on an impressive platform lowered from the ceiling that enables him to reach almost to the back.

“If I was at your house, I would do the dishes,” stands out, though 15 minutes inspecting the crowd undermines his momentum.

As does a cheeky DJ set of earlier material when the Canadian rapper vacates the vast, gleaming set that reminds us how far he has come in four years and three albums. 2013's Nothing Was The Same was defiantly personal, though accessible enough to rival Kanye West's Yeezus as hip hop album of the year.

Drake's persona combining all-round entertainer and confessional artist makes for an engaging mix. On speedier rhymes, the former teen actor lacks technical finesse, though still seethes through 'Worst Behaviour' while applying a sweet croon to 'Hold On, We're Going Home'.

The hypnotic hook of tonight's highlight, 'Started At The Bottom', shows he continues to learn from the masters, while getting up there noses.