Drake fan group's planned "OVO Takeover" outside Kendrick Lamar's Toronto concert shut down police after reports of causing chaos 

Police have shut down the "OVO Takeover," an initiative planned by Drake fans outside the Rogers Centre, where Kendrick Lamar and SZA were scheduled to perform on June 12 and 13, 2025, as part of their "Grand National Tour." This will be Lamar's first time performing in Canada after his 2024 rap battle with hometown rapper Drake.

For the unversed, on June 9, the Instagram page @the6takeover announced the "OVO Takeover," calling on all Drake fans to celebrate the Canadian rapper by playing his classic songs outside the venue from 5:30 pm on both days of Kendrick Lamar's concert.

However, on June 12, the organizers took to Instagram Story to announce that they had to cancel the event after concertgoers called the police and accused the group of "planning to start trouble."

"Unfortunately, we have to cancel the OVO Takeover. We genuinely just wanted to bring people together, have some fun, and create good vibes for the city. But unfortunately, some people decided to report us, falsely claiming we were planning to "start trouble" or cause chaos. Because of those reports, police were already on high alert and were quick to shut down anything that even looked like a crowd forming - including us," the story read.

The organizers confessed that they did not expect the movement to gain momentum and draw a large crowd. They thanked everyone who showed up for the event, promising to mail them OVO hoodies as a thank-you gift. The statement concluded with:

"We're honestly disappointed it had to end like this — it was all meant for the culture, for the city, and for the fun of it. But the fact that so many of you cared enough to show up means the world. Thank you for turning something spontaneous into something unforgettable. We'll be back."

Announcement of the "OVO Takeover" initiative canceled by police (Image via @the6takeover/Instagram)

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"OVO Takeover" organizers accused Kendrick Lamar of disrespecting Drake

In their earlier post announcing their initiative, the organizers of "OVO Takeover" promised a "no hate, no drama" event filled with "pure Toronto energy, positive vibes, and a full-out celebration of the legend who BUILT the sound of this city." They had also promised free pizza and OVO merch for people who attended the event.

In a statement to Now Toronto on June 11, a spokesperson for the "OVO Initiative" explained their reasons behind hosting the event, accusing Kendrick Lamar of disrespecting Drake during the rap beef.

"You’re not going to make some stuff up about somebody, especially somebody who represents our city, and you’re not going to get away with it, especially because Drake built his career. Drake puts the six on the map. Kendrick Lamar has disrespected Drake in so many ways, and we’re not going to allow him to come to Toronto, and he’s acting like that on a public space here."

However, the spokesperson clarified that they bore no animosity towards Kendrick Lamar's fans attending the concert, continuing that they were "just trying to show that Toronto is united."

In another Instagram Story ahead of the cancelation announcement, the organizers claimed they "broke the bank" by spending over $11,000 on OVO hoodies. They also hosted a giveaway where one person would be given a free OVO hoodie and OVO t-shirt if they donated to their cause.

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In other news, Kendrick Lamar received a two-minute standing ovation for Not Like Us at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on June 12. He also received cheers for an encore as the crowd repeatedly yelled, "One more time."

According to a X post by ticket-selling platform StubHub, Lamar and SZA's Toronto concert reportedly became "one of the top 5 best-selling cities" of their record-breaking "Grand National Tour." The duo is scheduled to take the stage for the second time at the same arena on June 13.