If you’ve spent any time on the internet since 2018, you’ve heard the line. "Keke, do you love me?" It was the hook that launched a billion TikToks, a thousand dangerous "In My Feelings" car-jumping challenges, and one massive, lingering question: Was Drake actually talking about the Keke Palmer?
Honestly, the answer is a lot more complicated than a simple yes or no. You've got two of the biggest names in the industry—one a child-star-turned-cultural-force and the other a rap titan who specializes in "mentioning" women until they become trending topics. But despite the memes, the Keke Palmer and Drake connection isn't a secret romance. It’s actually a masterclass in how celebrity branding, a few "Southern Belle" insults, and an SNL sketch can turn a coincidence into a decade-long storyline.
The "In My Feelings" Mystery: Who is the Real Keke?
When Scorpion dropped, the world went into a frenzy. Everyone assumed Drake was pining for Palmer. It made sense, right? They’re both former child stars (shoutout to Degrassi and Akeelah and the Bee), they move in the same circles, and she’s one of the few "Kekes" with that level of name recognition.
But here’s the reality: the song wasn't about her.
The "Kiki" in the song was actually Keshia Chanté, a Canadian singer and TV personality who was Drake’s first girlfriend back in Toronto. When the music video finally came out, it didn't star Keke Palmer either. It featured La La Anthony.
Keke Palmer didn't take that sitting down—well, not literally. She’s been very vocal about how that song "ruined her life" in the most hilarious way possible. She basically couldn't walk down the street without people screaming the lyrics at her. She even went on record during a BUILD Series interview saying she was "kinda" annoyed he popularized the name so much without even putting the original Keke in the video.
That SNL Sketch and the "United Tingz of Aubrey"
Fast forward to December 2022. Keke is hosting Saturday Night Live, and she decides to settle the score. She didn't just mention the song; she leaned into the chaos.
In a sketch called "United Tingz of Aubrey," she joined a group of women who had all been "wronged" by being referenced in Drake songs. She played herself, standing there with a straight face, demanding her $6 million in royalties. "That man had the whole internet asking if I was the Kiki," she joked. "Well, yes I am the Keke, just not that Kiki!"
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It was a brilliant move. By poking fun at the Keke Palmer and Drake rumors, she reclaimed the narrative. It wasn't about a hidden fling anymore; it was about the absurdity of being a "Drake muse" by accident.
Why the rumors won't die
- Shared History: They both grew up in the industry at the exact same time.
- The "Southern Belle" persona: Keke often does a character called Lady Miss Jacqueline, who once "insulted" Drake on camera for his marketing choices.
- Mutual Respect: Drake is known to be a fan of Keke’s work, and she’s spoken about knowing him since his "Aubrey" days on Nickelodeon/Disney-adjacent sets.
Keke Palmer, SZA, and the 2025 "Hot Ones" Moment
Just when we thought the Drake mentions were over, Keke threw a curveball in early 2025. During a "Hot Ones Versus" episode with SZA and Issa Rae, Keke decided to get messy. She knew SZA actually did date Drake back in 2009.
Keke looked SZA dead in the eye and asked, "Is Drake a good kisser?"
The room went cold. SZA almost choked on a wing. It was a classic Keke moment—fearless, a little bit "extra," and perfectly aware of what the fans wanted to know. SZA ended up taking the "death wing" instead of answering, though she did admit they were "just children" back then.
This moment showed the real dynamic. Keke isn't a former flame; she’s the person in the industry who feels comfortable enough to grill people about Drake. She’s the peer, not the protagonist of his lyrics.
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Beyond the Rap Lyrics: A Different Kind of Influence
While Drake was busy dominating the charts, Keke was navigating some heavy personal waters. We all saw the 2023 Usher concert drama and the fallout with her ex, Darius Jackson. Interestingly, while the internet was trying to link her to every R&B singer on the planet, her connection to Drake remained purely professional and comedic.
There is a lesson here about how we consume celebrity culture. We want the Keke Palmer and Drake story to be a romance because it fits a "Main Character" trope. Two legends, one song—it's a perfect script. But the real story is about a woman who refused to be a footnote in a rapper's discography.
What You Can Learn From This
If you're looking for "actionable" takeaways from the way Keke handled the Drake madness, here’s the blueprint:
- Own the Joke: When a global superstar uses your name, don't ignore it. Lean in. Keke turned a potential annoyance into an SNL highlight.
- Clarify the Narrative: She never let the rumors fester into "facts." She consistently corrected the record: she is the Keke, but she wasn't his Kiki.
- Use Your Platform: Instead of being the subject of the gossip, she became the one asking the questions (as seen with SZA).
Keke Palmer has spent over twenty years in Hollywood building a brand based on authenticity. Drake has built a brand based on mystery and nostalgia. When those two worlds collide, you don't get a secret dating history—you get some of the best memes in internet history.
To really keep up with this, keep an eye on Keke’s podcast, Baby, This is Keke Palmer. She often drops nuggets about her early industry days there, including more stories about the "Degrassi" era. Also, if you’re still curious about the music side, go back and watch the "In My Feelings" video again. Now that you know it’s La La Anthony and not Keke, the whole "Southern" vibe of the video makes a lot more sense.