Reports now suggest that Drake shelled out roughly $120,000 to secure one of Michael Jackson’s famed crystal-studded gloves for the artwork of his new album 'Iceman', turning the accessory into the centerpiece of the cover. The glove, an instantly recognizable symbol from Jackson’s stage wardrobe, appears as the dominant visual motif, stylized to match Drake’s icy, wintry aesthetic for this rollout.

This move positions the image not just as a design choice, but as a high-cost homage. It also links Drake’s latest milestone, tying Jackson for the most No. 1 hits, to the artist who first embedded the glove into global pop culture. Jackson’s glove became iconic after his Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever performance and continued to appear at major televised moments.

Each version, hand-beaded and covered in rhinestones, blended spectacle with precision. Over time, it evolved into a symbol of artistry that extended beyond music into visual identity. For many fans, the object still carries an almost sacred aura, which makes its reuse in another artist’s rollout feel charged. Some see Drake’s integration as a respectful nod to history.

Spending six figures on a single prop underscores how far Drake is willing to push the stagecraft of his releases. It reflects a strategy that merges luxury branding, nostalgia, and cultural memory into one calculated visual. In doing so, 'Iceman' has become more than an album; it has become a conversation piece before a single track is even heard.

But beyond the spectacle of 'Iceman', another title in Drake’s rollout is quietly shaping a very different kind of narrative.

Habibti and the softer edge of a three-album vision

Drake’s surprise three-album rollout stirred conversation not just for its scale but for the meaning behind one of the titles, 'Habibti'. The word, drawn from Arabic, functions as a warm and intimate term of endearment toward a woman. It conveys something close to “my love,” “my dear,” or “my darling,” rooted in the word “habib,” meaning beloved.

By choosing 'Habibti' as an album title, Drake leans into emotional resonance rather than dominance. The naming suggests a project driven by affection and vulnerability rather than confrontation. It signals a tonal shift that contrasts with the colder, more assertive energy implied by 'Iceman'. Sonically, the project aligns with smoother R&B textures that complement the softness of its title.

This creates a layered listening experience when placed alongside the harder hip-hop edge of 'Iceman' and the dance-oriented direction of 'Maid of Honour'. Together, the three releases map out a wider emotional and stylistic spectrum. For listeners outside Arabic-speaking cultures, 'Habibti' also acts as a cultural bridge. It invites curiosity through language while maintaining accessibility through sound, as the wait for Michael Jackson's glove-studded 'Iceman' draws to a close.

What do you think about Drake using Michael Jackson’s iconic glove for 'Iceman' and the meaning behind 'Habibti'? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Pratham Gurung

Edited by

Adiba Nizami