Drake And Rihanna: A Complete Timeline Of Their Rumored Seven-Year Romance

Ever since Drake admitted that he’s been in love with Rihanna for years at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, rumors of the two being a couple are at an all-time high.

Of course, the talk surrounding the rapper and the singer being romantically involved started years ago, pretty much since Drizzy burst on to the scene. That was seven years ago and we’ve created a timeline of their rumored romance from then until now.

May 2009

Drake and Rihanna were reportedly seen kissing in a New York City bowling alley, which sparked the first set of rumors that they were dating.

June 2010

In an interview with the New York Times, the Canadian rapper said Rihanna toyed with his emotions and played hard-to-get. “She was doing exactly what I’ve done to so many women throughout my life, which is show them quality time then disappear,” he said. “I’m extremely confident, so it’s very rare that anybody, let alone a woman that I like, makes me feel nervous or makes me feel small.”

February 2011

Rumors continued to swirl about the two celebs dating after they performed Rihanna’s “What’s My Name” at the Grammy Awards that year. If you recall, Drake and the pop singer flirted heavily on stage, and their steamy performance matched the song’s suggestive lyrics.

October 2011

Drake opened up to Elle magazine and admitted that the “Umbrella” singer blew him off. “At the time it hurt, but she didn’t mean to,” he explained.

“I’ll never put that on her. I was hurt, because I slowly started to realize what it was. I guess I thought it was more. That was the first girl with any fame that paid me any mind. You spend days reading about this person in magazines,” added the OVO founder.

June 2012

TMZ reported that Drake and Chris Brown argued over Rihanna after the “Loyal” singer sent a bottle of champagne to Drizzy’s table, and he turned it away. From there, rumors that the Canadian rapper was involved with the “Anti” singer only increased.

August 2013

Based on a Vibe magazine report, Drake and Rihanna were spotted having a dinner date in New York City while they were in town for the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. People inside the restaurant, including the chef, sent tweets about the couple being there. One year prior, at the 2012 VMAs, the Caribbean singer rekindled her romance with Chris Brown but their reunion was very short-lived.

September 2013

Drizzy talked about his past romance with Rihanna when he stopped by “Ellen.” “Yeah, great girl,” he said. “We had our moment. Always support and have love for her.”

February 2014

In an interview with Rolling Stone, the “Back To Back” rapper called the Roc Nation artist the perfect woman. “She’s the ultimate fantasy,” he said. “I mean, I think about it. Like, ‘Man, that would be good.’ We have fun together. She’s cool and s---.”

May 2015

Reportedly, Drake and the “Anti” creator were seen kissing at Coachella, right before the rapper made out with Madonna on stage.

August 2016

Drake admitted his true feelings for Rihanna at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards during a speech. “She’s someone I’ve been in love with since I was 22 years old,” he revealed.

Several days later, the rumored couple was seen getting cozy in a Miami nightclub while Drizzy was in town performing two concerts. There was also a report that they shared a kiss.