Drake exploded onto the music scene faster than a speeding bullet, and while some are still catching on, Birdman says he always knew the Canadian rapper-singer was destined for greatness.

The Cash Money CEO saw something in Drake early on when asking him to join the Young Money family. “He got that swagger and you can’t deny that,” Birdman tells Rap-Up.com of the breakout star.

But even Drizzy’s quick rise to fame surprised his boss. “Man, that success of Drake, I saw it happen right in front of my face!” he exclaims. “I knew he was destined for greatness, but not this fast.”

The anticipation for Drake’s debut album Thank Me Later is building with the recent announcement of his first single “Over” produced by Boi-1da. “Drizzy’s coming, ya heard me!” he warns. “He’s in the lab right now. The kid is special.”

Photo credit: Derick G.