Drake unveils a towering hand-sculpted tribute to Sade's Love Deluxe era. Artist Rebecca Maria details the six-month, clay-intensive creative challenge.
- April 16, 2026
AceShowbiz - Drake recently unveiled an extraordinary tribute to Sade with a nearly nine-foot-tall sculpture inspired by her iconic Love Deluxe era. This ambitious artwork was commissioned from artist Rebecca Maria and took six months of meticulous handcrafting to complete.
The sculpture reinterprets the haunting elegance of the Love Deluxe album cover, created entirely by hand using five different types of clay. According to Maria, this project was the most challenging she has ever undertaken, pushing her artistic and technical skills to their limits.
Maria shared insights into the creative process on her Instagram Stories, describing the intense difficulties she faced. She explained that balancing the weight of various clays and ensuring the sculpture’s structural integrity were particularly demanding tasks. At times, she admitted uncertainty about how she would finish the piece.
Much of Maria’s work was done either by studying the original album artwork on her phone or relying solely on memory, adding complexity to an already intricate project. She emphasized that she “made this the hardest possible way just to see if [she] could,” and expressed gratitude for the supportive messages she received from fans.
In the comments on social media, Maria clarified why she used multiple types of clay: different clays perform better in specific areas or cover larger surfaces more effectively. This technical choice contributed to the sculpture’s impressive scale and detail, which reflect the artist’s commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship.
Rebecca Maria is no stranger to high-profile commissions within the music and art worlds. Before this project, she created three-foot sculptures of Dipset for Drake, custom chain sculptures for A$AP Rocky, and a Frank Ocean Blonde recreation for Lil Yachty. Her work bridges fine art and Hip-Hop culture, making her a fitting choice for this tribute.
Drake has long expressed admiration for Sade. His reverence extends beyond collecting art; he has honored her with two tattoos of her face on his torso. The new sculpture adds another layer to his ongoing homage, blending personal respect with a broader cultural statement about her lasting influence.
Whether Sade has seen or responded to the sculpture remains unknown, but the tribute underscores her enduring impact across generations and musical genres. Drake stands out as one of her most prominent admirers in contemporary music.
Adding to her legacy, Sade was recently announced as one of the latest inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This recognition further cements her status as a timeless and influential artist.
This monumental sculpture not only celebrates Sade’s iconic album but also highlights the deep respect and inspiration she continues to inspire in artists like Drake and Rebecca Maria. The project exemplifies how art and music intersect to honor cultural milestones through innovative and heartfelt expressions.