Rapper Drake to host ESPYs sports awards show

Associated Press
FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2013 file photo, Drake performs during his "Would You Like A Tour" show in Toronto. The Toronto-based rapper, singer and actor will host the July 16, 2014, ESPYs sports awards show on ESPN in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young, file)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Drake is carving out a new niche as a television host and will helm the 2014 ESPYs, the sports award show of ESPN.

The Toronto-based rapper, singer and actor and the sports entertainment network announced the gig Wednesday. The annual light-hearted awards show will be held July 16 at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live.

Drake's used to the live TV thing. He turned in a strong performance as host and musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" in January. And he hosted the 2011 Juno Awards in Canada.

The 27-year-old also has ties to the sports world. He's affiliated with the NBA's Toronto Raptors and memorably played a teen basketball player on "Degrassi: The Next Generation" before picking up the mic.

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Online:

http://drakeofficial.com

http://espn.com