Inside Drake’s private party: The intense selection process and VIP secrets

A first-hand account of Drake’s ultra-exclusive Sydney party, where women were hand-picked, the entry process was brutal, and the night was pure excess.

As the clock struck midnight on Valentine’s Day, Sydney’s The Caterpillar Club became the epicentre of exclusivity and intrigue.

Renowned for its intimate ambience and vast private record collection, the venue was hand-picked by Drake to celebrate the release of his latest album, “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U,” in collaboration with PARTYNEXTDOOR.

The journey to gain entry into this clandestine event was anything but straightforward. Invitations were extended through Instagram, with the event’s location remained a well-guarded secret until mere hours before its commencement at 11:30 PM.

Drake picked The Caterpillar club to host his exclusive, private party. Picture: Supplied

At 12:15 AM, I arrived outside The Caterpillar Club. The air was thick with anticipation — and frustration.

Hundreds of women, all dressed to impress, were waiting in the cool night air, clinging to the hope that they’d be chosen.

But for most, the night would end before it even began.

Drake’s team had spent days scouting potential guests on Instagram, selecting only the most ‘desirable’ attendees — all women.

The event was strictly invite-only, yet an invitation didn’t guarantee entry. Those who had received the elusive DM were placed on a list, but the final cut was happening in real-time, right there in the line.

I had assumed my invite meant I’d walk right in. I was very wrong.

The queue was at a complete standstill. A friend who had been waiting for at least 30 minutes told me no one had moved.

Security kept tight control, turning away hopefuls who hadn’t made the list.

Then, a man from Drake’s team emerged from the club. Silent and calculating, he strolled along the line, eyeing the crowd like a casting director.

Every now and then, he’d discreetly pull a woman or two from the masses and escort them to the front.

It was clear: this wasn’t just about being on the list — it was about being chosen.

I had already decided I’d give it fifteen minutes before heading home. Then, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“How many you got?” the man asked.

“Three,” I replied, gesturing to my friends.

He nodded and led us straight to the front. Security gave us a once-over, checked IDs — strictly 21 and over — and finally, we were in.

Phone usage was kept to a minimum but were out in full force during Drake’s impromptu performance. Picture: Supplied

Inside, the contrast was stark. I was handed a rose on arrival for Valentine’s Day.

The club, which could hold 200 people, was deliberately under capacity, hosting only around 100 guests at most.

The scent of marijuana smoke hung in the air, making it difficult to breathe.

Despite the chaotic selection process outside, inside, the energy was calm and exclusive.

Drake himself was casually leaning against the bar, chatting with the bartender.

He was wearing a rhinestone-studded denim jacket emblazoned with ‘$$$4U,’ a nod to his latest album with PARTYNEXTDOOR.

An open bar meant nothing was off-limits. Trays of Don Julio shots made their way through the crowd.

A member of Drake’s team handed me an Amaretto Sour, seemingly the drink of the night.

Then, the music shifted. Slow jams faded into an impromptu performance.

Drake took the mic, PARTYNEXTDOOR by his side, delivering an intimate set that blended their new music with fan favourites like ‘Passionfruit.’

The set felt personal, as if we were all part of a secret moment only a select few would ever experience.

In a gesture of appreciation, a couple of attendees, myself included, received exclusive merchandise: a shirt proclaiming ‘Somebody in Australia loves me’ on the front and ‘$$$4U’ on the back.

Members of Drake’s team were sporting the same T-shirt that was gifted. Picture: Supplied

As the event wound down, an invitation to an afterparty at the Crown was extended.

I was tempted but decided to end the night on a high note.

The next day, I spoke to a friend who had waited outside for hours before giving up.

She, along with many others, never got in.

It was clear: at Drake’s party, it wasn’t just about just being invited.

It was about being deemed worthy based on appearances.

Originally published as Inside Drake’s private party: The intense selection process and VIP secrets