Travis "Baka" Savoury (L) and recording artist Drake get ready to perform during the 2017 Billboard Music Awards
Source: Getty Images

The "Weird Case" of Baka Not Nice: Unraveling the OVO Rapper’s Legal Troubles

OVO’s Baka Not Nice was dragged into the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud. Here's the true story behind the "weird case" lyric that went viral.

By

May 22 2024, Published 5:01 p.m. ET

The legal troubles surrounding rapper Baka Not Nice, a prominent member of Drake's OVO Sound label, have been thrust into the spotlight – thanks to Kendrick Lamar. Baka, born Travis Savoury, was raised in Toronto, where he experienced a tough upbringing. He often speaks about his early years, marked by struggles and time behind bars.

“When I was doing time, that’s what helped me get through my situation,” he told Billboard. “My music for the most part, at least for right now, is going to be dark — because I’m starting to tell and show you bits and pieces of my life. That’s probably why it comes across like that. There’s a lot of pain, but there’s also a lot of happiness as well.”

Baka Not Nice’s journey has not been without its hurdles. His past legal issues and controversies have frequently made headlines, impacting both his personal and professional life. Here’s a breakdown of the rapper’s “weird case” that almost landed him in prison again.

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drake and baka not nice react during the first half of an nba game between the indiana pacers and t
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Drake and Baka Not Nice react during the first half of an NBA game between the Indiana Pacers and the Toronto Raptors

What is Baka Not Nice’s ‘weird case'? Here's what you need to know about his charges.

Baka’s legal troubles were brought into the spotlight following the release of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” On the track, Kendrick takes shots at several OVO members, and Baka is no exception.

“They tell me Chubbs the only one that get your hand-me-downs / And Party at the party playin' with his nose now,” Kendrick raps. “And Baka got a weird case, why is he around? / Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles.”

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The “weird case” that Kendrick is referring to involved accusations of forced prostitution. According to The Toronto Sun, Baka was found guilty of assaulting a 22-year-old woman in 2015.

Baka was sentenced to six months in jail, although he did not serve additional time due to having already spent ten months in pre-trial custody. The case has sparked discussion within the Toronto community and the wider hip-hop industry, and Kendrick has used it as ammo.

baka not nice attends as lebron james hosts dwyane wades birthda
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Baka Not Nice attends as Lebron James hosts Dwyane Wade's Birthday party.

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Baka’s charges stem from an altercation where Baka pushed the unidentified woman – whom he was in a relationship with at the time – to the ground. Charges related to human trafficking and forcing the woman into prostitution were dropped after she declined to testify.

Despite his legal troubles, Baka has continued his music career, signing with OVO Sound in 2017 and releasing several singles and EPs, including the hit project, 4Milli.

Baka Not Nice started out as Drake’s bodyguard.

Baka Not Nice has been a part of OVO since 2017. The rapper's close relationship with Drake predates his musical career. He initially worked as a security guard for the superstar rapper before transitioning into music. His loyalty and presence in the OVO camp earned him the affectionate nickname "Baka," his intimidating demeanor added the "Not Nice" to his moniker.

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drake l and travis baka savoury perform during the  billboard music awards
Source: Getty Images

Travis "Baka" Savoury (L) and recording artist Drake get ready to perform during the 2017 Billboard Music Awards.

Drake's mentorship has been pivotal in Baka’s career. In 2017, Baka officially signed to OVO Sound and released his breakout single "Live Up to My Name.” The rapper’s fan base continues to grow, and his music remains a staple within the OVO Sound repertoire.

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