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Drake Talks Tough Childhood, Junos Shut-Out, Media Hate To CBC's Q (VIDEO)

WATCH: Drake Says He Did Actually Start From The Bottom

Drake says his childhood wasn't exactly middle-class.

In an hour-long interview (embedded above) with CBC's Q host Jian Ghomeshi which aired today, the Toronto hip-hop artist said his early years were tough.

"I didn't grow up in a white neighborhood," Drake said. "I grew up on Weston Road for a lot of my life. I only moved to Forest Hill because my mother is an incredible woman who was willing to live far beyond her means for the sake of her family.

"We rented someone's basement and the first floor. I didn't have some mansion, I grew up with a mother that was deep in debt because she wanted the best for her family. Being bi-racial was tougher in Forest Hill than in the west end of the city. But I made friends as I could. I had a tough time, I definitely had a tough time."

The musician also said the international success seemed to give him credibility back home.

"It took U.S. acceptance to create Canadian pride," he said. "I think that to break down those doors, to start being mentioned with some names it almost became surreal for me and for a lot of people that I knew from home."

Ghomeshi also referred to Drake's shutout at the 2011 Juno Awards, which he also hosted, despite having six nominations.

"That was a tough night for me just cause I put in lot of work and I didn't really understand it really," Drake said. "I thought at least in the rap category I got to have this clinched if not anything. I mean I can't speak for the Junos, I don't know why they did that. Did I respect it? No, not really. But those are things I'm able to let go."

Ghomeshi then referred to singer Paul Anka who held a seemingly held a grudge against Macleans magazine dating back to the '60s. Although not specifying which ones, Drake said criticism from Toronto publications and media definitely sting.

"I hate when a publication described me or the OVO Fest as an ego-driven festival," he said. "I just thought like 'Wow.' I make no money, I spend all my money to bring these acts here. I put all the money up myself to bring all those people in. And I do it solely for the city. Like I said i come away with next to nothing after because it's such an expensive production to put on.

"Yeah, stuff like that hurts me for sure when it's from Toronto specifically. I always feel like when it comes to this city I mean I'm so vocal about how much I care and I try to be as selfless as possible. I try and do as much as I can."

Drake, who released "Nothing Was The Same" last month, is gearing up for a North American tour dubbed Would You Like A Tour? The trek was postponed earlier due to an intense rehearsal schedule and technical production requirements. The tour kicks off tomorrow night in Pittsburgh (and after a controversial week, it looks like Future is once again one of the opening acts alongside Miguel.

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