Drake to host the ESPYs this summer

Toronto’s Drake has been named host of the 2014 ESPYs, his second major gig as an MC this year.

The awards — whose name stands for “Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly” — is presented by ESPN and honours the best in sports over the past year.

The Grammy Award-winning rapper will head up the show in Los Angeles on July 16, when awards will be handed out in dozens of categories, including best game, best upset and best breakthrough athlete.

“This is an incredible opportunity for me to combine two of my biggest passions—sports and performing,” Drake said in a release.

He also posted a tweet saying he was honoured to host the show.

Drake is the global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors and did double duty in January as host and musical guest of Saturday Night Live in one of the highest-rated episodes of the season.

“Drake’s charisma, energy and fearlessness come across whether he’s performing music, acting or doing comedy,” said ESPYs executive producer Maura Mandt.

“We are all in for an unforgettable program.”

Fans can vote for their picks on the ESPYs website starting on June 25.

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