Ghanaian hip-hop artist Ugly Dray has reached a major milestone in his career after earning a public co-sign from American rap heavyweight Meek Mill during a viral TikTok Live session.
The breakthrough moment occurred on August 5, 2026, when Ugly Dray joined Meek Mill's livestream and delivered an energetic freestyle that immediately caught the rapper's attention. Performing in English with his distinct Ghanaian accent while proudly draped in the Ghanaian flag, Ugly Dray captivated both Meek Mill and thousands of viewers, with the livestream chat quickly filling with praise and excitement. The co-sign marks a significant achievement for the fast-rising Ghanaian rapper, who has long cited Meek Mill as one of his biggest musical inspirations.
Following the viral moment, Ugly Dray took to his social media platforms to celebrate the achievement, sharing a simple but emotional message: "Dream come true." The post resonated with fans, many of whom congratulated him on finally receiving recognition from an artist he has admired throughout his career.
Born Cyril Dally Nana Yaw Elikplim in Kute, a village in Ghana's Oti Region, Ugly Dray moved to Accra with his family at the age of six, where he completed his basic and secondary education. He later studied Building and Construction at Ada Technical Institute before pursuing higher education at Koforidua Technical University.
The rapper, whose stage name "UGLY" stands for "You Gotta Love Yourself," has steadily built a reputation for blending African rhythms with contemporary hip-hop.
In 2026, Ugly Dray released his EP Beneath The Glory, featuring the standout single "UGLYFIED." He has also collaborated with notable Ghanaian artists including Lyrical Joe and D-Black, further cementing his place in the country's growing hip-hop movement.
Ugly Dray has often spoken about his admiration for Meek Mill, praising the American rapper's influence, success, and ability to inspire an entire generation. That admiration made the TikTok Live interaction even more meaningful, turning what began as a freestyle into a career-defining moment.
With Meek Mill's endorsement now adding international attention to his growing catalogue, many believe Ugly Dray could be one of the next Ghanaian rappers to break onto the global stage.
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