Eastern is in negotiations with rap artist Aubrey Drake Graham, more popularly known as Drake, to perform at this year’s spring concert.

Eastern will be Drake’s first stop as part of the fifth annual Campus Consciousness Tour, or “The Away From Home” tour.

Director of Student Life Ceci Brinker said the University Board is still waiting for the contracts to be signed before the UB officially announces the concert.

The date for the concert has not been set, but the tentative date as of right now is April 6, in Lantz Arena.

Drake, who began his career on the Canadian TV show “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” has crossed over to hip-hop.

His first studio album, “Thank Me Later,” is expected to be released sometime in 2010.

Past performers at the spring concert include Lupe Fiasco, the Goo Goo Dolls and Jason Mraz.

Heather Holm can be reached at 581-7942 or at haholm@eiu.edu.