Drake hosted the “Lincoln Rising” fundraiser dinner last week at the 398West restaurant in Toronto.

Organized by Lincoln J. Russell‘s good friends like Director X (formely known as Little X), Kardinal Offishall and more, the dinner was a success in raising funds to help the Canadian actor and martial artist who is battling CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating), a rare debilitating illness.

Below are photos from the dinner and after party, which was held at the Lot 332 nightclub. I spoke with Director X, who most recently directed Nicki Minaj‘s video for “Your Love”,  and interviewed Kardinal, who’s signed to Akon‘s Kon Live label. We discuss his “trendsetting” new album, how he compares himself to the neurotic Larry David, and of course, fashion.

Drake cheesing it up for the camera

Drake with the man of the hour, Lincoln J. Russell

Director X (who is passing me some sort of NYE party flyer?)

Kiki: What triggered you to organize this fundraiser dinner?
Director X: “Lincoln is a good, longtime friend of mine. In the past, we’ve had smaller scale fundraisers for him, but it was at a point where I had to call in some bigger favors. I hit up Drake and Kardi to really make an impact and raise serious funds during this event.”

Can you give our aspiring directors out there a word of advice?
“Hit the books. Learn the ins and outs about film making and cinematography, including the technical aspects.”

Do you see yourself branching out of urban music videos, or perhaps even into film?
“Yes. I want to take over the world.”

Kardinal Offishall

Kiki: How did you get involved with “Lincoln Rising”?
Kardinal: “Lincoln, (Director) X and I all go way back. When X said we were doing this event, there was no question about it. I know what Lincoln was like at his prime…and he hasn’t passed his prime, but unfortunately he’s battling this really rare disease. We had a prosperous fundraiser dinner for him with Drake and many more prominent people in Toronto tonight where we raised a lot of money for Lincoln. I’m very happy.”

What are you working on in the new year?
“2011 is looking crazy! We’re going to be trendsetting. I’m working on an album called Seven, which was created from top to bottom in seven days, with a documentary to go along with it.  It’s a project I’m working on with one of my favorite producers, Nottz, who has worked with everyone from Busta Rhymes to Dr. Dre and The Game.  Look out for Seven to come out later in January. You can expect my bigger commercial album release in a couple of months.”

When it comes to fashion, do you have a favorite brand right now?
“To tell you the truth right now, and especially in 2011, I’m doing tailor-made clothing. My good friend in London designs all my stuff, so actually everything I’m wearing right now is my brand called ‘Live and Direct’.”

So next to your name on your Twitter profile it says “aka the black Larry David”. Are you saying you’re socially awkward and neurotic?
(Laughs) “Absolutely. I’m always having Larry David moments. Everything I do is a Larry David moment. Like just now, when we were at dinner, Drake came up to talk to me and it was one of those things like ‘do I stand up to shake his hand or does he crouch down?’. All of Larry David’s social commentary is hilarious, and it’s stuff that happens to me all the time.”

What is your favorite Curb your Enthusiasm episode?
“I think the one where Vivica Fox and the rest of the Blacks family (who was staying at Larry’s house after their home was destroyed) all left his house. The mother yelled ‘fu*k you Larry David!’ as they drove off. But ol’ boy, Vivica’s brother, was like “sh*t, I’m gonna stay!” Hilarious.  I actually got to meet the actor who played that character, J.B. Smoove, when I did the Jay Leno show with him, Akon and Michael Phelps a couple of years ago. That was cool.”

Check out the clip from Curb that Kardinal refers to. This show is hilarity:

Main images: All Things Fresh

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