Rapper Drake to host ESPYs sports awards show

Recording artist Drake in attendance during the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Wisconsin Badgers during the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium, April 5, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES - Drake is carving out a new niche as a television host and will helm the 2014 ESPYs, the sports award show of ESPN.

The Toronto-based rapper, singer and actor and the sports entertainment network announced the gig Wednesday. The annual light-hearted awards show will be held July 16 at the Nokia Theatre L.A. live in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live.

Drake is used to live TV. He turned in a strong performance as both host and musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" in January, a rare honor. And he hosted the 2011 Juno Awards in Canada.

The 27-year-old also has ties to the sports world. He's affiliated with the NBA's Toronto Raptors and memorably played a teen basketball player on "Degrassi: The Next Generation" before picking up the mic.