Rapper Drake to host ESPYs sports awards show

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's 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.