Drake’s latest music video has earned major buzz as it features 15 of the dopest women in Hollywood; however, we had to take a step back to acknowledge the dope woman behind the whole thing.

Karena Evans is the 22-year-old director Drake’s “God’s Plan” and “Nice for What” videos. Veteran music video director and the man behind Popprok, Director X (who is making his feature film directorial debut with Superfly), gave a special shout-out to his protégé, congratulating her on her work.

@karenaevans started as an intern. She stayed longer worked harder than everyone else. From intern to director at my company. Last year grinding on low budget jobs giving big budget results. This year she’s directed @champagnepapi God’s Plan & the new single Nice For What. When work ethic is matched by talent. Big up the team @popp_rok for pulling this wide ranging job off. Here’s some bts footage for all y’all ???????? (feel like a Dad video taping his daughter at a recital when ever I come to set)

A post shared by Director X (@idirectorx) on
Apr 7, 2018 at 6:06pm PDT

“@karenaevans started as an intern,” Director X wrote. “She stayed longer worked harder than everyone else. From intern to director at my company. Last year grinding on low budget jobs giving big budget results. This year she’s directed @champagnepapi God’s Plan & the new single Nice For What. When work ethic is matched by talent. Big up the team @popp_rok for pulling this wide ranging job off. Here’s some bts footage for all y’all ???????? (feel like a Dad video taping his daughter at a recital when ever I come to set).”

What an honour. A privilege and a blessing to have told this story with every. single. one. of you revolutionary women. BOTH IN FRONT AND BEHIND THE CAMERA. This month long journey together, I’ll never forget. Thank you @champagnepapi for empowering us. This is a celebration of women. This is NICE FOR WHAT.

A post shared by Karena Evans (@karenaevans) on
Apr 6, 2018 at 9:21pm PDT

A post shared by Karena Evans (@karenaevans) on
Mar 30, 2018 at 7:12pm PDT

Popprok is a production company that specializes in popular culture storytelling through commercial work, branded content and music videos where Evans is lovingly called “the first lady.” As described by the company’s website, Karena Evans is quickly becoming one of world’s most sought-after directors.

The Toronto native is not only a director but an actor and writer whose highly stylized, cinematic and authentic visual style is pushing her rise in the industry.

In addition to working with Drake, the Canadian director has also worked with clients such as SiR, Anders and Belly as well as working projects such as CBC Arts’ “Heartbreak to Art” 10-part-series, Nike’s Air Max campaign and her heartfelt “Black Lives Matter” social commentary piece.

Evans is already making history as she became the first woman to receive one of Canada’s highest honors for music video direction in the Prism Prize’s Lipsett Award for her innovative creative approach to music video art.

Truly honoured to win the 2018 Lipsett Award & to be the first ever female recipient. Thank you @prismprize thank you. This is for all my fellow filmmaking sisters ????

A post shared by Karena Evans (@karenaevans) on
Feb 23, 2018 at 10:05am PST

“Karena’s style and brand of work led her to direct the groundbreaking GOD’S PLAN music video for Drake,” the website concludes. “This trailblazer is an artist, a storyteller, a strong black woman and a prolific visionary. Bear witness to the future of storytelling.”

Black women continue to prove the necessity of their work in film, and we’re here for every part of it.

This story was originally published on Blavity.