Drake has called for an end to violence in his native Canada after two lives were claimed in a mass shooting on Monday (16Jul12).

A neighborhood street party in Toronto ended in bloodshed after gunmen opened fire, killing 14-year old Shyanne Charles and Joshua Yasay, 23. Another two dozen revellers, including a toddler, were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.

Drake has since taken to his Twitter.com page to pay tribute to the slain youngsters, while appealing for peace in his hometown.

He writes, "My condolences go out to the family and friends of Shyanne Charles and Joshua Yasay. Senseless violence in Toronto has to stop."

Police suspect gang members were behind the rampage, and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.