Drake reportedly blames Chris Brown for his split from Rihanna.

The 'Started From The Bottom' hitmaker, who was dumped by the Barbados-born beauty last month after a series of arguments, is completely heartbroken and thinks she pushed him away because her ex-boyfriend, who beat her up in 2009, made her very insecure.

A source told gossip website RadarOnline.com: ''She gave him his marching orders and he's destroyed.

''Drake is convinced that Rihanna has self-esteem issues and is pushing him away because she doesn't believe in or trust true love, which isn't surprising after the crazy stuff that happened with her and Chris.''

The 27-year-old rapper was initially furious with the 26-year-old 'Stay' singer for ending their romance, but his feelings have now softened towards her.

The insider said: ''Drake was ready to walk away for good after Rihanna dropped him, but she has this power over him. All she needs to do is snap her fingers and he'll go running back to her.

''All of Drake's crew wish he'd forget about her and move on but he's hooked - no matter how upset, hurt and angry he is with her right now.''

The on-again, off-again couple, who rekindled their relationship in February, also briefly dated in 2009 and Drake previously confessed Rihanna was his dream girl.

He said: ''I mean, I think about it. Like, 'Man that would be good.' We have fun together. She's cool and s**t. But we're just friends. That's my dog for life.''