Aubrey Graham | $100M+
Get in touch with Aubrey Graham | Aubrey Graham, known as Drake, is a global hip-hop icon and mogul who recently launched the "Iceman" era in early 2026. While navigating a major class-action lawsuit regarding his partnership with Stake.us, he remains a dominant commercial force, recently debuting the "Nite Sprite" and "Afters" meal through a 2026 McDonald’s x OVO collaboration in Toronto. His massive 2026 world tour aims to reclaim his streaming throne following the release of his ninth studio album. Beyond music, the "Global Ambassador" for the Toronto Raptors continues to expand his OVO empire into the culinary and tech sectors, maintaining a net worth of approximately $400 million.
Aubrey Drake Graham (born October 24, 1986), known professionally as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and former actor based in Toronto, Ontario.[1][2] He first achieved prominence for his role as Jimmy Brooks, a high school basketball player who becomes paralyzed after a shooting, on the teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation from 2001 to 2008.[3][4]
Drake transitioned to music by independently releasing mixtapes starting with Room for Improvement in 2006 and achieving a breakthrough with So Far Gone in 2009, which included the top-ten single "Best I Ever Had".[2] He signed with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment label that year, leading to his major-label debut album Thank Me Later (2010), which topped the Billboard 200 chart.[1] Follow-up releases such as Take Care (2011), Nothing Was the Same (2013), Views (2016), and Scorpion (2018) continued this success, with Take Care recently certified diamond by the RIAA in 2025 for 10 million units sold in the US.[5]
Drake holds the record for the most number-one singles by a rapper on the Billboard Hot 100 (13) and has secured 13 number-one albums on the Billboard 200, surpassing previous benchmarks for solo male artists in hip-hop.[6] His catalog has generated over 170 million equivalent album units worldwide, reflecting dominance in streaming and sales metrics that have redefined commercial viability in the genre.[7] In 2012, he established the OVO Sound record label, nurturing artists within his imprint.
Throughout his career, Drake has faced controversies, including 2015 ghostwriting allegations from rapper Meek Mill, who highlighted reference tracks by collaborator Quentin Miller for Drake's lyrics, sparking debate over authorship authenticity in hip-hop—a practice involving collaborative writing assistance common yet scrutinized in the field.[8] More recently, a 2024 feud with Kendrick Lamar produced multiple diss tracks exchanging claims of personal failings, industry tactics, and artistic integrity, amplifying public discourse on competitive dynamics in rap.[9] These episodes underscore tensions between Drake's melodic, introspective style—which blends R&B influences with rap—and traditional expectations of solo lyricism, yet his empirical chart performance and cultural impact persist undiminished.
Early life
Early years
Aubrey Drake Graham was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.[10][11] His father, Dennis Graham, is an African-American drummer and musician originally from Memphis, Tennessee, who performed with artists including Jerry Lee Lewis, while his mother, Sandra "Sandi" Graham, is a Canadian of Ashkenazi Jewish descent employed as a teacher and later a florist.[10][12][13]
Drake's parents divorced when he was five years old, after which he was raised primarily by his mother in the affluent Forest Hill neighborhood of Toronto; he spent summers visiting his father in Memphis and later dealt with his father's incarceration on drug-related charges during his teenage years.[11][12] Due to his mother's Jewish heritage, Drake attended a Jewish day school, underwent a bar mitzvah ceremony, and participated in related cultural practices, though he has described his religious observance as minimal in adulthood.[13]
He initially attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, a public high school in Toronto, where he played basketball competitively and showed early interest in performing arts.[14] Drake later transferred to Vaughan Road Academy but dropped out during the 11th grade to pursue acting opportunities full-time.[14][15]
At age 15, Drake secured his breakthrough role as Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation, which aired from 2001 to 2009; the character, a wheelchair user following a school shooting incident, brought him recognition in Canada and earned him a 2002 Young Artist Award for best performance in a TV series ensemble.[10][16] He continued acting on the show for seven seasons while living with his mother, as the role provided financial stability during his late teens.[10] In 2012, at age 25, Drake returned to complete his high school diploma through a private tutoring arrangement.[15]
Career
2001–2009: Career beginnings and mixtapes
Drake first garnered public attention through his portrayal of Jimmy Brooks, a basketball player who becomes wheelchair-bound after a school shooting, on the Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation, which aired from 2001 to 2008.[10][16] While continuing to act, he began recording music independently in Toronto, drawing on his experiences in the city's hip-hop scene and influences from both rap and R&B.[17] By 2006, as his Degrassi role wound down, Drake shifted focus toward rapping full-time, self-releasing his debut mixtape Room for Improvement on February 14, 2006, hosted by DJ Smallz and featuring local Toronto collaborators like Bria Myles and Chantal Kreviazuk.[18][19]
The 17-track project, distributed via Drake's website and MySpace page, emphasized introspective lyrics over his acting persona and achieved modest underground traction in Canada, with approximately 6,000 physical copies sold through independent channels.[20] Building momentum, Drake released his second mixtape, Comeback Season, on September 1, 2007, under his nascent October's Very Own imprint, which included freestyles over popular beats and guest spots from artists such as Trey Songz and Andreena Mill.[21] Notable tracks like the "Barry Bonds Freestyle" showcased his developing flow and emotional vulnerability, themes rooted in personal relationships and career aspirations, further circulating in Toronto's rap circles and online forums.[22]
Drake's breakthrough in this period came with So Far Gone, his third mixtape, self-released on February 13, 2009, blending singing hooks with rap verses over atmospheric production from Noah "40" Shebib and others.[23] The project featured high-profile collaborations including Lil Wayne on "Ignant Shit" and appearances by Bun B, and tracks like "Best I Ever Had" and "Successful" (with Trey Songz) gained viral traction via YouTube and blogs, amassing millions of streams and prompting a bidding war among labels.[24] This exposure culminated in Drake signing a joint venture deal with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment and Universal Motown Records in June 2009, marking his entry into major-label rap.[25]
2010–2012: Breakthrough with Thank Me Later and Take Care
Drake released his debut studio album Thank Me Later on June 15, 2010, through Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Republic Records.[26] The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 447,000 copies in its first week in the United States.[26] It was certified platinum by the RIAA shortly after release, reflecting over one million units sold or streamed domestically.[27] Critics noted the album's blend of rap and R&B elements, with singles like "Find Your Love" and "Over" achieving commercial success and contributing to Drake's transition from mixtape artist to mainstream rapper.[28]
Building on this momentum, Drake announced his second album Take Care in 2011, which was released on November 15, 2011, via the same labels.[29] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 631,000 copies sold in its first week, outperforming Thank Me Later's debut.[29] The album featured collaborations with artists including Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, and Stevie Wonder, and was certified eight-times platinum by the RIAA, indicating sustained commercial dominance.[29] Take Care received widespread acclaim for its introspective lyrics and atmospheric production, earning Drake his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2013.[30]
In support of Take Care, Drake embarked on the Club Paradise Tour in early 2012, which grossed over $42 million and became the highest-earning hip-hop tour of the year, with openers including Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky.[31] This period marked Drake's establishment as a leading figure in hip-hop, with Thank Me Later and Take Care collectively selling millions and shifting industry trends toward melody-driven rap narratives.[32]
2013–2015: Nothing Was the Same and If You're Reading This It's Too Late
Drake's third studio album, Nothing Was the Same, was released on September 24, 2013, through Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Republic Records.[33] The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, achieving the second-largest first-week sales for a hip-hop album in the Nielsen SoundScan era at the time, surpassing 600,000 traditional album units.[33] Lead single "Started from the Bottom" was released earlier in February 2013 and peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Hold On, We're Going Home" reached number four later that year, blending R&B elements with introspective lyrics about fame and relationships.[34] By 2025, the album had sold over 4.5 million copies in the US and earned quadruple platinum certification from the RIAA.[35]
Critics praised the album's production and Drake's matured lyrical introspection, though opinions varied on its emotional depth versus commercial polish; Pitchfork described it as "dimly lit" and balancing morose introspection with triumph, awarding it an 8.2 out of 10.[36] Variety noted its "striking and frustrating" mix of bravado and vulnerability, positioning it as a pivotal evolution in Drake's sound amid rising rap competition.[37] In October 2013, shortly after release, Kendrick Lamar dissed Drake and others in the track "Control" from Big Sean's album, accusing him of lacking authenticity; Drake dismissed the provocation as non-threatening in interviews, stating it did not constitute a genuine feud, and incorporated subtle responses in subsequent work without escalating publicly.[38] The album supported the Would You Like a Tour? with Future, grossing over $40 million from late 2013 into 2014 across North America and Europe.[39]
In 2014, Drake focused on collaborations, features, and curating OVO Fest in Toronto, while building anticipation through viral moments like his SNL hosting stint in January.[11] On February 13, 2015, he surprise-dropped If You're Reading This It's Too Late, a 17-track project initially framed as a mixtape but commercially retailed via iTunes and physical copies, marking a strategic pivot to independent distribution under OVO Sound while fulfilling label obligations.[40] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 495,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, Drake's fourth consecutive chart-topping release and his largest streaming debut to date.[41] Singles like "Energy" gained traction on rhythmic radio, emphasizing trap-influenced beats and defensive bars about industry rivals.
The project earned acclaim for its cohesive dark tone and technical rap focus, with Pitchfork highlighting Drake's "weightless exhilaration" in flow experiments and Rolling Stone calling standout tracks like "6 God" among his best for their understated menace.[42] [43] The Guardian lauded its intimate questioning of success amid pristine production, though some reviewers critiqued repetitive themes of paranoia and fame.[44] By late 2023, it achieved platinum status in the US, solidifying Drake's dominance in blending mixtape urgency with album sales during a period of intensifying rivalries.[45]
2015–2017: What a Time to Be Alive, Views, and More Life
In July 2015, Drake initiated a public feud with rapper Meek Mill by releasing the diss track "Charged Up," followed by "Back to Back" on July 31, which criticized Mill for not promoting Drake's music and ghostwriting allegations.[11] "Back to Back" debuted at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Drake his first Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 2017.[11]
On September 20, 2015, Drake and Future surprise-released the collaborative mixtape What a Time to Be Alive, recorded during sessions in Atlanta earlier that summer.[46] The project debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 375,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, marking Drake's second chart-topping release that year after If You're Reading This It's Too Late.[47] By January 2016, it had sold 519,000 copies in the United States and was certified platinum by the RIAA. The mixtape's success contributed to the announcement of the Summer Sixteen Tour with Future, which grossed $84.3 million across 54 shows.[48]
Drake's fourth studio album, Views (subtitled Views from the 6), was released on April 29, 2016, through Cash Money and Republic Records.[49] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 1.04 million album-equivalent units, the largest first-week sales for a male artist since 2015 and Drake's biggest opening to date.[49] Views remained at number one for ten non-consecutive weeks, including a record nine consecutive weeks, and has sold over 10 million units worldwide, achieving diamond certification in the US.[50][51] Singles "Hotline Bling" and "One Dance" became global hits, with the latter topping charts in multiple countries and amassing billions of streams.[52]
On March 18, 2017, Drake released More Life, marketed as a "playlist" rather than a traditional album, featuring collaborations with artists like Kanye West, Young Thug, and Jorja Smith.[53] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 505,000 album-equivalent units, breaking Drake's own single-week streaming record with over 250 million on-demand streams in the US.[53][54] Tracks such as "Fake Love" and "Passionfruit" contributed to its commercial dominance, with the project surpassing 1 billion US streams by April 2017.[55]
2018–2019: Scorpion, Care Package, and television return
In May 2018, Drake engaged in a high-profile feud with Pusha T, exchanging diss tracks including Drake's "Duppy Freestyle" and Pusha T's "The Story of Adidon," which revealed the existence of Drake's previously unpublicized son, Adonis, born in 2017.[56][57] The conflict, rooted in earlier tensions exacerbated by Kanye West's production on Pusha T's album Daytona, drew significant media attention and influenced the promotional cycle for Drake's upcoming project.[56]
Drake released his fifth studio album, Scorpion, on June 29, 2018, as a double-disc project comprising 25 tracks divided into rap-focused and R&B-oriented sides.[58] Featuring collaborations with artists such as Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, and Michael Jackson (via archival vocals on "Don't Matter to Me"), the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 732,000 album-equivalent units, the largest opening week of 2018, driven primarily by streaming.[59] It remained at the top for five consecutive weeks, accumulating 145,000 units in its fifth week alone, including nearly 170 million streams.[60] Pre-release singles "God's Plan" and "Nice for What" had already topped the Billboard Hot 100 earlier in 2018, contributing to the album's commercial momentum despite mixed critical reception critiquing its length and lack of innovation.[61]
On August 2, 2019, Drake issued Care Package, his first compilation album, collecting 17 previously unreleased or non-streaming tracks from 2009 to 2016, such as "The Motion" featuring Sampha and "Trust Issues."[62][63] The project debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking Drake's seventh consecutive chart-topping release and underscoring his strategy of retroactively monetizing vaulted material amid evolving streaming economics.[62][64]
In 2019, Drake returned to television involvement through his executive production role on the Netflix revival of the British crime drama Top Boy, which he helped resurrect after becoming a fan of the original Channel 4 series.[65] The third season premiered on September 13, 2019, with ten new episodes set in London's Summerhouse estate, featuring a soundtrack including contributions from UK grime artists; Drake's oversight ensured continuity with the show's gritty narrative while expanding its global reach via Netflix.[66] His participation marked a pivot back to acting-adjacent projects, echoing his early career on Degrassi, though limited to production and promotional support rather than on-screen performance.[67]
2019–2021: Dark Lane Demo Tapes and Certified Lover Boy
In late 2019, Drake released the single "War" on October 25, intended as the lead track for his forthcoming project.[68] The song addressed personal losses and industry tensions, sampling a 1990s track and featuring production by 40.[68]
On April 3, 2020, Drake surprise-dropped "Toosie Slide," a dance-oriented track with choreography instructions in the lyrics, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.[69] The mixtape Dark Lane Demo Tapes followed on May 1, 2020, via OVO Sound and Republic Records, compiling 14 tracks including SoundCloud leaks, new material, and prior singles like "Toosie Slide" and "War."[70] Production primarily involved longtime collaborator 40, with additional contributions from others emphasizing moody, introspective beats.[70] The project debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 223,000 equivalent album units in its first week, and marked the first time all tracks from one of Drake's releases charted simultaneously on the Hot 100, with two entering the top 10.[70] It positioned itself as a precursor to Drake's next studio album, blending rap, R&B, and experimental elements amid a 22-month gap since Scorpion.[68]
Later in 2020, Drake teased Certified Lover Boy (CLB), his sixth studio album, announcing a January 2021 release during a July Instagram Live session.[71] The lead single "Laugh Now Cry Later," featuring Lil Durk and released on August 13, debuted at number two on the Hot 100 and appeared in the video with NBA stars like Kevin Durant.[72] However, Drake postponed CLB in January 2021, citing recovery from an ACL tear sustained during a basketball game, which required surgical intervention and rehabilitation.[73]
Certified Lover Boy arrived on September 3, 2021, after further delays, generating over 153 million global streams on its debut day—a Spotify single-day record—and topping Apple Music charts worldwide.[71] The 21-track album featured collaborations with artists including Future, Travis Scott, and Lil Baby, focusing on themes of relationships and introspection over trap-influenced production.[71] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 613,000 equivalent units, including three of the top five Hot 100 debuts, and held the position for five non-consecutive weeks.[71] Commercially dominant, CLB underscored Drake's streaming prowess, though some reviewers critiqued its length and formulaic elements as less innovative than prior works.[74]
2022–2024: Honestly, Nevermind, Her Loss, For All the Dogs, and Kendrick Lamar feud
In June 2022, Drake surprise-released his seventh studio album, Honestly, Nevermind, which shifted toward house and dance music influences.[75] The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning 204,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including 191,000 from streaming activity equivalent to 250.23 million on-demand streams.[75] This marked Drake's eleventh number-one album on the chart and his lowest first-week total for a studio album up to that point.[76]
On November 4, 2022, Drake collaborated with rapper 21 Savage on the joint album Her Loss, released through OVO Sound and Republic Records after a brief postponement from its original late-October target date.[77] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming the highest-selling hip-hop album of 2022 in its debut week and marking Drake's twelfth chart-topping project overall.[78] All 16 tracks from Her Loss entered the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously, with "Rich Flex" reaching number two.[79]
Drake's eighth studio album, For All the Dogs, arrived on October 6, 2023, featuring guest appearances from artists including J. Cole, SZA, and Bad Bunny.[80] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 402,000 album-equivalent units, the largest opening week for any of Drake's projects since Scorpion in 2018 and securing his thirteenth number-one album.[81] The album returned to number one in its second week following the release of a deluxe edition, Scary Hours, adding 145,000 units.[82] Seven tracks from the album entered the Hot 100's top 10, including the J. Cole collaboration "First Person Shooter" at number one.[83]
Tensions between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, simmering since Lamar's 2013 verse on Big Sean's "Control" asserting dominance over peers including Drake, escalated publicly in late 2023 and 2024.[84] The feud intensified after Drake and J. Cole's "First Person Shooter" from For All the Dogs referenced a "big three" in rap including themselves and Lamar, who rejected the notion in his March 22, 2024, verse on Future and Metro Boomin's "Like That," declaring "Motherf*** the big three, n***, it's just big me."[85] Drake responded with "Push Ups" on April 19, 2024, mocking Lamar's stature and commercial output, followed by "Taylor Made Freestyle" incorporating AI-generated voices of Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg, which was later removed due to a cease-and-desist from Tupac's estate.[84] Lamar fired back with "Euphoria" on April 30, accusing Drake of cultural appropriation and absentee fatherhood, then "6:16 in LA" on May 4 questioning Drake's team loyalty.[86]
The exchange peaked in early May 2024: Drake released "Family Matters" on May 3, alleging Lamar's partner Whitney Alford had been abused by Lamar's creative partner Dave Free, while Lamar countered hours later with "Meet the Grahams," addressing Drake's family directly and claiming Drake hid a daughter and associated with sex offenders.[84] Lamar followed with "Not Like Us" on May 4, labeling Drake a predator in a club-oriented diss that topped the Hot 100 for three weeks and won five Grammy Awards in 2025, amid widespread perception that Lamar gained the upper hand in public opinion.[87] Drake's final response, "The Heart Part 6" on May 5, denied Lamar's allegations and claimed strategic misinformation, but the feud subsided without resolution by late 2024.[84]
2025–present:
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omeexy $ongs 4 U and Iceman
In February 2025, Drake collaborated with Canadian singer PARTYNEXTDOOR on the joint album
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omeexy $ongs 4 U, released on Valentine's Day, February 14, via OVO Sound.[88] The project comprises 21 tracks spanning 73 minutes, emphasizing R&B and sensual themes with production from Noah "40" Shebib and others associated with the OVO collective.[89] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Drake's continued commercial dominance despite mixed critical response.[90] Reviewers noted the album's cohesive Toronto sound but criticized some tracks for formulaic elements, with Billboard ranking standouts like the title-inspired cuts while highlighting weaker filler.[91]
The release followed Drake's 2024 projects amid his public feud with Kendrick Lamar, shifting focus to intimate, relationship-oriented content rather than battle rap. PARTYNEXTDOOR, a longtime OVO signee, contributed lead vocals on multiple songs, framing the album as a Valentine's-themed extension of their shared aesthetic. Physical editions, including opaque red double vinyl, became available in May 2025, underscoring OVO's emphasis on merchandise alongside streaming.[90] Fan discussions on platforms like Reddit praised its replay value in EP-like segments but debated its innovation compared to prior Drake efforts.[92]
In July 2025, Drake initiated the promotional rollout for his ninth solo studio album, Iceman, with a live-streamed video of himself producing ice, signaling a thematic focus on resilience and introspection.[93] The campaign included episodic content drops, such as "ICEMAN EPISODE 1" on July 5 and "EPISODE 3" in September, building anticipation through cryptic visuals and snippets.[94] On July 25, he released "Sliding" as the second single, available via OVO Sound and Republic Records, with lyrics addressing personal reflection and industry navigation.[95]
Originally teased for late 2025 release, Iceman faced uncertainty after Drake stated in an August 14 Kick stream that it would not arrive that year, citing refinement needs.[96] However, by October 2025, hints resurfaced, including tour teases for an "Iceman" trek and comments from associate Johnny Manziel suggesting an imminent drop.[97] [98] As of October 25, the album remains unreleased, positioned as a follow-up to For All the Dogs (2023), with potential features speculated but unconfirmed beyond OVO affiliates.[99] This period reflects Drake's pattern of iterative rollout strategies, prioritizing fan engagement over rigid timelines.
Artistry
Influences
Drake has identified Lil Wayne as one of his foremost musical influences, particularly for Wayne's innovative flow, melodic delivery, and relentless work ethic in hip-hop. Drake joined Wayne's Young Money label in 2009, crediting the mentorship for accelerating his transition from mixtapes to mainstream success, as evidenced by collaborative tracks like "Forever" with Kanye West and Eminem in 2009.[100][101]
Kanye West profoundly shaped Drake's production sensibilities and genre fusion, with Drake explicitly stating in 2011 that he attributes much inspiration to West's boundary-pushing albums like 808s & Heartbreak, which influenced Drake's integration of singing into rap verses. This stylistic borrowing is apparent in Drake's early work, such as the emotional introspection on So Far Gone (2009).[102][103]
Aaliyah's smooth R&B aesthetics and vocal timbre left a lasting mark on Drake, whom he has called one of his biggest influences; he sampled her "At Your Best (You Are Love)" on "Unforgettable" from So Far Gone and penned a public letter in 2010 expressing how her artistry informed his melodic approach.[104][105]
Additional influences include Jay-Z for entrepreneurial lyricism and business acumen in hip-hop, Usher for vocal performance, and André 3000 for experimental wordplay, as Drake has noted in discussions of his formative listening. These draw from Southern rap elements like Three 6 Mafia and Yo Gotti, blending trap cadences with East Coast introspection from Notorious B.I.G.[106]
Musical style
Drake's musical style primarily fuses hip hop and contemporary R&B, with frequent incorporation of pop, trap, dancehall, and electronic elements to create a versatile, introspective sound.[107] [108] This blend emerged prominently in his 2009 mixtape So Far Gone, which combined restrained rap verses, contemplative singing, and hybrid spoken-word delivery over moody, atmospheric production.[109] [110]
Vocally, Drake employs a hybrid approach of rapping and melodic singing, often prioritizing emotional delivery over technical rap cadence, which has normalized singing within hip-hop tracks since the late 2000s.[111] [112] Songs like "Hotline Bling" (2015) exemplify this by featuring no traditional rapping, relying instead on sing-song hooks and minimal verses, yet earning a Grammy for Best Rap Song in 2017.[111] His flow typically features conversational rhythms with internal rhymes, shifting to auto-tuned or layered vocals for choruses to heighten vulnerability.[113]
Production techniques emphasize spacious, reverb-heavy beats crafted with collaborators such as Noah "40" Shebib, utilizing minimalist percussion, subtle synth pads, and sampled loops to evoke introspection and melancholy.[114] [115] This "Toronto sound" prioritizes mood over dense instrumentation, as heard in tracks from Take Care (2011) onward, where slow tempos (often 70-90 BPM) and ambient textures underscore lyrical themes.[114] Later works, such as Honestly, Nevermind (2022), integrate house and dance rhythms at higher tempos (120+ BPM), expanding beyond hip-hop foundations while retaining melodic introspection.[116]
Over time, Drake's style has evolved from rap-dominant early mixtapes to increasingly melodic and genre-fluid albums, incorporating afrobeat, UK drill, and baile funk samples in releases like For All the Dogs (2023).[117] This adaptability, driven by collaborations with producers like Boi-1da and partyNextDoor, maintains core elements of emotional vulnerability and rhythmic hybridity across 15+ years of output.[108] [116]
Lyrical themes
Drake's lyrics predominantly explore themes of romantic relationships, heartbreak, and emotional vulnerability, often blending introspection with subtle bravado to convey the complexities of personal connections amid fame. Tracks like those on Take Care (2011) and Nothing Was the Same (2013) emphasize relational turmoil, self-doubt, and the longing for genuine intimacy, positioning Drake as a figure who prioritizes emotional candor over conventional rap aggression.[118][119] This approach reflects his tendency to dissect internal struggles, such as jealousy in fleeting romances or the isolation of celebrity, as seen in lines addressing ex-partners' lingering influence or the performative nature of public personas.[120][121]
A recurring motif is Toronto's cultural imprint, with frequent allusions to the city's neighborhoods, weather shifts, and local identity serving as anchors for narratives of origin and hometown loyalty. Songs reference specific locales like the "6ix" or seasonal transitions to evoke resilience forged in urban Canadian contexts, intertwining personal growth with civic pride.[122][123] Themes of success's double-edged sword—encompassing wealth's alienation, familial reconciliation (including fatherhood), and competitive rivalries—further dominate, often framed through reflective verses that weigh triumphs against emotional costs.[124][125]
Critics note this vulnerability as innovative in hip-hop, enabling relatability through raw admissions of pain and ambition, though some attribute its consistency to a formulaic sensitivity that prioritizes universal appeal over unfiltered grit.[126] Despite debates over authenticity, the thematic focus on fame's psychological toll and relational introspection has sustained his output across mixtapes and albums from 2009 onward.[127][128]
Commercial performance
Sales and chart records
Drake has achieved significant commercial success, with over 170 million records sold worldwide as of 2024, including equivalent album units that account for streaming and track sales.[7] His album Views stands as his highest-selling release, accumulating 20 million equivalent units globally, of which 2.5 million represent pure album sales.[52] In the United States, Drake's pure album sales exceed 34 million units across his discography.[129]
On May 29, 2025, Drake was reported as the best-selling artist in the US for the year to date based on total album units, despite limited new releases.[130] The RIAA has certified Drake with 16 Diamond awards as of October 24, 2025, comprising 15 singles and one album (Take Care), marking the highest total in history and surpassing all other artists.[131] These include recent upgrades for tracks such as "Headlines," "Passionfruit," "Nonstop," "Nice for What," and "The Motto" featuring Lil Wayne, alongside Take Care as his first Diamond-certified album, each representing 10 million units sold or streamed in the US.[132]
Drake holds 14 number-one albums on the Billboard 200, tying the record for solo male artists, with multiple debuts exceeding 400,000 album-equivalent units, such as For All the Dogs in October 2023.[52] In January 2026, he became the first rapper to chart 10 albums simultaneously on the Billboard 200: Take Care (#17),
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omeexy $ongs 4 U (#25), Views (#39), Certified Lover Boy (#64), For All the Dogs (#72), Thank Me Later (#92), Scorpion (#101), More Life (#133), Nothing Was the Same (#179), and Her Loss (#200). This feat spans 15 years of his discography and ties him with Taylor Swift for the most albums charting that week.[133]
On the Billboard Hot 100, he has secured 13 number-one singles, the most by any rapper, including collaborations like "What's My Name?" with Rihanna (2010) and "First Person Shooter" with J. Cole (2023).[134] Drake also maintains the record for the most cumulative Hot 100 entries, with 361 songs charted as of 2025.[6] In August 2025, Billboard ranked him the top R&B/hip-hop artist of the 21st century, citing 30 number-one hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and 15 number-one albums on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[135]
Streaming dominance
Drake has established himself as a preeminent figure in music streaming, amassing over 120 billion total streams on Spotify by September 2025, marking him as the first artist to reach this milestone and solidifying his position ahead of competitors like Taylor Swift (110 billion streams) and Bad Bunny.[136][137] His catalog's enduring appeal is evident in 2025 alone, where he surpassed 11 billion streams on Spotify, maintaining his status as the platform's most-streamed rapper of the year.[138] This dominance extends to individual tracks and albums; for instance, Views overtook Scorpion as his most-streamed album on Spotify, both exceeding 11 billion streams cumulatively.[139]
Early breakthroughs underscored his streaming prowess, with Scorpion (released June 29, 2018) shattering single-day records: 132.5 million global streams on Spotify and over 170 million on Apple Music, eclipsing prior benchmarks set by his own More Life (89.9 million first-day Apple streams).[140][141] By mid-2018, Drake had already generated over $100 million in streaming revenue from Spotify and Apple Music combined, positioning him as the all-time leader on both platforms at that point.[142] His monthly listener base remains formidable, consistently ranking among Spotify's top artists with peaks exceeding 80 million.[69]
Drake's streaming success reflects a broad catalog penetration, with 288 songs surpassing 100 million Spotify streams each, including recent 2025 tracks like "What Did I Miss?" crossing that threshold.[143] He also holds the record for the most-streamed rap song of 2025 with "NOKIA," further demonstrating his ability to generate high-volume daily streams—such as 92.4 million in a single day, a rapper-first achievement.[144] This sustained output, driven by frequent releases and playlist ubiquity, has made him the most-streamed male artist in Spotify's history, outpacing groups like BTS in certain metrics.
Critical reception and legacy
Praise for innovation and versatility
Drake's versatility across genres has been widely acclaimed by music critics and observers, who highlight his fluid integration of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and dancehall elements. For instance, his melodic rapping style, which alternates seamlessly between singing and rapping, has been described as setting him apart from peers and enabling experimentation that pushes genre boundaries. This adaptability is evident in projects like More Life (released March 18, 2017), where reviewers praised his self-aware catering to diverse fan preferences while maintaining cohesion across trap, UK influences, and introspective tracks.[145]
Critics have also lauded Drake's innovations in hip-hop, particularly his introduction of emotional vulnerability and introspection, which helped spawn the emo-rap subgenre. A 2018 BBC analysis credited him with pioneering lyrics that prioritize personal reflection over traditional bravado, influencing subsequent artists such as Post Malone and Juice WRLD.[146] Similarly, Pitchfork ranked him among the 200 most important artists of its first 25 years (up to 2021), noting his evolution from mixtape promise to a dominant force through cultural referencing and self-reinvention.[147] His production choices, often in collaboration with Noah "40" Shebib, have been called innovative for evolving backdrops that complement thematic depth, as seen in Nothing Was the Same (September 24, 2013).[127]
These qualities have positioned Drake as a bridge between markets, amplifying Toronto's sound globally and encouraging cross-genre collaborations, according to outlets like BBC, which listed his role in spotlighting local talent and international fusions as transformative.[146] Reviewers of What a Time to Be Alive (September 20, 2015), his joint effort with Future, commended the chemistry yielding "innovative and refreshing" results through genre-blending beats.[148]
Criticisms of authenticity and formula
Critics have questioned Drake's authenticity due to allegations of ghostwriting, which undermine his image as a confessional artist whose lyrics draw from personal experiences. In July 2015, Meek Mill accused Drake of not writing his own verses on the track "R.I.C.O." from Meek's album Dreams Worth More Than Money, releasing reference tracks featuring Quentin Miller rapping lines similar to Drake's.[8] Drake responded with the diss track "Back to Back," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 on August 15, 2015, but did not directly deny the collaborations, instead framing music as a "collaborative process" in a September 2015 Fader interview.[149] Such revelations clashed with Drake's lyrical persona emphasizing vulnerability and specificity, as outlets noted that his reliance on uncredited contributions erodes the perceived truthfulness central to his appeal.[150]
Further scrutiny of authenticity targets Drake's portrayal of Toronto street life and emotional introspection, given his upbringing in affluent Forest Hill and early acting career on Degrassi. Detractors argue his narratives of hardship and local pride, as in songs like "Headlines" (2011), exaggerate a gritty persona disconnected from his privileged background, with Toronto locals questioning his representativeness in online discussions as early as 2015.[151] This tension intensified in cultural critiques, portraying Drake as prioritizing marketability over rooted hip-hop ethos, exemplified by his adoption of Southern rap influences without equivalent lived experience.[152]
Drake's music has faced accusations of formulaic repetition, recycling melodic rap structures, introspective themes of romance and betrayal, and atmospheric production to sustain commercial dominance rather than innovate. Reviews of albums like For All the Dogs (October 6, 2023) highlighted "diminishing creative returns," with tracks adhering to familiar vulnerability without advancing his sound, contributing to perceptions of stagnation since his mid-2010s peak.[153] Critics contend this blueprint—blending R&B hooks with rap verses—prioritizes streaming-friendly consistency over evolution, influencing imitators while inviting fatigue, as noted in analyses decrying his shift from innovation to formulaic market adaptation.[152] Attempts at departure, such as the house-infused Honestly, Nevermind (June 17, 2022), were dismissed by some as superficial pivots rather than genuine progression, reinforcing claims of artistic inertia.[154]
Public image
Persona and media portrayal
Drake has developed a persona characterized by a blend of emotional vulnerability and assertive bravado, frequently delving into themes of romantic disappointment, isolation amid fame, and triumphs of success in his music.[155][156] This approach marked a shift in hip-hop, where he popularized expressing personal insecurities and relational struggles, making such openness more acceptable in the genre traditionally dominated by stoic machismo.[118] His lyrics often oscillate between confessions of loneliness, as in "Marvins Room" from 2011's Take Care, and boasts of dominance, reflecting a hyper-real portrayal of celebrity life.[157]
Over time, paranoia stemming from personal betrayals and industry conflicts has hardened this image, evolving Drake from an initially more innocent, actor-like figure to a vigilant, mob-boss archetype.[158] Early experiences, such as a 2009 robbery allegedly set up by a romantic interest, fueled distrust evident in tracks like "Trust Issues" (2011) and "Do Not Disturb" from 2017's More Life, where he references sleep disturbances and protective instincts.[158] Drake demonstrates versatility by adopting various hip-hop subculture aesthetics through fashion, such as emulating Cam'ron's pink fur ensemble in 2013 or Pharrell's jewelry in videos, signaling homage to influences while asserting adaptability across rap eras and regions.[159]
In media coverage, Drake is depicted as an omnipresent commercial titan whose adaptability—shifting between rap, singing, and collaborations—has permeated pop and urban radio since the early 2010s.[157] However, portrayals often highlight authenticity debates, with critics questioning his "tough" facade given his middle-class Toronto upbringing, biracial background, and lack of street hardship, labeling him a "culture vulture" for borrowing elements without originating from hip-hop's core communities.[160] Feuds, including those with Meek Mill in 2015 and Kendrick Lamar in 2024, have amplified narratives of him as strategically performative rather than genuinely rooted, though his sustained streaming dominance counters claims of declining relevance.[158][161] Drake has publicly accused media outlets of coordinating negative reviews, suggesting bias against his formulaic success.[162]
Fanbase and rivalries
Drake's fanbase, known as the OVO Hive, exhibits high levels of loyalty that have sustained his popularity across genres and regions, with supporters actively engaging in streaming, concert attendance, and online advocacy to counter criticisms. This dedication is evident in the fanbase's broad demographic appeal, including millennials and younger audiences, who align with Drake's themes of vulnerability and ambition, driving consistent chart performance and merchandise sales.[163][164]
The OVO Hive has gained notoriety for its defensive posture during controversies, particularly through social media memes and stan accounts that amplify Drake's narrative while dismissing detractors, a dynamic intensified during high-profile beefs where fans produce content to assert his dominance. This behavior mirrors patterns in other rap fan cultures but has drawn scrutiny for perceived overzealousness, such as coordinated campaigns claiming victory in lyrical disputes despite mixed public reception.[165][166]
Drake's rivalries with peers have frequently escalated into public diss tracks, often originating from perceived slights over authenticity, commercial dominance, or personal matters, with timelines tracing back to early 2010s tensions. A notable early clash occurred in 2015 with Meek Mill, who accused Drake of using ghostwriters; Drake responded with the chart-topping "Back to Back" on July 29, 2015, which critiqued Mill's relevance and boosted Drake's visibility without direct lyrical engagement from Mill.[167][168]
The 2018 feud with Pusha T, aligned with Kanye West, culminated in Pusha T's "The Story of Adidon" on May 29, 2018, which revealed Drake's previously undisclosed fatherhood to son Adonis and featured an altered image of Drake in blackface; Drake did not release a direct rebuttal track, later confirming the personal details in subsequent music. Kanye West's involvement extended the conflict, with West leaking Drake's phone calls and admitting to manipulative tactics in a 2020 interview, highlighting how such rivalries can involve indirect alliances and escalate beyond music.[168][167]
The most protracted rivalry unfolded with Kendrick Lamar, simmering since Lamar's 2013 "Control" verse naming Drake among targets for lyrical supremacy, but exploding in 2024 amid accusations of cultural posturing and personal misconduct. Lamar's "Like That" on March 22, 2024, rejected the "big three" narrative including Drake; Drake countered with "Push Ups" on April 19, 2024, mocking Lamar's stature and collaborators, followed by "Taylor Made Freestyle" using AI Tupac and Snoop Dogg voices, which was retracted due to legal threats. Lamar's responses, including "Euphoria" on April 30, 2024, and "Not Like Us" on May 4, 2024, alleged predatory behavior by Drake toward minors—a claim Drake denied via cease-and-desist letters and in "The Heart Part 6" on May 5, 2024, attributing rumors to a supposed OVO mole. Drake sued Universal Music Group on November 25, 2024, alleging artificial inflation of "Not Like Us" streams to harm his reputation, a motion later dismissed. These exchanges drew millions of streams and polarized fans, with OVO Hive members countering via memes and data on Drake's ongoing chart resilience, though public discourse often framed Lamar's cultural authenticity as prevailing.[84][169][170]
Controversies
Feuds
Drake has engaged in several high-profile feuds with other rappers, often initiated by accusations of inauthenticity, ghostwriting, or personal secrecy, which escalated through diss tracks containing pointed lyrical attacks. These conflicts, common in hip-hop as a means of asserting dominance and promoting music, have varied in intensity and outcome, with Drake achieving commercial success in some responses but facing reputational damage in others due to revelations of private matters.[168][38]
The feud with Meek Mill began on July 21, 2015, when Mill tweeted that Drake did not promote their collaborative track "R.I.C.O." from Mill's album Dreams Worth More Than Money and accused Drake of relying on ghostwriters for hits. Drake retaliated on July 25, 2015, with "Charged Up," mocking Mill's sales and online complaints, followed by the more aggressive "Back to Back" on July 29, 2015, which criticized Mill's career stagnation and referenced his relationship with Nicki Minaj. "Back to Back" debuted at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance, widely viewed as a decisive victory for Drake, while Mill's responses like "Wanna Know" failed to chart significantly. The beef subsided by late 2015, leading to a collaboration on "Going Bad" in 2018.[171][172][173]
Tensions with Pusha T, affiliated with Kanye West, intensified in May 2018 amid broader industry rivalries. Drake targeted Pusha on "Duppy Freestyle" released May 25, 2018, attacking his album sales and questioning his relevance. Pusha responded with "The Story of Adidon" on May 29, 2018, which exposed Drake's previously undisclosed fatherhood of a son born in 2017—information allegedly provided by West—and featured a cover image of Drake in blackface from 2001. Drake did not directly rebut the track, instead addressing paternity on his June 29, 2018, album Scorpion, and later conceded the exchange as a loss, noting the personal cost outweighed artistic gains. The feud highlighted vulnerabilities in Drake's curated image of invincibility.[174][175][176]
Drake's feud with Kendrick Lamar escalated publicly in 2024, rooted in earlier subtle disses but exploding after Lamar's verse on Future and Metro Boomin's "Like That," released March 22, 2024, rejecting the notion of a "big three" including Drake and J. Cole. Drake fired back with "Push Ups" on April 19, 2024, mocking Lamar's stature, commercial deals, and family, as well as dissing Rick Ross and The Weeknd among others.[177] Rick Ross responded with tracks like "Champagne Moments," accusing Drake of cosmetic surgery and inauthenticity.[178][179] Lamar unleashed "Euphoria" on April 30, 2024, accusing Drake of cultural appropriation and weak parenting; "6:16 in LA" on May 3, 2024; "Meet the Grahams" on May 3, 2024, alleging Drake harbored a secret daughter and unfit household; and "Not Like Us" on May 4, 2024, branding him a predator—a claim Drake denied in "The Heart Part 6" on May 5, 2024, asserting the daughter allegation was fabricated misinformation. Drake's "Family Matters," released May 3, 2024, countered with accusations against Lamar's partner and blackballing efforts. Lamar's tracks garnered over 1 billion Spotify streams for "Not Like Us" alone, shifting public sentiment against Drake, who faced boycotts and scrutiny over unproven pedophilia claims originating from anonymous sources amplified in the feud. Kanye West interjected against Drake in April 2024, aligning with Lamar.[84][86][180]
Drake's intermittent conflict with Kanye West, spanning over a decade of collaborations like "Find Your Love" production in 2010, turned hostile by 2018 over alleged beat ownership disputes and West's role in the Pusha T feud, where Drake claimed West leaked his family details. West's 2021 track "Lord Lifted" referenced financial disputes, and in 2023, Drake sampled Kim Kardashian's divorce comments on "Search & Rescue," prompting West's backlash. West's support for Lamar in 2024 further strained ties, though no direct resolution occurred. These feuds underscore Drake's pattern of lyrical escalation met with personal exposures, impacting his authenticity narrative in hip-hop.[181][182][183]
In January 2026, ASAP Rocky dissed Drake on his album Don't Be Dumb, particularly on "Stole Ya Flow," accusing him of copying his flow and style. Drake had not publicly responded as of mid-January 2026.[184]
Ghostwriting allegations
In July 2015, Meek Mill publicly accused Drake of employing ghostwriters for lyrics on their collaborative track "R.I.C.O." from Mill's album Dreams Worth More Than Money, highlighting rapper Quentin Miller as the primary contributor through a series of Twitter posts that ignited a high-profile feud.[171] [185] Mill's claims gained traction when Funkmaster Flex aired reference tracks on Hot 97, in which Miller rapped preliminary versions of verses later finalized by Drake on his mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late (February 2015), including songs such as "10 Bands," "Know Yourself," "No Tellin'," and "Used To."[186] [9]
Drake responded with diss tracks "Charged Up" (July 25, 2015) and "Back to Back" (July 29, 2015), the latter earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song, in which he mocked Mill's delayed reaction and emphasized collaboration over secrecy, without directly denying Miller's input.[171] In subsequent statements, Drake framed the practice as standard industry collaboration rather than undisclosed ghostwriting, noting in a September 2015 interview that "music can be a collaborative process" and that contributors receive credits in official liner notes.[187] [188] Album credits for If You're Reading This It's Too Late indeed list Miller as a co-writer on multiple tracks, supporting Drake's position that the work involved joint songwriting sessions rather than anonymous substitution.[188]
The controversy amplified debates on authenticity in hip-hop, where solo lyricism is often valorized as a core tenet of credibility, particularly for artists like Drake who frequently assert personal authorship in their narratives.[8] Quentin Miller, whose career stalled post-scandal, later described the exposure as having "f*cked everything up" for him in a 2020 interview, claiming in 2023 that he received no official payment for co-writing six Drake songs despite informal compensation.[189] [190] Drake has maintained that his "strongest talent is [his] writing," as stated in a 2019 Rap Radar interview, and subsequent leaks of reference tracks from other collaborators have not led to formal disavowals or legal challenges from Drake.[191] Despite persistent accusations from peers and fans, the allegations have had limited long-term impact on Drake's commercial output, with no verified instances of uncredited ghostwriting beyond the 2015 episode.[9]
Cultural appropriation claims
Drake has faced repeated accusations of cultural appropriation for incorporating elements of Jamaican patois, dancehall rhythms, and other Caribbean musical styles into his songs, despite being raised in Toronto rather than originating from those cultures. Critics argue that his adoption of accents and slang, such as the patois-inflected delivery on tracks from his 2016 album Views, represents an inauthentic borrowing that profits from black and Caribbean traditions without deep-rooted experience.[192] This perception intensified with the 2017 release of More Life, a playlist album featuring UK drill influences alongside Caribbean samples, prompting discussions in Canadian media about whether Drake's global sound exploited minority cultures for commercial gain.[193]
Specific incidents include Jamaican dancehall artist Mavado's 2020 criticism of Drake's track "Enemy Line" from Dark Lane Demo Tapes, where Mavado claimed Drake mimicked authentic dancehall flows without permission or genuine ties, leading Drake to retaliate with a patois-laden social media post defending his style.[194] In August 2024, Houston rapper Sauce Walka accused Drake of using Southern hip-hop slang and trap aesthetics from the city's scene for tracks like "Sicko Mode" (on which Drake features), alleging he extracts elements for hits without reciprocating support to local artists.[195] These claims resurfaced during the May 2024 feud with Kendrick Lamar, whose diss track "Not Like Us" portrayed Drake as culturally detached and overly reliant on fabricated black American and global influences, fueling broader debates on his biracial identity (African-American father, white Jewish mother) and Toronto upbringing in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood.[196]
Drake has countered such allegations by emphasizing endorsements from dancehall figures, stating in a 2019 interview that he received "blessings from the real dons" in those genres before incorporating their sounds.[197] Supporters highlight Toronto's large Caribbean diaspora, which exposed Drake to patois and dancehall from youth, along with his collaborations—such as featuring Popcaan on multiple tracks and receiving public backing from artists like Vybz Kartel and Beenie Man—who view his work as appreciative fusion rather than theft.[198] In July 2024, dancehall singer Spice defended Drake against "culture vulture" labels, arguing that his global promotion elevates Jamaican artists, as evidenced by increased streams and tours for collaborators following joint projects.[199] While critics persist in framing these integrations as opportunistic, empirical data on streaming boosts for featured regional acts and lack of formal lawsuits suggest the appropriations, if any, align more with cross-cultural exchange in a multicultural city like Toronto than exploitative mimicry.[200]
Legal issues
Drake has faced multiple lawsuits alleging copyright infringement related to unauthorized sampling in his tracks. In 2013, he was sued by photographer Esteban Oriol and artist Mr. Cartoon for using an altered image from their "Dip$ick" artwork without permission on the cover art and lyrics video for "Headlines," though the case was settled confidentially.[201] In 2017, songwriters Alphonso Mizell, Freddie Perren, Berry Gordy, and Deke Richards sued over a two-second sample of their "Jimmy Smith Rap" in "Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2," but a federal appeals court ruled in Drake's favor, determining the use constituted fair use as it transformed the original jazz commentary into a hip-hop context critiquing cultural authenticity.[202][203]
Subsequent copyright claims persisted. In 2022, a refiled suit accused Drake of infringing on a sample in "In My Feelings" and "Nice for What" without clearance, stemming from an uncleared portion of a Shirley Walker composition used in both tracks.[204] In April 2023, Ghanaian artist Obrafour filed a lawsuit claiming "Calling My Name" from the album Honestly, Nevermind sampled his 1990s track "Agbele" without authorization or credit.[205] In October 2024, R&B singer Bryson Tiller and others sued Drake and Chris Brown over their collaboration "No Guidance," alleging it copied elements from Tiller's "Don't" without permission.[206]
Drake has also been sued over performance-related disputes. In 2011, Houston promoter Henry Roman filed a $1.5 million breach-of-contract suit after Drake canceled a scheduled show, citing scheduling conflicts; the matter settled out of court.[207] In 2015, rapper NoFace sued Drake for $1.5 million, claiming defamation and emotional distress from lyrics in "Back to Back" that referenced NoFace's appearance and career, portraying him as irrelevant; the suit was dismissed.[207]
In a reversal, Drake initiated significant litigation in 2025 amid his feud with Kendrick Lamar. On January 15, he sued Universal Music Group (UMG) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York for defamation, false light invasion of privacy, and deceptive practices under New York General Business Law § 349, alleging UMG knowingly promoted Lamar's "Not Like Us"—which accused Drake of being a "pedophile" and sex offender—despite lacking evidence, leading to reputational harm, security threats including attempted break-ins at his Toronto home, and commercial losses.[208][209] Drake also accused UMG of using bots and payola to inflate the track's streams on platforms like Spotify.[210] UMG moved to dismiss, arguing the lyrics were hyperbolic rap opinions protected by the First Amendment, not verifiable facts. On October 9, 2025, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas dismissed the case with prejudice, ruling that no reasonable listener would interpret the lyrics as literal assertions of fact and that Drake failed to plead plausible claims of malice or causation.[211][212] Separately, Drake settled undisclosed claims against iHeartMedia in February 2025 over alleged payola promotion of the track.[213]
Business ventures
OVO Sound and music label
OVO Sound, short for October's Very Own, is a Canadian independent record label co-founded by Drake, producer Noah "40" Shebib, and manager Oliver El-Khatib in 2012.[214] The label emerged as an extension of Drake's OVO branding, which originated with his early mixtapes in 2006, emphasizing a Toronto-centric hip-hop and R&B sound influenced by atmospheric production and introspective lyrics.[215]
The label's first signing was singer PartyNextDoor in 2013, followed by the duo Majid Jordan later that year.[216] Subsequent artists include R&B group dvsn (2015), rapper Roy Woods (2015), and rapper iLoveMakonnen (2014), with Naomi Sharon becoming the first female signee in January 2023.[215] OVO Sound has released notable projects such as PartyNextDoor's self-titled debut album in 2013, which peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200, and Majid Jordan's debut album in 2016, featuring the single "Kings and Queens" that charted on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[217]
Initially distributed through Warner Bros. Records from 2012 to 2022, OVO Sound expanded its partnership with Warner in 2017 to include joint A&R efforts and increased investment in artist development.[218] Drake's own releases have been handled via Republic Records since 2012.[219] Following the end of the Warner deal, the label operated independently until announcing a partnership with Santa Anna Label Group, a Sony Music imprint, in January 2024 to handle global distribution and marketing.[220] This shift aims to broaden OVO Sound's reach while maintaining creative control, though the label has faced scrutiny for limited mainstream breakthroughs beyond its core roster.[215]
Sports and entertainment investments
Drake holds minority stakes in professional soccer clubs through investment groups. In August 2022, he acquired a minority ownership interest in AC Milan, the Italian Serie A champion, as part of a transaction led by RedBird Capital Partners that valued the club at approximately $1.2 billion; this stake was facilitated via his partnership in Main Street Advisors alongside LeBron James.[221][222] In August 2024, Drake became an investor in Venezia FC, a newly promoted Serie A side, joining a consortium that raised €40 million (about $43.7 million) to avert the club's bankruptcy ahead of the 2024-25 season; his involvement also included sponsoring the team's kits through his Nocta apparel brand.[223][224]
In golf, Drake participated as a strategic investor in PGA Tour Enterprises, the PGA Tour's new for-profit subsidiary formed in 2024 to secure up to $3 billion in outside capital amid negotiations with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf; alongside figures like LeBron James and Arnold Schwarzenegger, his investment aims to leverage personal branding for audience expansion, though specific amounts remain undisclosed.[225][226]
Drake has directed capital toward esports ventures, blending gaming competition with entertainment. In October 2018, he joined as a co-owner of 100 Thieves, a Los Angeles-based esports organization focused on titles like League of Legends and Valorant, apparel, and content creation, following a Series A funding round co-led with Scooter Braun.[227][228] In March 2019, he invested in Players' Lounge, an esports betting platform that enables peer-to-peer wagers on video game matches as skill-based contests, contributing to its $3 million seed round backed by investors including Strauss Zelnick and Marissa Mayer; the startup later raised $10.5 million in Series A funding in 2022.[229][230][231]
Fashion, cuisine, and other endorsements
Drake co-founded the October's Very Own (OVO) lifestyle brand in 2008 with Oliver El-Khatib and Noah "40" Shebib, encompassing a streetwear clothing line that offers apparel such as hoodies, t-shirts, jackets, and accessories inspired by Toronto's cultural motifs.[232] OVO has expanded through collaborations, including a 2013 partnership with Jordan Brand that produced limited-edition sneakers like the Air Jordan 10 "OVO" and Air Jordan 12 "OVO," featuring the brand's signature owl logo and black-and-gold palette.[233] In 2024, OVO partnered with Chelsea FC for co-branded apparel.[234]
In the cuisine sector, Drake collaborated with entrepreneur Brent Halsey to launch Virginia Black American whiskey in June 2016, a smooth bourbon-style spirit that sold 30,000 cases worldwide in its debut year and positioned itself as a premium alternative to established liquors.[235][236] He invested in the Los Angeles-based Dave's Hot Chicken chain in September 2021, supporting its expansion into Canada amid the brand's rapid growth to over 100 locations.[237] Drake also opened the Pick 6ix restaurant in Toronto's Yorkville district in April 2016, offering modern Canadian cuisine with dishes like short rib poutine and a menu curated to reflect his personal tastes.[237]
Among other endorsements, Drake secured a reported $19 million deal with Apple Music in 2015 for exclusive content and global streaming promotions, enhancing the platform's hip-hop offerings.[238] He has appeared in campaigns for Sprite as its first rookie rap endorser and partnered with Burger King for promotional tie-ins.[239] These ventures leverage his cultural influence to drive brand visibility and sales across consumer products.[240]
Personal life
Family and relationships
Drake was born Aubrey Drake Graham on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, to Dennis Graham, an African-American musician and drummer from Memphis, Tennessee, and Sandra "Sandi" Graham, a Canadian of Ashkenazi Jewish descent who worked as an English teacher and later a florist.[12][241] His parents met in Toronto during the early 1980s, with Dennis relocating temporarily from the United States; they separated when Drake was five years old, after which he was raised primarily by his mother in the affluent Forest Hill neighborhood while maintaining sporadic contact with his father.[12][242] Dennis Graham, born in the 1950s, performed as a session drummer for artists including Jerry Lee Lewis and has occasionally collaborated with Drake on music projects, though their relationship has been marked by periods of estrangement and reconciliation. In May 2023, Drake shared his father's Ancestry.com DNA test results on Instagram, revealing ancestries of at least 30% Nigerian, 28% from Cameroon, Congo, and Western Bantu peoples, and 11% from Ivory Coast and Ghana.[243] Drake holds dual Canadian and American citizenship through his parents.[241]
Drake has no full siblings, though unverified reports suggest he may have two half-siblings from his father's side.[241] He welcomed a son, Adonis Graham, on October 11, 2017, with Sophie Brussaux, a French artist and former model born August 1, 1989, in Bordeaux.[244][245] Drake initially expressed skepticism about paternity in his 2018 track "Emotionless" but confirmed fatherhood publicly that year amid a feud with Pusha T, who referenced the child in a diss track; he and Brussaux, who met during a brief encounter in 2017, maintain a co-parenting arrangement without a romantic involvement, as evidenced by joint celebrations for Adonis's birthdays, including an elaborate Western-themed party for his eighth in October 2025.[245][246]
Drake has kept his romantic relationships largely private, with few publicly confirmed partnerships amid widespread speculation fueled by media and his own lyrics. Notable rumored involvements include brief associations with Rihanna spanning 2009 to 2016, Serena Williams in 2011, and Jennifer Lopez in 2016–2017, but these lack direct corroboration from the parties involved beyond tabloid sightings and indirect references in songs.[247][248] He has not married or fathered additional children as of October 2025.[249]
Health issues and residences
Drake revealed on October 6, 2023, during an appearance on Sirius XM's Sound 42 that he had been experiencing severe stomach problems for years, prompting him to take an indefinite break from music to prioritize his health, potentially lasting a year or more.[250][251] He described the issues as "the craziest problems" without specifying a diagnosis, emphasizing a need to "lock the door on the studio for a little bit" to address them.[252] In January 2021, Drake delayed the release of his album Certified Lover Boy due to rehabilitation following an unspecified surgery, which he announced via Instagram without detailing the procedure or recovery timeline.[253]
Drake's primary residence is a 50,000-square-foot mansion in Toronto's Bridle Path neighborhood, purchased in 2016 for $6.7 million and subsequently expanded; the property, dubbed "The Embassy," is now valued at approximately $100 million and features amenities including a basketball court and recording studio.[254][255] He previously owned a multi-property compound in Hidden Hills, California, known as the YOLO Estate, acquired starting in 2012 and fully sold by mid-2022 for around $12 million on the final parcel.[256][257] In 2023, Drake acquired a 25,000-square-foot Tuscan-style estate in Beverly Hills for over $70 million, spanning nearly 20 acres, though he listed it for sale in June 2025 at $79 million after prior price reductions.[258][259] Additional holdings include a property in the Bahamas, reflecting his pattern of investing in luxury real estate across North America.[260]
Works
Discography
Drake has released eight solo studio albums, all of which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, contributing to his record-tying 14 total number-one albums on the chart as of February 2025.[261][80] His early career featured three independent mixtapes, followed by hybrid projects blending mixtape and commercial album formats, such as If You're Reading This It's Too Late (2015) and More Life (2017), which also topped the Billboard 200.[261] Drake's albums have collectively earned multiple RIAA certifications, with Take Care (2011) reaching diamond status (10 million units) and Views (2016) certified 9× platinum.[132][262]
Studio albums
Title Release date Billboard 200 peak RIAA certification
Thank Me Later June 15, 2010 1 Multi-platinum
Take Care November 15, 2011 1 Diamond (10× platinum)
Nothing Was the Same September 24, 2013 1 7× platinum
Views April 29, 2016 1 9× platinum
Scorpion June 29, 2018 1 Multi-platinum
Certified Lover Boy September 3, 2021 1 Multi-platinum
Honestly, Nevermind June 17, 2022 1 Platinum
For All the Dogs October 6, 2023 1 Multi-platinum
Mixtapes
Drake's pre-major label mixtapes established his breakthrough, with So Far Gone (2009) reissued commercially after initial free digital release and spawning hits like "Best I Ever Had," certified diamond by the RIAA in 2025.[5] The series includes:
Room for Improvement (February 13, 2006)
Comeback Season (December 1, 2007)
So Far Gone (February 13, 2009)
Collaborative albums
Drake has released two major collaborative albums, both debuting at number one on the Billboard 200:
What a Time to Be Alive with Future (September 20, 2015)
Her Loss with 21 Savage (November 4, 2022) Additionally,
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omeexy $ongs 4 U with PARTYNEXTDOOR (February 14, 2025) marked his 14th Billboard 200 number-one.[263]
Compilations and EPs
Compilation releases include Care Package (August 2, 2019), a collection of archival tracks that debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, and Dark Lane Demo Tapes (May 1, 2020), which also topped the chart.[261] Earlier EPs such as So Far Gone (initial mixtape edition) and standalone singles compilations underscore his output of over 189 singles, including 13 Billboard Hot 100 number-ones.[1]
Drake's singles discography exceeds 189 releases, with notable certifications including diamond awards for tracks like "God's Plan" and "In My Feelings" from Scorpion.[132] His overall RIAA digital sales surpass 244 million units, ranking him as the top-selling digital artist.[5]
Tours
Drake's concert tours began in 2009 as part of collective packages and evolved into major solo and co-headlining productions, emphasizing high-energy performances, guest features, and innovative staging. Early outings supported his mixtape and debut album releases, while later tours broke records for hip-hop gross revenues, reflecting his commercial dominance in live music. By 2024, his cumulative touring revenue exceeded $779 million from over 500 shows and 6.2 million tickets sold.[264]
His first major exposure came on the Young Money Presents: America’s Most Wanted Music Tour in 2009, alongside Lil Wayne, with 804,000 tickets sold across 22 cities for $42 million gross.[31] The Away From Home Tour in 2010 marked his initial headlining effort, spanning 78 dates to promote Thank Me Later and generating $10 million from 233,000 tickets, incorporating eco-friendly elements like biodegradable merchandise.[31] The 2012 Club Paradise Tour, supporting Take Care, played 65 shows primarily at college venues with openers Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky, selling 749,000 tickets for $44 million.[31]
Subsequent tours expanded globally and in scale. The Would You Like a Tour? (2013–2015) covered North America, Europe, and Canada over 66 dates with acts including Future and The Weeknd, earning $60 million from 765,000 tickets.[31] In 2014, the Drake vs. Lil Wayne Tour innovated with fan-voted setlists via app, grossing $27 million from 408,000 tickets.[31]
Tour Name Dates Shows Tickets Sold Gross Earnings (USD) Key Notes
Summer Sixteen Tour (with Future) 2016 54 721,000 $84.3 million Highest-grossing hip-hop tour at the time; North American stadium run.[265]
Boy Meets World Tour 2017 43 582,000 $55 million Supported Views; European leg with Young Thug.[31]
Aubrey & the Three Migos Tour (with Migos) 2018 54 877,000 $103.1 million First rap tour over $100 million; North America only.[266]
Assassination Vacation Tour 2019 22 286,000 $34 million Europe-focused; multiple London dates with Tory Lanez.[31]
The 2023–2024 It's All a Blur Tour, co-headlined with 21 Savage on select dates and featuring Lil Yachty and Sexyy Red, comprised 80 North American shows, selling 1.3 million tickets at full capacity for $320.5 million—the highest-grossing hip-hop tour ever reported.[267] This outing included milestones like the first U.S. rap show exceeding $5 million in a single gross. In 2025, Drake joined PartyNextDoor for arena dates in Europe and North America, extending his live performance streak.[268]
Filmography
Drake's acting career began prior to his music fame, with his breakout role as Jimmy Brooks, a wheelchair-bound basketball enthusiast navigating teen issues including a school shooting and relationships, on the Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation. He portrayed the character across 109 episodes from 2001 to 2008, crediting the role with providing early exposure and financial stability before his musical pursuits.[269][270]
Following his music success, Drake's on-screen appearances diminished, shifting to brief cameos, voice roles, and guest spots rather than lead parts. These include voicing the teenage mammoth Ethan in the animated film Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012), appearing as a soul brother rapper in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013), and cameo-ing as himself in Think Like a Man Too (2014).[271][270] He also guest-starred as Dr. Tom, a spiritual guide, in a 2009 episode of the time-travel series Being Erica.[272]
Year(s) Title Role Type Notes
2001–2008 Degrassi: The Next Generation Jimmy Brooks (as Aubrey Graham) TV series Main role; 109 episodes
2009 Being Erica (Season 1) Dr. Tom TV series Guest appearance, 1 episode
2009 Degrassi Goes Hollywood: The Movie Jimmy Brooks TV movie Continuation of series role
2012 Ice Age: Continental Drift Ethan (voice) Animated film Supporting voice role
2013 Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues Soul Brother (as Aubrey Drake Graham) Film Cameo
2014 Think Like a Man Too Himself Film Cameo
Drake has not pursued extensive acting since the mid-2010s, focusing instead on music production and occasional documentary features like The Carter Effect (2017), where he served as executive producer rather than performer.[273] Reports of potential returns to acting, such as in dramedies, remain speculative without confirmed projects.
Disclaimer: This profile is based on publicly available information. No endorsement or affiliation is implied.
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