Drake Profile; Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur. He first gained recognition for his role as Jimmy Brooks on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation. However, it was his music career that propelled him to international fame and established him as one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation.
Drake’s music career began in 2006 when he released his first mixtape, Room for Improvement. He gained a substantial following through the release of several other mixtapes, which led to him signing with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment label in 2009. His debut studio album, Thank Me Later, was released in 2010 and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. Since then, he has released several more successful albums and has won numerous awards for his music.
Key Takeaways
- Drake is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur who gained recognition for his role on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation before establishing himself as a successful musician.
- His music career began in 2006 with the release of his first mixtape, Room for Improvement, and he has since released several successful albums.
- Drake has won numerous awards for his music and is considered one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation.
Early Life
Birth and Family
Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada, to Sandi Graham, a Jewish Canadian, and Dennis Graham, an African American musician from Memphis, Tennessee. Drake’s parents got divorced when he was just five years old, and he was raised by his mother in Toronto’s Forest Hill neighborhood.
Education
Drake attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, a high school in Toronto, where he first developed an interest in acting. He later attended Vaughan Road Academy, where he switched his focus to music and began honing his skills as a rapper and singer.
Early Musical Interests
Drake’s early musical interests were influenced by his father, who was a drummer for rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis. As a child, Drake spent summers with his father in Memphis, where he was introduced to the music of soul and blues legends like Al Green and Marvin Gaye.
Drake’s interest in hip hop was sparked by his exposure to artists like Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G. during his teenage years. He began writing and recording his own music at the age of 15, and by the time he was 18, he had released his first mixtape, “Room for Improvement.”
Music Career
Rise to Fame
Drake’s music career began in 2006 when he released his first mixtape, “Room for Improvement.” He gained recognition in the music industry with the release of his third mixtape, “So Far Gone,” in 2009. The mixtape featured hit singles such as “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful,” which helped Drake gain a massive following and established him as one of the most promising artists in the industry.
Albums and Singles
Drake has released several successful albums throughout his career, including “Thank Me Later,” “Take Care,” “Nothing Was the Same,” and “Scorpion.” His hit singles include “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” “God’s Plan,” and “In My Feelings.” Drake has also collaborated with several other artists, including Rihanna, Future, and Lil Wayne, among others.
Awards and Achievements
Drake has won numerous awards throughout his career, including four Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, and 27 Billboard Music Awards. He has also been named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine and Forbes.
Collaborations
Drake has collaborated with several other artists throughout his career, including Rihanna on “What’s My Name?” and “Work,” Lil Wayne on “Believe Me,” and Future on “Jumpman.” He has also collaborated with artists outside of the hip hop genre, such as Ed Sheeran on “Nothin’ on You,” and Bad Bunny on “MIA.”
Musical Style and Influence
Drake’s music style is a blend of hip hop, R&B, and pop. He has been credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities in hip hop artists. Drake’s music has been influenced by several artists, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Aaliyah, among others.
Business Ventures
Drake is not only a successful rapper but also a savvy businessman. He has diversified his portfolio with various business ventures, ranging from music to sports, fashion, and spirits. Here are some of the most notable business ventures of Drake.
OVO Sound
Drake founded OVO Sound in 2012, a record label that has signed several artists, including PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, and Roy Woods. The label has released several successful albums and singles, including Drake’s own “Views” and “Scorpion.” OVO Sound has also collaborated with other brands, such as Jordan, Canada Goose, and Clarks.
Fashion and Brand Endorsements
Drake has also made a name for himself in the fashion industry. He co-founded the OVO clothing line in 2011, which offers streetwear and accessories. The brand has collaborated with other fashion brands, such as Roots, Timberland, and Canada Goose. Drake has also endorsed other brands, such as Nike’s Air Jordan, Tom Ford, and Virginia Black whiskey.
Whiskey Brand
Speaking of whiskey, Drake launched his own whiskey brand, Virginia Black, in 2016. The brand’s signature bottle features a sleek black design with gold accents. Virginia Black is a blend of two, three, and four-year-old bourbon whiskies, with a high percentage of corn and rye. The brand has won several awards, including the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Sports Investments
Drake is also a sports fan and has invested in several sports teams. In 2013, he became the Global Ambassador for the Toronto Raptors, a position he still holds to this day. He has also invested in the esports team 100 Thieves and co-owns the sports media company Overtime.
Public Image
Drake’s public image is a topic of much discussion among his fans and critics. While he is often praised for his musical talent, he has also faced criticism for his personal and professional choices. In this section, we will explore Drake’s public image by examining his media presence, philanthropy, and controversies.
Media Presence
Drake has a strong media presence, with millions of followers on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. He often uses these platforms to promote his music and connect with his fans. In addition, he has been featured in numerous magazines and television shows, including GQ, Rolling Stone, and Saturday Night Live.
Philanthropy
Drake has been involved in several philanthropic efforts throughout his career. In 2010, he founded the OVO Fest, an annual music festival in Toronto that raises money for local charities. He has also donated money to organizations such as the Jamaican Learning Center and the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.
Controversies
Drake has faced several controversies throughout his career. In 2018, he was involved in a feud with fellow rapper Pusha T, which resulted in the release of several diss tracks. He has also faced criticism for his relationships with younger women, including actress Millie Bobby Brown and model Bella Harris.
Despite these controversies, Drake remains one of the most popular and influential musicians of his generation. His music continues to resonate with fans around the world, and his public image remains a topic of much discussion and debate.
Personal Life
Drake is known for keeping his personal life private, but there are a few details known about his relationships and hobbies.
Relationships
Drake has been linked to several high-profile women over the years, including Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Serena Williams. However, he has never been married and does not have any children. In a 2018 interview with LeBron James, Drake revealed that he was “single and ready to mingle,” but also expressed his desire to find the right person to settle down with.
Hobbies and Interests
When he’s not making music, Drake enjoys a variety of hobbies and interests. He is a big sports fan and has been spotted at basketball games, football games, and tennis matches. He is also a fan of video games and has been known to play popular titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty.
In addition to sports and video games, Drake is also a collector of luxury watches. He has been seen wearing watches from brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe, and even has a song titled “Nonstop” where he raps about his love for watches. Drake has also been known to collect artwork, and has several pieces by artists like KAWS and Takashi Murakami in his personal collection.
Discography
Drake has released a total of eight studio albums, one collaborative album, three compilation albums, four extended plays, and seven mixtapes. His debut album, “Thank Me Later,” was released in 2010 and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and spawned hit singles such as “Find Your Love” and “Fancy.”
Drake’s second studio album, “Take Care,” was released in 2011 and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2013. It featured collaborations with artists such as Rihanna, The Weeknd, and Nicki Minaj. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA.
In 2013, Drake released his third studio album, “Nothing Was the Same.” The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA. It featured hit singles such as “Started from the Bottom” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home.”
Drake’s fourth studio album, “Views,” was released in 2016 and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA and featured hit singles such as “One Dance” and “Controlla.”
In 2018, Drake released his fifth studio album, “Scorpion.” The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. It featured hit singles such as “God’s Plan” and “In My Feelings.”
Drake’s most recent studio album, “Certified Lover Boy,” was released in 2021 and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album features collaborations with artists such as Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Future. It has already been certified platinum by the RIAA.
Overall, Drake has had a highly successful discography, with many of his albums debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and receiving platinum certifications from the RIAA.
Tours
Drake is known for his extravagant and highly successful tours, which have taken him across the globe multiple times. His most recent tour, the “It’s All a Blur” tour, was launched in support of his eighth solo studio album, “For All the Dogs,” and his collaborative album with 21 Savage, “Her Loss.”
The “It’s All a Blur” tour consisted of 54 dates, making it one of Drake’s longest tours to date. The tour kicked off in North America and continued through Europe, Asia, and Africa. The tour was a massive success, with many shows selling out within minutes of going on sale.
Drake’s tours are known for their high production value, with elaborate stage designs, stunning visuals, and impressive pyrotechnics. His team works tirelessly to create an unforgettable experience for fans, and the “It’s All a Blur” tour was no exception. Drake’s team described the tour as “like a Rubik’s Cube,” with each show requiring precise planning and execution.
Throughout his career, Drake has also collaborated with other artists on tour. In 2024, he announced a co-headlining tour with J. Cole, which will follow his “It’s All a Blur” tour. The tour is highly anticipated by fans of both artists and is expected to be another massive success for Drake.
Overall, Drake’s tours are a testament to his status as one of the biggest names in music today. With each tour, he continues to push the boundaries and create unforgettable experiences for his fans around the world.
Filmography
Drake has made a name for himself in the music industry, but he has also had a successful career in acting. He has appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career. Here is a breakdown of his filmography:
Films
Drake’s film debut was in 2007 in the movie “Charlie Bartlett,” where he played the character of “A/V Jones.” In 2012, he starred in “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” as himself and had a cameo in the film “Think Like A Man Too” in 2014.
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Charlie Bartlett | A/V Jones |
| 2012 | Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues | Himself |
| 2014 | Think Like A Man Too | Himself |
Television
Drake’s acting career began with his role as Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian teen drama “Degrassi: The Next Generation” from 2001 to 2009. He has also appeared in several other television shows, including “Saturday Night Live,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” and “The Cleveland Show.”
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001-2009 | Degrassi: The Next Generation | Jimmy Brooks |
| 2011 | Saturday Night Live | Host |
| 2013 | The Ellen DeGeneres Show | Himself |
| 2014 | The Cleveland Show | Kenny West |
Overall, Drake has had a successful career in both music and acting. His filmography is evidence of his versatility and ability to succeed in multiple industries.
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