Drake

About

Drake is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer who has become one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation. He first gained mainstream attention with his 2009 mixtape “”So Far Gone”” and the hit single “”Best I Ever Had””. Since then, he has released numerous chart-topping albums and singles, collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, and amassed a massive following of fans around the world.

In this article, we will explore Drake’s life and career, from his early beginnings to his current status as a cultural icon and one of the most popular artists in hip-hop.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Childhood and Family Background

Born Aubrey Drake Graham on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada, Drake’s parents divorced when he was just five years old. He was raised by his mother, Sandi Graham, who is Jewish and his father, Dennis Graham, a drummer and bassist who worked with Jerry Lee Lewis, among other artists. He attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, where he initially started acting, but eventually became interested in music.

Musical Interests and Inspirations

Drake’s musical influences range from Jay-Z and Lil Wayne to Aaliyah and Marvin Gaye. He has also admitted that he is inspired by Toronto, his hometown, and that it has played a significant role in his music. He started making music at age 15, and his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement, was released in 2006.

Acting Career and Early Music Pursuits

Before Drake became a successful musician, he was an actor. He landed a role on the Canadian TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation, where he played Jimmy Brooks, a basketball star who became paralyzed after being shot. He left the show in 2009 to focus on his music career, which was starting to take off.

Rise to Fame with “”Best I Ever Had””

Background of the Song and Mixtape

In 2009, Drake released his third mixtape, So Far Gone, which featured the hit single “”Best I Ever Had.”” The song was produced by Boi-1da and was a massive success, gaining over 800,000 downloads in the first week of its release.

Impact on Drake’s Career

“”Best I Ever Had”” became Drake’s breakthrough hit, and it put him on the map. The song was nominated for two Grammy Awards and helped him secure a record deal with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment. It also paved the way for his debut album, Thank Me Later.

Reception and Chart Performance

“”Best I Ever Had”” topped the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also a success internationally, charting in several countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.

The Success of his Albums and Mixtapes

Debut Album “”Thank Me Later””

Thank Me Later, released in 2010, debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. The album featured collaborations with Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and Lil Wayne, among others.

Second Album “”Take Care””

Take Care, released in 2011, was another massive success for Drake. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and won Best Rap Album at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. It featured collaborations with Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and The Weeknd, among others.

Subsequent Albums and Mixtapes

Drake’s subsequent albums and mixtapes have also been successful, including Nothing Was the Same (2013), Views (2016), and Scorpion (2018). Drake has sold over 150 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling musicians of all time.

Drake’s Collaborations and Features

Collaborations with Producers and Artists

Drake has collaborated with numerous producers and artists throughout his career, including Boi-1da, Noah “”40″” Shebib, and Kanye West.

Notable Collaborations and Features with Other Artists

Some of Drake’s most notable collaborations and features include “”What’s My Name?”” with Rihanna, “”Moment 4 Life”” with Nicki Minaj, “”Work”” with Rihanna, and “”One Dance”” with WizKid and Kyla.

Impact on Drake’s Career and Collaborators

Drake’s collaborations and features have helped him reach new audiences and expand his fanbase. They have also helped introduce his collaborators to new audiences and have led to successful careers for some of them, including The Weeknd and PartyNextDoor.

Personal Life and Relationships

When it comes to his personal life, Drake has been fairly open with his fans. Throughout his career, he has been linked to numerous women, but he has been relatively private about his relationships.

Early Romantic Relationships

Drake’s earliest known romantic relationship was with Nebby, a woman he dated in his hometown of Toronto. However, it was his relationship with Rihanna that really put him on the map in terms of public relationships. The two first started dating in 2009 and had an on-again, off-again relationship for several years.

Public Relationships with Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez

In addition to Rihanna, Drake has also been linked to a number of other high-profile women in the entertainment industry. One of his most public relationships was with Jennifer Lopez. The two were spotted together several times in late 2016, sparking rumors that they were dating. However, the relationship didn’t last long and the two eventually went their separate ways.

Current Relationship Status and Personal Life

As of 2021, Drake’s relationship status is relatively unknown. He has been linked to a few women in recent years, but he has been keeping his personal life out of the public eye. When he’s not making music, Drake enjoys spending time with his son, Adonis, and has been outspoken about his love for his family.

Acting and Other Ventures

In addition to his successful music career, Drake has also dabbled in acting and other business ventures.

Television and Film Appearances

Drake got his start in acting on the Canadian television series Degrassi: The Next Generation, where he played the character Jimmy Brooks for several seasons. He has also appeared in a number of films, including Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues and Think Like a Man Too.

Record Label and Fashion Ventures

Drake is the founder of OVO Sound, a record label he founded with his longtime friend and producer, Noah “”40″” Shebib. In addition to music, Drake has also had success in the fashion industry. He has his own clothing line, OVO, which includes a range of streetwear-inspired pieces.

Investments and Philanthropy

Drake has also invested his money in a number of different ventures, including a restaurant in Toronto and a whiskey company. He has also been active in philanthropy, including donating money to support various causes, such as hurricane relief efforts in Houston.

Awards and Accolades

Over the course of his career, Drake has won a number of awards and accolades for his music.

Grammy Awards and Other Recognitions

Drake has won four Grammy Awards to date, including Best Rap Song, Best Rap/Sung Performance, and Best Rap Album. He has also won several American Music Awards, BET Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.

Impact on Drake’s Legacy and Hip-Hop Genre

In addition to his numerous awards, Drake’s impact on the hip-hop genre and his legacy in the music industry is undeniable. He has been credited with helping to popularize the use of melody in rap music and has inspired countless other artists with his unique sound and style.

Contributions to Hip-Hop Culture

Drake’s contributions to hip-hop culture extend far beyond just his music.

Lyricism and Storytelling Style

One of Drake’s greatest strengths as an artist is his ability to weave compelling stories and emotions into his lyrics. His music often touches on personal experiences and struggles, making it relatable to a wide range of people.

Influence on Contemporary Rap Artists

Drake has been a major influence on a number of other contemporary rap artists, including Post Malone, Lil Wayne, and Travis Scott. His unique sound and style has helped to shape the direction of the genre and has inspired countless others to pursue their own careers in music.

Impact on Hip-Hop Culture and Music Industry

Drake’s impact on hip-hop culture and the music industry as a whole cannot be overstated. He has helped to bring rap music into the mainstream and has opened doors for countless other artists to achieve success in the industry.Throughout his career, Drake has proven to be a versatile and innovative artist, constantly pushing the boundaries of hip-hop with his unique sound and style. He has won numerous awards and accolades, collaborated with some of music’s biggest names, and influenced a generation of young artists. As he continues to evolve and experiment with his art, there is no doubt that Drake will remain a major force in music and continue to shape the direction of hip-hop culture for years to come.

FAQs

What is Drake’s real name?

Drake’s full name is Aubrey Drake Graham.

How many albums has Drake released?

As of 2021, Drake has released six studio albums, three compilation albums, five mixtapes, one extended play, and 139 singles.

What is Drake’s net worth?

Drake’s net worth is estimated to be around $180 million according to Forbes.

Has Drake won any Grammy Awards?

Yes, Drake has won four Grammy Awards out of a total of forty-four nominations.

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Drake On Spotify

Last Updated: 3rd March 2023