50 Facts About Drake

Early Life and Family Background

Drake's journey to stardom began in Toronto, where he was born and raised. His family and early experiences played a significant role in shaping his career.

1. Early Life: Born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Drake was raised by his mother after his parents divorced when he was five years old.
2. Family Background: His father, Dennis Graham, was a drummer from Memphis, Tennessee, and his mother, Sandi Graham, was a Jewish Canadian school teacher.
3. Musical Roots: Drake's uncle, Larry Graham, was a renowned bassist who played with Prince, and his other uncle, Mabon "Teenie" Hodges, was a guitarist.
4. Residence: He lived in the working-class neighborhood of Weston Road before moving to the affluent Forest Hill area.
5. Early Interest in Music: Drake began writing songs at the age of 10, influenced by his musical family and the hip-hop culture around him.

Acting Career and Transition to Music

Before dominating the music charts, Drake was known for his acting skills. His role in a popular teen drama series set the stage for his future success.

6. Acting Career: Drake gained fame as Jimmy Brooks, a wheelchair-bound basketball star, in the Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation from 2001 to 2008.
7. Breakthrough in Music: In 2006, he self-published his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement, marking the start of his music career.
8. Mixtape Success: His follow-up mixtape, Comeback Season (2007), included the single “Replacement Girl” featuring Trey Songz, which was highlighted on BET’s 106 & Park.
9. Signing with Young Money: In 2009, Drake signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment, a move that significantly boosted his career.
10. Hit Single “Best I Ever Had”: The single from So Far Gone became a massive hit and is often credited as Drake’s breakout song.

Rise to Stardom

Drake's debut studio album and subsequent releases cemented his place in the music industry. His unique style and collaborations with other artists helped him rise to fame.

11. First Studio Album: In 2010, Drake released his debut studio album Thank Me Later, which included hits like “Over” and “Find Your Love”.
12. Grammy Awards: His second studio album Take Care (2011) won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.
13. OVO Sound: In 2012, Drake founded the record label OVO Sound with longtime collaborator Noah "40" Shebib.
14. Entrepreneurial Ventures: Beyond music, Drake founded the clothing line October’s Very Own (OVO), which includes fashion, accessories, and other merchandise.
15. Bourbon Whiskey Collaboration: In 2016, Drake collaborated with Brent Hocking on the bourbon whiskey Virginia Black.

Influence and Impact

Drake's influence extends beyond music. His ventures into fashion, business, and philanthropy have made him a multifaceted figure in popular culture.

16. Fashion and Lifestyle: Drake has ventured into fashion with his OVO fashion label and collaborations with Nike, Inc., through the Nocta line.
17. Production Company and Fragrance House: He founded the production company DreamCrew and the fragrance house Better World.
18. Impact on Hip-Hop: Drake has been credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities in hip-hop, significantly influencing contemporary rap music.
19. Record Sales: With over 170 million units sold, Drake is one of the best-selling music artists in the world.
20. Awards and Recognition: Drake has won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, and 39 Billboard Music Awards.

Collaborations and Personal Life

Drake's collaborations with other artists and his personal life have often been in the spotlight. His authenticity and openness have endeared him to fans worldwide.

21. Chart-Topping Singles: Drake has achieved 13 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
22. Collaborations: He has worked with numerous prominent artists, including Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, and Nicki Minaj.
23. Autobiographical Lyrics: Many of Drake’s songs are autobiographical, exploring his personal struggles and experiences.
24. Impact on Toronto: In 2013, Drake became the global ambassador of the Toronto Raptors, contributing significantly to Toronto’s tourism industry.
25. Philanthropy: Drake has supported various philanthropic efforts, including local charities and community programs.

Feuds and Controversies

Drake's career has not been without its challenges. His high-profile feuds and controversies have often made headlines, adding to his complex persona.

26. Rap Feuds: Drake has been involved in several high-profile rap feuds, including with Pusha T and Meek Mill.
27. Impact on Pop Culture: Beyond music, Drake has made significant contributions to pop culture, hosting Saturday Night Live and appearing in various films and TV shows.
28. Influence on Fashion: His collaborations with major brands like Nike and his own clothing line, OVO, have made him a trendsetter.
29. Bourbon Whiskey Success: The bourbon whiskey Virginia Black, co-founded by Drake, has been successful in the market.
30. Fragrance Line: The fragrance house Better World offers a range of scents that reflect Drake's personal style and brand.

Business Ventures and Community Involvement

Drake's entrepreneurial spirit has led him to explore various business ventures. His commitment to his community and philanthropic efforts further highlight his multifaceted personality.

31. Production Company DreamCrew: DreamCrew, founded by Drake, is involved in various creative projects, including music and film production.
32. OVO Athletic Centre: The OVO Athletic Centre, named after Drake’s record label, is a state-of-the-art facility used by the Toronto Raptors.
33. Toronto Raptors Ambassador: As the global ambassador of the Toronto Raptors, Drake has been instrumental in promoting the team.
34. Community Involvement: Drake has been involved in various community programs, including those supported by the Toronto Raptors.
35. Philanthropic Efforts: Beyond his involvement with the Raptors, Drake has supported various local charities and initiatives.

Personal Style and Music Evolution

Drake's unique style and evolving music have kept him at the forefront of the industry. His ability to adapt and innovate has made him a lasting figure in hip-hop.

36. Personal Style: Known for blending streetwear with high-end fashion, Drake has influenced fashion trends globally.
37. Music Evolution: Over the years, Drake has experimented with different genres and styles, consistently pushing the boundaries of hip-hop and R&B.
38. Collaborations with Other Artists: He has worked with numerous artists, including Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Justin Timberlake.
39. Impact on Hip-Hop Culture: Drake's lyrics often reflect his personal experiences and emotions, making him relatable to a wide audience.
40. Rap Feuds and Controversies: Despite his success, Drake has been involved in several high-profile rap feuds and controversies.

Acting and Media Presence

Drake's talents extend beyond music. His acting career and media presence have further solidified his status as a versatile entertainer.

41. Acting Career Continuation: Although his acting career began with Degrassi, Drake has continued to act in various films and TV shows.
42. Hosting Saturday Night Live: In 2014 and 2016, Drake hosted Saturday Night Live, showcasing his comedic skills.
43. Executive Producer of Euphoria: In 2019, Drake became an executive producer of the HBO series Euphoria.
44. Impact on Social Media: Drake has leveraged social media platforms to connect with fans and promote his brand.
45. Business Ventures: Beyond music and acting, Drake has ventured into various business ventures, including fashion, bourbon whiskey, and fragrance lines.

Legacy and Influence

Drake's legacy in hip-hop and popular culture is undeniable. His contributions to music, fashion, and business have made him a lasting figure in the industry.

46. Net Worth: Estimated to be around US$150 million in 2019, Drake’s net worth reflects his success in music and business.
47. Height and Physical Appearance: Standing at 1.82 meters (6 feet), Drake is known for his tall stature and distinctive voice.
48. Family Life: Drake has a son with former adult film star Sophie Brussaux and has maintained a level of privacy regarding his personal life.
49. Religious Background: Raised Jewish by his mother, Drake has spoken publicly about his Jewish heritage and considers himself black due to his immersion in black culture.
50. Legacy in Hip-Hop: As one of the most influential figures in contemporary hip-hop, Drake’s legacy extends beyond his music, shaping the genre with his innovative style and lyrical depth.

Drake's Impact and Legacy

Drake's journey from a young actor on Degrassi to a global music icon is nothing short of remarkable. With his unique blend of singing and rapping, he's reshaped contemporary hip-hop. Founding OVO Sound and venturing into fashion, whiskey, and fragrances, Drake's entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly. His role as the Toronto Raptors' global ambassador and his philanthropic efforts highlight his deep connection to his hometown and community. Personal lyrics and high-profile collaborations have made him relatable and influential. Despite rap feuds and controversies, his authenticity and versatility keep him at the forefront of pop culture. Drake's legacy extends beyond music, impacting fashion, sports, and entertainment. His story is a testament to hard work, talent, and innovation, inspiring future generations.