Drake: From TV to Top Charts
Aubrey Drake Graham, known simply as Drake, is a Canadian rapper and singer who has had a huge impact on today’s music scene. You might remember him from his role as Jimmy Brooks on the TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation. He started making music in 2006 and quickly gained popularity with his mixtapes like “Room for Improvement” and “So Far Gone.”
Drake’s albums, like “Thank Me Later” and “Take Care,” have all been big hits, topping the charts in both the US and Canada. He’s known for mixing R&B with hip hop, and his songs like “Hotline Bling” and “One Dance” have become international hits.
Besides music, Drake is also a successful entrepreneur. He started his own record label called OVO Sound and has his own fashion label called Nocta, which he made with Nike. He’s even involved in businesses outside of music, like his partnership with Brent Hocking on Virginia Black whiskey.
Drake’s achievements in music are impressive. He’s won multiple Grammy Awards and holds records for the most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100. He’s not just a musician; he’s a major player in the entertainment industry.
Drake’s Musical Journey: The Early Days
Aubrey Drake Graham, also known as Drake, was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada. His dad, Dennis Graham, is a drummer from Memphis, and his mom, Sandra Graham, is Canadian. Drake’s parents split when he was young, and he stayed with his mom in Toronto while his dad dealt with some legal troubles in the US.
Growing up, Drake lived in two different parts of Toronto. First, in a working-class area called Weston Road, then in a wealthier neighborhood called Forest Hill. He went to different schools in these areas and even worked at his grandfather’s furniture factory for a while.
Life wasn’t always easy for Drake. He faced bullying at school because of his background, and he eventually dropped out to focus on his acting and music career. Despite the challenges, he later went back and got his high school diploma in 2012.
Drake’s journey from his early days in Toronto to becoming a global superstar has been full of ups and downs, but he’s never stopped chasing his dreams.
Drake’s Rise to Global Stardom
Drake, the 36-year-old rap sensation, seems more like a legend than an ordinary person these days. He’s achieved remarkable success in the music industry, topping the charts with 10 number one albums and outselling iconic figures like Tupac, Jay-Z, and Eminem.
Recently, he dropped his eighth studio album, “For All the Dogs,” which became a massive hit.
But how did a kid from Canada, who started as a child actor, manage to outshine his mentors, date Rihanna, win five Grammys, and break records held by The Beatles?
Let’s take a look at Drake’s journey to superstardom.
Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada. He grew up in a diverse household with his Black father, Dennis Graham, and his Jewish Canadian mother, Sandra. Despite his family’s musical background and his Jewish heritage, Drake faced financial struggles while growing up. His mom worked hard to provide for the family, even though they lived in modest conditions.
Drake’s journey into the spotlight began when he landed a role on the Canadian teen drama “Degrassi: The Next Generation” at the age of 14. While acting, he discovered his passion for music and started writing songs in his spare time.
In 2008, Drake decided to pursue music full-time and released his third mixtape, “So Far Gone,” which garnered critical acclaim. His breakout single “Best I Ever Had” catapulted him into the music scene, and he quickly became a household name.
Despite facing initial skepticism from the hip-hop community, Drake’s unique blend of rap and R&B resonated with audiences worldwide. His debut studio album, “Thank Me Later,” debuted at number one on the charts and solidified his status as a rising star.
Over the years, Drake continued to push boundaries with his music, collaborating with industry heavyweights like Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem. His albums “Take Care” and “Nothing Was the Same” received widespread praise for their introspective lyrics and innovative sound.
Drake’s personal life also made headlines, particularly his on-again, off-again relationship with Rihanna. Despite their ups and downs, the two artists remained close collaborators, producing several chart-topping hits together.
In addition to his music career, Drake ventured into entrepreneurship, founding his own record label, OVO Sound, and partnering with brands like Nike and Apple Music. He also made waves in the business world, investing in ventures ranging from whiskey to professional sports teams.
Today, Drake stands as one of the most influential artists of his generation, with a legacy that transcends music. From his humble beginnings in Toronto to his global stardom, Drake’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere.
Drake’s Hit Albums and Singles
Albums:
- “For All The Dogs” (2023)
- “Her Loss” (with Drake and 21 Savage, 2022)
- “Honestly, Nevermind” (2022)
- “Certified Lover Boy” (2021)
- “Dark Lane Demo Tapes” (2020)
- “Care Package” (2019)
- “Scorpion” (2018)
- “More Life” (2017)
- “Views” (2016)
- “What A Time To Be Alive” (with Drake and Future, 2015)
- “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” (2015)
- “Nothing Was The Same” (2013)
- “Take Care” (2011)
- “Thank Me Later” (2010)
- “So Far Gone” (2009)
Top Singles by Drake:
- “Needle” (with Nicki Minaj, 2023)
- “Evil Ways” (2023)
- “Stories About My Brother” (2023)
- “Red Button” (2023)
- “You Broke My Heart” (2023)
- “Wick Man” (2023)
- “The Shoe Fits” (2023)
- “Fear Of Heights” (2023)
- “Screw The World Interlude” (2023)
- “Calling For You” (2023)
- “BBL Love Interlude” (2023)
- “IDGAF” (2023)
- “Another Late Night” (2023)
- “All The Parties” (2023)
- “Tried Our Best” (2023)
- “What Would Pluto Do” (2023)
- “7969 Santa” (2023)
- “Rich Baby Daddy” (2023)
- “Daylight” (2023)
- “Polar Opposites” (2023)
- “Virginia Beach” (2023)
- “Away From Home” (2023)
- “First Person Shooter” (2023)
- “Drew A Picasso” (2023)
- “Members Only” (2023)
- “Bahamas Promises” (2023)
- “8am In Charlotte” (2023)
- “Gently” (2023)
- “Slime You Out” (2023)
- “Meltdown” (with Travis Scott, 2023)
- “On The Radar Freestyle” (2023)
- “Oh U Went” (with Young Thug, 2023)
- “Parade On Cleveland” (with Young Thug, 2023)
- “Search & Rescue” (2023)
- “Middle Of The Ocean” (2022)
- “Broke Boys” (2022)
- “BackOutsideBoyz” (2022)
- “Privileged Rappers” (2022)
- “Spin Bout U” (2022)
- “Major Distribution” (2022)
- “I Guess It’s F**k Me” (2022)
- “Jumbotron Sh*t Poppin” (2022)
- “Treacherous Twins” (2022)
- “Hours In Silence” (2022)
- “Circo Loco” (2022)
- “P**sy & Millions” (2022)
- “On BS” (2022)
- “Rich Flex” (2022)
- “More M’s” (2022)
- “No Secret” (with DJ Khaled, 2022)
- “Staying Alive” (with DJ Khaled and Lil Baby, 2022)
- “Overdrive” (2022)
- “Currents” (2022)
- “Calling My Name” (2022)
- “Texts Go Green” (2022)
- “Sticky” (2022)
- “Tie That Binds” (2022)
- “Liability” (2022)
- “Flight’s Booked” (2022)
- “A Keeper” (2022)
- “Massive” (2022)
- “Falling Back” (2022)
- “Jimmy Cooks” (2022)
- “Down Hill” (2022)
- “Churchill Downs” (with Jack Harlow, 2022)
- “Wait For U” (with Future and Tems, 2022)
- “P Power” (with Gunna, 2022)
- “Bubbly” (with Young Thug and Travis Scott, 2021)
- “F**king Fans” (2021)
- “Fair Trade” (2021)
- “Fountains” (2021)
- “Way 2 Sexy” (2021)
- “Yebba’s Heartbreak” (2021)
- “Race My Mind” (2021)
- “Pipe Down” (2021)
- “No Friends In The Industry” (2021)
- “TSU” (2021)
- “In The Bible” (2021)
- “The Remorse” (2021)
- “Champagne Poetry” (2021)
- “Get Along Better” (2021)
- “Girls Want Girls” (2021)
- “You Only Live Twice” (2021)
- “IMY2” (2021)
- “7am On Bridle Path” (2021)
- “N 2 Deep” (2021)
- “Love All” (2021)
- “Papi’s Home” (2021)
- “Knife Talk” (2021)
- “Betrayal” (with Trippie Redd, 2021)
- “Over The Top” (with Smiley, 2021)
- “Wasting Time” (with Brent Faiyaz, 2021)
- “Having Our Way” (with Migos, 2021)
- “Seeing Green” (with Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, 2021)
- “Solid” (with Young Thug and Gunna, 2021)
- “Wants And Needs” (2021)
- “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” (2021)
- “What’s Next” (2021)
- “You’re Mines Still” (with Yung Bleu, 2020)
- “Mr. Right Now” (with 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, 2020)
- “Outta Time” (with Bryson Tiller, 2020)
- “Laugh Now Cry Later” (2020)
- “Popstar” (with DJ Khaled, 2020)
- “Greece” (with DJ Khaled, 2020)
- “Losses” (2020)
- “Landed” (2020)
- “Demons” (2020)
- “Time Flies” (2020)
- “Not You Too” (2020)
- “Chicago Freestyle” (2020)
- “War” (2020)
- “From Florida With Love” (2020)
- “When To Say When” (2020)
- “Deep Pockets” (2020)
- “Desires” (2020)
- “D4L” (with Future and Young Thug, 2020)
- “Pain 1993” (2020)
- “Toosie Slide” (2020)
- “Oprah’s Bank Account” (with Lil Yachty and DaBaby, 2020)
- “Life Is Good” (with Future, 2020)
Drake Away from the Mic
Drake, known for his emotional lyrics about relationships, has received mixed reactions from fans and critics. Some view him as sensitive and not authentic to hip hop culture. He’s also known for his lavish lifestyle, throwing extravagant themed parties and flaunting his wealth, including his Rolls-Royce Phantom which he received as a gift in 2021. Drake has a reputation as a big gambler, reportedly making bets worth over $1 billion between December 2021 and February 2022, though some of the gambling he promotes, like roulette, isn’t known for good odds.
He’s credited with popularizing phrases like “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) through his music, and he coined the term “The Six” for Toronto. June 10 is celebrated as “Drake Day” in Houston. He famously visited Drake University after students campaigned for his appearance for years. His Toronto home is highly searched online, known for its luxurious features like an NBA-sized basketball court.
The music video for “Hotline Bling” went viral due to Drake’s quirky dance moves, and he’s been critiqued for his expensive fashion choices, including product placement-heavy outfits. Drake is considered a style icon by some, and his “heart haircut” trended after he debuted it.
Drake has spoken out on social issues, like police brutality and copyright laws for artists. He’s also supported initiatives like expanding a WNBA franchise in Toronto and advocating for clemency for Larry Hoover. Additionally, he’s donated money to individuals in need and signed a letter calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Drake’s Contributions to Music and Culture
Drake holds the title for the artist with the most certified digital singles in the US, totaling a whopping 142 million units from sales and streams. His top-certified songs include “God’s Plan,” which is certified 15 times Platinum, along with “Hotline Bling” and “One Dance,” both certified Diamond. He’s also Spotify’s most streamed artist of the 2010s.
On the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Drake owns numerous records: most charted songs (321), most top 10 singles (76), most top 10 debuts (61), most top 10 singles in a year (13), most weeks in the top 10 (384), and the list goes on. He’s racked up 13 number-one hits (14 if you count his uncredited feature on “Sicko Mode”). In 2021, Drake joined The Beatles as the only acts to occupy the entire top five spots on the Hot 100 in a single week.
Drake has also snagged 29 Billboard Music Awards and four Grammy Awards. He was crowned Artist of the Decade at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards and named IFPI Global Recording Artist in 2016 and 2018. Critics have praised albums like “Nothing Was the Same” and “Take Care,” with Rolling Stone ranking the latter among the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Complex has recognized Drake as the Best Rapper Alive in multiple years, including 2011, 2012, and 2015. Pitchfork and other publications have also hailed him as one of the top music artists of the decade.
Awards and Milestones of Drake
Aubrey Drake Graham, a Canadian rapper, singer, and actor, kickstarted his career in acting back in 2001 using his real name. He gained recognition for his role as Jimmy Brooks in the TV series “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” earning five Young Artist Award nominations and a win for Best Ensemble in a TV Series.
Transitioning to music in 2006, Drake has since garnered an impressive collection of accolades. He’s scooped up a total of 193 awards, including 5 Grammy Awards out of 51 nominations. At the Billboard Music Awards, he’s a record-breaker, clinching 29 wins out of 81 nominations, even bagging the coveted Artist of the Decade title.
Drake’s award nominations:
- In 2010, Drake and his album “Thank Me Later” were nominated for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Album respectively.
- In 2012, his album “Take Care” and Drake himself were up for several awards, including Artist of the Year and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist.
- In 2014, “Nothing Was the Same” got a nod for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album.
- 2015 saw nominations for Drake and his mixtape “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.”
- 2016 was a big win, with Drake taking home Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album for “Views” and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Song for “Hotline Bling.”
- The following year, he won Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist but missed out on other categories for “More Life.”
- In 2018 and 2019, Drake received nominations across various categories but didn’t secure any wins.
- 2020 brought nods for his songs “Life Is Good” and “No Guidance.”
- In 2021, Drake won Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist and received nominations for “Artist of the Year” and “Favorite Male Pop Artist.”
- The trend continued in 2022 with more nominations, including wins for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Song for “Wait for U.”
- Additionally, his album “Honestly, Nevermind” received a nomination for Favorite R&B Album.
Drake’s Influence in Hip-Hop and Beyond
Here’s a simplified version of Drake’s achievements and ventures:
Drake, also known as Aubrey Drake Graham, is a Canadian rapper and singer who’s made a big impact in music. He first gained attention for his role on the TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation before diving into music in 2006.
His albums, like “Thank Me Later,” “Take Care,” and “Nothing Was the Same,” have all been huge successes, topping charts in both the US and Canada. Drake’s style mixes hip hop with R&B, and his music has earned him critical acclaim and massive popularity.
He’s known for hits like “Hotline Bling” and “One Dance,” which helped bring dancehall and Afrobeats music to the mainstream. Drake’s also broken records with songs like “God’s Plan” and “In My Feelings,” showing his versatility across different genres.
Outside of music, Drake’s also a savvy entrepreneur. He founded OVO Sound record label and has his own fashion line and collaboration with Nike called Nocta. He’s even made moves in the sports world, becoming a global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors and investing in Italian soccer club A.C. Milan.
With over 170 million records sold, Drake’s one of the best-selling artists of all time. He’s won numerous awards, including Grammys and Billboard Music Awards, and holds several records on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Overall, Drake’s impact on music and culture is undeniable, making him one of the most influential artists of his generation.
Drake’s Discography
Drake, the Canadian rapper and singer, has released a total of 141 singles, including 81 where he’s featured. His music has been put out by different record labels like Universal Motown Records, Republic Records, Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and OVO Sound. With a whopping 170 million records sold worldwide, he’s considered one of the best-selling music artists ever.
Drake has managed to snag thirteen number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, which is a big deal in the music world. Billboard even named him the “Artist of the 2010s Decade” and ranked him as the 16th Greatest Artist of all time. And when it comes to digital sales, he’s the top dog with 244 million sales in the United States alone!
His journey started with mixtapes like “So Far Gone,” which got a re-release as an EP in 2009 and featured hits like “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful.” Then came his debut studio album, “Thank Me Later,” in 2010, with tracks like “Find Your Love.”
But it was his second album, “Take Care,” released in 2011, that really put him on the map with hits like “Marvins Room” and “Headlines.” He followed it up with “Nothing Was the Same” in 2013, featuring hits like “Started from the Bottom.”
Drake’s album “Views” in 2016 was another big success, especially with the smash hit “One Dance,” which topped charts worldwide. His fifth album, “Scorpion,” in 2018 also had a bunch of hits, including “God’s Plan” and “In My Feelings.”
Since then, Drake has been on fire, releasing more albums and singles that keep hitting the top spot on the charts. From “Certified Lover Boy” to “For All the Dogs,” he’s proven time and again why he’s considered one of the greatest in the game.