Drake Net Worth
As of 2024, Celebrity Net Worth approximates that the rapper is valued at approximately $250 million, solidifying his status as one of the most affluent hip-hop artists on a global scale.
Drake Biography
Aubrey Drake Graham, born on October 24, 1986, professionally known as Drake, stands as a prominent Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor.
His impact on contemporary popular music is significant, as he’s widely credited with popularizing singing and R&B elements within the hip-hop genre.
Drake gained initial recognition through his role as Jimmy Brooks in the CTV teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–08) before embarking on a music career in 2006.
His musical journey began with the release of his debut mixtape, “Room for Improvement,” in February 2006, followed by “Comeback Season” (2007) and “So Far Gone” (2009).
Drake later signed with Young Money Entertainment. Subsequently, each of Drake’s albums, including “Thank Me Later” (2010), “Take Care” (2011), and “Nothing Was the Same” (2013), claimed the top spots on the US Billboard 200 and Canadian Albums Chart, propelling him to the forefront of the hip-hop scene.
The exploration of dancehall in his fourth album, “Views” (2016), marked a milestone by leading the Billboard 200 for 13 non-consecutive weeks.
The album featured hit singles like “Hotline Bling” and “One Dance,” the latter contributing to the popularization of dancehall and Afrobeats in contemporary pop music. His subsequent double album, “Scorpion” (2018), produced chart-toppers like “God’s Plan,” “Nice for What,” and “In My Feelings.”
Drake’s sixth album, “Certified Lover Boy” (2021), set records with nine top 10 hits on the Hot 100, briefly holding the record for the most US top-ten hits from one album. In 2022, he released “Honestly, Nevermind” and the collaborative album “Her Loss” with 21 Savage.
His eighth album, “For All the Dogs” (2023), featured number-one singles “Slime You Out” (featuring SZA) and “First Person Shooter” (featuring J. Cole), tying him with Michael Jackson for the most number-one singles by a male solo artist.
Beyond music, Drake is a successful entrepreneur who founded the OVO Sound record label in 2012. He became the “global ambassador” of the Toronto Raptors in 2013 and later secured naming rights to their practice facility, OVO Athletic Centre.
His ventures extend to the world of spirits, with the collaboration on the bourbon whiskey Virginia Black with Brent Hocking in 2016.
Drake’s influence is also evident in the fashion industry, where he leads the OVO fashion label and the Nocta collaboration with Nike.
Additionally, he founded the production company DreamCrew and the fragrance house Better World. Notably, Drake played a substantial role in boosting Toronto’s annual tourism income, reportedly contributing 5 percent (CAD$440 million) in 2018. In 2022, he acquired partial ownership of the Italian soccer club A.C. Milan.
With over 170 million records sold, Drake ranks among the world’s best-selling music artists. Recognized by the RIAA as the highest-certified digital singles artist in the United States, he has received numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, 34 Billboard Music Awards, two Brit Awards, and three Juno Awards.
His chart achievements include 13 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, the most top 10 singles (76), and the most charted songs (321). Drake’s influence extends across various music charts, holding records on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs, and Rhythmic Airplay charts.
Early life
Aubrey Drake Graham, born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, has a diverse heritage. His father, Dennis Graham, an African-American drummer from Memphis who previously collaborated with Jerry Lee Lewis, and his mother, Sandra “Sandi” Graham (née Sher), a Canadian Ashkenazi Jew and former English teacher and florist, bring a rich cultural background to Drake’s upbringing. Drake holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada, the U.S. citizenship acquired through his father.
Drake’s early years were marked by his parents’ separation when he was just five years old. Following the divorce, he and his mother, Sandra, continued to reside in Toronto, while his father faced legal issues and returned to Memphis, where he spent time incarcerated on drug-related charges.
Despite the challenges, Drake’s father, before his arrest, made efforts to maintain a connection by bringing Drake to Memphis every summer. The complex relationship between Drake and his father became a topic of public discussion, with conflicting statements about the level of his father’s involvement in his life.
Growing up, Drake experienced two distinct neighborhoods in Toronto. He initially lived on Weston Road in the city’s working-class west end, attending Weston Memorial Junior Public School and playing minor hockey with the Weston Red Wings.
Drake showed promise as a right winger but left the Upper Canada College hockey camp due to an aggressive incident during a game. In 2000, he and his mother moved to Forest Hill, an affluent neighborhood, facing financial constraints.
Drake recalled the living situation, stating they had half of a house – the bottom half – while another family occupied the top half. Despite the modest conditions, his affinity for the arts surfaced early, and at the age of 10, he participated in a comedic sketch during the 1997 NHL Awards.
During his high school years, Drake attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute and later Vaughan Road Academy in Toronto’s Oakwood–Vaughan neighborhood.
Describing Vaughan Road Academy as challenging, Drake worked at a furniture factory owned by his maternal grandfather, Reuben Sher, during his teenage years. Drake faced bullying in school due to his racial and religious background.
Eventually, he dropped out of school, citing conflicts between his class schedule and his budding acting career. Drake later earned his high school diploma in October 2012.
This exploration of Drake’s early life showcases the diverse influences and challenges that shaped his journey from a multicultural upbringing in Toronto to becoming a globally recognized figure in the music and entertainment industry.
Career
2001–2009: Early Years and Degrassi: The Next Generation
In 2001, Drake embarked on his career journey, initially pursuing acting. At the age of 15, a high school friend’s father, who worked as an acting agent, played a pivotal role in introducing Drake to the world of entertainment.
This connection led to Drake securing a role on the Canadian teen drama series, “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” The show, a continuation of the iconic “Degrassi Junior High” and “Degrassi High,” marked Drake’s acting debut.
On “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” Drake portrayed Jimmy Brooks, a talented basketball player whose life takes a drastic turn when he becomes physically disabled after being shot by a classmate.
Despite his success on the show, Drake expressed discomfort with the character’s storyline, citing concerns about tokenism, as he was one of the few black characters in the series. However, his portrayal received praise for bringing confidence and representation to disabled youth.
During this period, Drake faced financial challenges, with Canadian TV serving as his primary source of income. Despite his acting commitments, Drake’s passion for music was evident, as he frequently recorded music during late-night sessions, leading to occasional tardiness on set.
Early Mixtapes and So Far Gone
In 2006, Drake, inspired by artists like Jay-Z and Clipse, independently released his debut mixtape, “Room for Improvement.” Featuring collaborations with Trey Songz and Lupe Fiasco, the mixtape showcased early production from Boi-1da and Frank Dukes. Despite modest sales, Drake’s musical journey continued, and he performed his first concert in 2006 as an opening act for Ice Cube.
In 2007, Drake released his second mixtape, “Comeback Season,” which included the single “Replacement Girl” featuring Trey Songz. Notably, this song made Drake the first unsigned Canadian rapper to have a music video featured on BET. Drake’s collaboration with Lil Wayne during the Tha Carter III tour marked a turning point in his career, leading to the creation of notable tracks like “Ransom” and “Forever.”
In 2009, Drake released his third mixtape, “So Far Gone,” which gained widespread acclaim and commercial success. The mixtape’s singles, “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful,” achieved Platinum certification, propelling Drake into the spotlight and attracting attention from major record labels.
2010–2012: Musical Breakthrough with Thank Me Later and Take Care
Drake’s debut album, “Thank Me Later,” initially slated for a late 2008 release, was ultimately released in June 2010. Featuring collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and Jay-Z, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and became the top-selling debut album of 2010. Despite its success, Drake acknowledged the rushed nature of the album.
Building on his musical evolution, Drake announced his second studio album, “Take Care,” in 2010. Released in 2011, the album received critical acclaim for its cohesive sound, blending hip hop, R&B, and pop elements. Singles like “Headlines” and “Make Me Proud” further solidified Drake’s position in the music industry.
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,” released in 2013, showcased a departure from his previous work, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. The album’s singles, including “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” highlighted Drake’s versatility and growth as an artist.
In 2015, Drake surprised fans with the unannounced release of “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.” Despite debate over its classification as an album or mixtape, the project’s commercial success solidified Drake’s prominence in the music industry.
2015–2017: What a Time to Be Alive, Views, and More Life
Drake continued his musical dominance with the release of multiple singles in 2015, including “Hotline Bling” and “Back to Back.” Collaborating with Future on the mixtape “What a Time to Be Alive,” Drake achieved another number-one debut on the Billboard 200.
“Views,” released in 2016, became Drake’s most commercially successful album, topping charts and setting streaming records. The album’s lead singles, “Pop Style” and “One Dance,” contributed to its immense popularity.
In 2017, Drake released “More Life,” described as a “playlist of original music.” The project received positive reviews, debuted at number one, and set streaming records, further establishing Drake’s influence in the industry.
This summary covers the early years of Drake’s career, highlighting his transition from acting to music, the success of his mixtapes, and the significant milestones of his early albums.
Drake’s musical journey unfolds in a detailed timeline, showcasing his career milestones, album releases, and notable collaborations. Commencing with the Scary Hours EP in 2018, marking his return to solo releases, he achieved significant success with tracks like “Diplomatic Immunity” and the chart-topping “God’s Plan,” which set streaming records.
Continuing through 2018, Drake’s Scorpion, a double album, not only dominated the charts but also broke one-day global streaming records on Spotify and Apple Music. The year solidified his status as a pop icon, earning acclaim from publications like The Guardian and Rolling Stone.
Drake’s versatility extended to collaborations, featuring in hits like “Walk It Talk It” with Migos and “Look Alive” with BlocBoy JB. The viral “#InMyFeelingsChallenge” further highlighted his impact in 2018.
As his career progressed, Drake maintained his chart dominance, earning his sixth number-one hit with “In My Feelings” in 2018. His appearances on Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” and his collaboration with Bad Bunny on “Mia” showcased his widespread influence.
The year 2019 brought the release of “Dark Lane Demo Tapes” and a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song with “God’s Plan.” However, controversies arose during the ceremony, leading to speculation about his criticism of The Recording Academy.
In 2020, Drake continued his streak with hits like “Toosie Slide” and collaborations with DJ Khaled on “Greece” and “Popstar.” His album “Certified Lover Boy,” initially set for release in January 2021, faced delays due to a knee injury.
Despite setbacks, Drake’s 2021 was monumental. Certified Lover Boy topped the charts, setting records for cumulative weeks at number one on the Hot 100. Awards, collaborations, and the Artist of the Decade title at the Billboard Music Awards added to his accolades.
In 2022, Drake’s momentum persisted with the release of “Honestly, Nevermind,” marking his eleventh number-one album. Collaborations with Gunna, Lil Baby, and Future continued to dominate charts, reinforcing his position as one of the highest-paid and streamed artists.
The announcement of “Her Loss” and a planned hiatus in 2023 hint at Drake’s evolving journey. With his enduring impact on the music industry, Drake remains a dynamic force, constantly shaping the landscape of contemporary music.
Influences
Drake draws inspiration from a diverse array of artists, shaping his rap style and musical approach. Notable figures such as Kanye West, Jay-Z, MF Doom, and Lil Wayne have significantly influenced his approach to rapping. Additionally, he credits various R&B artists, such as Aaliyah and Usher, for shaping the incorporation of the genre into his own music.
Drake’s musical palette extends beyond hip hop and R&B, as he acknowledges the impact of dancehall artists on his unique Caribbean-inflected style.
Among these influences, Vybz Kartel holds a special place, with Drake considering him one of his “biggest inspirations.”
The breadth of Drake’s musical influences is reflected in his ability to attract fans from diverse cultures. Songs like “Mia” showcase his connection with the Spanish-speaking audience, while “Greece” incorporates Arabic elements.
His versatility extends to songs like “Ela É do Tipo,” appealing to Portuguese-speaking audiences, and “Sticky,” which features French influences. Drake’s upcoming collaboration with Sidhu Moose Wala and Wazir Patar is anticipated to include Punjabi elements, further highlighting his global musical reach.
Musical style
Drake is widely recognized as a pop rap artist, with his musical evolution spanning hip hop, R&B, pop, and trap. While his early work predominantly explored hip hop and R&B, his sound expanded into pop and trap genres with the release of albums like “Nothing Was the Same” (2013) and “Views” (2016). His versatile musical palette also incorporates influences from various regional scenes, notably Jamaican dancehall and UK drill.Known for his egotistical lyrics, technical prowess, and the incorporation of personal narratives, particularly in the context of relationships, Drake’s vocal abilities stand out.
His distinctive style combines abrasive rapping with softer accents, creating an audible contrast over a backdrop of hip-hop beats and melody. Drake often adapts his lyrical pronunciation, reflecting his Toronto upbringing and connections with Caribbean and Middle Eastern cultures.
Drake’s songs frequently feature R&B and Canadian hip hop elements, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend rapping with singing. He attributes the introduction of singing into his rap mixtapes to his father, a stylistic choice that has become a hallmark of his musical repertoire.
Lil Wayne’s support for incorporating melody into complex lyrics has contributed to the critical acclaim of Drake’s singles and albums.
In terms of lyrical content, Drake’s songs are often characterized as emotional or boastful. However, he is celebrated for recontextualizing themes like money, drug use, and relationships, providing a nuanced perspective.
Drake’s lyrical innovation involves combining objective and subjective viewpoints within a single vocal delivery, creating a unique tension in his music.
Drake’s contribution to “hyper-reality rap” is noteworthy, focusing on themes of celebrity that distinguish the narrative from the “real world.” His ability to navigate the complexities of tone, timbre, and vocal delivery has set him apart, influencing a wave of imitators and establishing him as a trailblazer in the music industry.
Public image
Drake’s lyrical focus on relationships has become a widespread source of social media captions, with fans using his lyrics to express emotions or relate to personal situations. However, this content has garnered mixed reactions, with some perceiving him as sensitive and inauthentic, qualities considered by some to be contrary to traditional hip hop culture.Known for his lavish lifestyle, extravagant themed parties, and high-stakes gambling, Drake has cultivated an image of opulence. He gained attention for renting a Rolls-Royce Phantom in his early career, eventually receiving the car as a gift in 2021. Notably, his reported gambling activities reached over $1 billion in bets between December 2021 and February 2022, although some of the forms of gambling he promotes, such as roulette, have negative expected values.
Drake has left a significant impact on popular culture, coining phrases like “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) through his single “The Motto.” He also popularized the term “The Six” in reference to his hometown, Toronto, and was honored with “Drake Day” in Houston. His Toronto home gained global attention for its features, including an NBA-size indoor basketball court and a Kohler Numi toilet.
The music video for “Hotline Bling” went viral, showcasing Drake’s distinctive dance moves and sparking numerous remixes and parodies. However, he has faced critique for his expensive and product placement-heavy attire, notably in the “Hotline Bling” video. Despite this, GQ magazine labeled him as one of the “most stylish men alive.”
Drake has engaged in social and political issues, speaking out on incidents like the shooting of Alton Sterling in 2016 and advocating for the safety of ethnic minorities against police brutality.
He has also been involved in copyright law reform efforts, campaigned for a WNBA franchise in Toronto, participated in benefit concerts, and supported charitable causes, such as giving away money to individuals in Toronto on Christmas 2021. In October 2023, he signed a letter calling for a ceasefire in the Israel–Hamas war.
Impact
Drake stands as a prominent figure in pop culture and is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. His unique approach of incorporating singing over hip-hop instrumentals has left a lasting impact on modern rap artists.
Drake is credited with popularizing the Toronto sound and leading the “Canadian Invasion” of the American charts, alongside artists like Justin Bieber and The Weeknd.
In 2022, music recognition app Shazam revealed Drake as their most searched artist, with his music amassing 350 million recognitions, and his 2016 single “One Dance” alone collecting 17 million recognitions.
The Insider named Drake the artist of the decade for the 2010s, highlighting his role in introducing singing to mainstream hip-hop during a period dominated by Auto-Tune.
Drake’s influence extends to various trends in contemporary music. He is acknowledged for jump-starting the “sad boy rapper” trend alongside Kid Cudi and for revitalizing interest in UK grime and Caribbean dancehall with collaborations featuring artists like Skepta, PartyNextDoor, and Rihanna.
His co-signs are seen as pivotal in pushing both the British and Toronto hip-hop scenes to wider international markets.
Numerous artists from Drake’s hometown credit him as an inspiration, and according to CBS Music, he has inspired “the next wave” of talent.
His impact on music promotion is notable, with Certified Lover Boy achieving significant commercial success through unconventional marketing techniques.
Justin Charity of The Ringer observed that Drake’s signature “half-hearted” performances have become a touchstone for subsequent male R&B singers, and his success has become inseparable from certain vintages of R&B.
Drake’s influence has transcended the realm of music into academia. Toronto Metropolitan University introduced courses titled “Deconstructing Drake and the Weeknd,” utilizing their music to explore themes related to the Canadian music industry, race, class, marketing, and globalization.
With the release of his seventh album Honestly, Nevermind in 2022, which explored house music, a genre with origins in black and queer spaces, Drake was seen as building a bridge to those subcultures for younger music listeners during LGBT Pride Month.
Achievements
Drake holds the distinction of being the highest-certified digital singles artist in the United States, with a remarkable 142 million units moved based on combined sales and on-demand streams.
His single “God’s Plan” stands out as his highest-certified (15× Platinum), followed by “Hotline Bling” and “One Dance,” both certified Diamond. Spotify named Drake the most streamed artist of the 2010s.
His dominance on the Billboard Hot 100 is unparalleled. Drake boasts numerous records, including the most charted songs (321), most top 10 singles (76), most top 10 debuts (61), most top 10 singles in a calendar year (13), most cumulative weeks in the top 10 (384), most songs peaking at number two (10), and the most consecutive weeks spent on the chart (431 weeks).
Among rappers, he holds the record for the most number-one songs (13), with 14 when including his uncredited feature on “Sicko Mode.” In 2021, he became the second act, after The Beatles in 1964, to occupy the entire Hot 100’s top five in a single week.
Drake also leads in number-one singles on the Hot Rap Songs (23), Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (23), and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay charts. Notably, he is the only artist with two albums each logging 400 weeks on the Billboard 200.
As of 2021, Drake has secured four Grammy Awards from 47 nominations and a record-breaking 29 Billboard Music Awards. In 2017, he surpassed Adele’s single-night record at the Billboard Music Awards by winning 13 awards from 22 nominations.
The 2021 Billboard Music Awards honored him as the Artist of the Decade. Drake was also named the IFPI Global Recording Artist of the Year in 2016 and 2018.
Pitchfork recognized “Nothing Was the Same” as the 41st best album of the decade between 2010 and 2014. Drake was ranked fifth on the publication’s list of the “Top 10 Music Artists” since 2010.
Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2020) included “Take Care” at number 95. Complex’s “Best Rapper Alive Every Year Since 1979” bestowed the title upon Drake in 2011, 2012, and 2015, highlighting his enduring influence in the rap scene.
Personal life
Drake resides in Toronto, Ontario, within the sprawling confines of a 35,000-square-foot estate affectionately called “The Embassy.” Valued at $100 million, this residence, featured prominently in the video for his song “Toosie Slide,” was meticulously constructed from the ground up in 2017.
His real estate portfolio also includes a condominium near the iconic CN Tower. Notably, Drake possesses a Boeing 767 and, in 2021, temporarily rented a versatile $65 million property in Beverly Hills.Drake is adorned with a collection of tattoos, each holding personal significance. Symbolizing various achievements, some tattoos include a jack-o-lantern, “October Lejonhjärta” (meaning October Lionheart), owls, and a controversial Abbey Road (1969) inspired depiction featuring himself and the Beatles.
Other tattoos pay homage to individuals such as Lil Wayne, Sade, Aaliyah, Jesús Malverde, Denzel Washington, close family members, and his son. Several tattoos also reflect his connection to Toronto, including depictions of the CN Tower and the number “416.”
On August 18, 2021, Drake disclosed that he had contracted COVID-19 amid the pandemic, leading to temporary hair loss. Notably, he was among the first celebrities to publicly test for the virus in March 2020.
Unfortunately, he faced a second bout with the disease in 2022, resulting in the postponement of reunion concerts with Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj.
Family and Relationship
Drake’s paternal uncles are acclaimed guitarists and songwriters Larry Graham and Teenie Hodges. Larry Graham was a member of Sly and the Family Stone, while Teenie Hodges contributed to hits for Al Green.
In the realm of companionship, Drake has two dogs—a snow-white American Bully and an American Akita. In 2016, he acquired another Akita but had to part ways with the dog due to tour commitments.
Drake’s romantic history includes a relationship with SZA between 2008 and 2009, and an on-again, off-again connection with Rihanna spanning from 2009 to 2016.
His relationship with Rihanna has been a recurring theme in his studio albums. Drake expressed deep admiration for Rihanna, declaring her a woman he had been in love with since the age of 22.
Despite the public allure of a perfect union, he acknowledged the complexities of relationships and the divergence from the fairy tale narrative.
Drake is a proud father to a son named Adonis, born on October 11, 2017, to French painter and former model Sophie Brussaux.
The circumstances surrounding Brussaux’s pregnancy initially fueled rumors, gaining attention after featuring in a TMZ article in early 2017. In response to revelations in Pusha T’s “The Story of Adidon,” Drake confirmed his fatherhood on the album Scorpion in 2018, citing a commitment to safeguarding his child’s privacy.