All-Time Best Drake Songs

Aubrey Drake Graham was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada. His early life split between Toronto and Memphis shaped his unique perspective on music and culture. Before conquering the music world, Drake...Read More »

Drake Discography
DiscographyDrakeCanadian Rapper & Singer
Also known as
A. Graham, Aubrey Graham, Aubrey D. Graham & 4 More »
28.4K views 145 tracks

Drake Bio & Journey

Aubrey Drake Graham was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada. His early life split between Toronto and Memphis shaped his unique perspective on music and culture. Before conquering the music world, Drake gained recognition as Jimmy Brooks on the teen drama series "Degrassi: The Next Generation" from 2001 to 2007. This acting background would later influence his theatrical approach to music videos and performances.

Drake's transition from television to music began with his 2006 mixtape "Room for Improvement." However, it was his 2009 mixtape "So Far Gone" that caught industry attention, featuring the hit single "Best I Ever Had." The project's success led to a bidding war between major labels, with Drake ultimately signing to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment.

His debut studio album "Thank Me Later" arrived in 2010, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. This marked the beginning of an unprecedented commercial run. Follow-up albums "Take Care" (2011), "Nothing Was the Same" (2013), and "Views" (2016) solidified his position as hip-hop's leading commercial force. Each release showcased Drake's ability to blend rap with melodic R&B influences, creating a signature sound that dominated the 2010s.

Drake FAQs

What is Drake's real name?

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Drake's real name is Aubrey Drake Graham. He was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada. He started using just 'Drake' as his stage name when he began his music career, dropping his first name Aubrey which he felt was too formal for his artistic persona.

How did Drake get famous?

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Drake first gained fame as an actor on the Canadian teen drama series 'Degrassi: The Next Generation' from 2001 to 2009, where he played Jimmy Brooks. However, his music career took off when he released his third mixtape 'So Far Gone' in 2009, which included hits like 'Best I Ever Had' and 'Successful.' This caught the attention of Lil Wayne, who signed him to Young Money Entertainment, launching his rap career into the stratosphere.

What are Drake's biggest hits?

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Drake has numerous chart-toppers, but his biggest hits include 'God's Plan,' 'In My Feelings,' 'Hotline Bling,' 'One Dance' (featuring Wizkid and Kyla), 'Work' (with Rihanna), 'Nice For What,' 'Started From the Bottom,' and 'Take Care' (featuring Rihanna). 'God's Plan' and 'In My Feelings' both spent multiple weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while 'One Dance' was a global phenomenon that topped charts in over 15 countries.

How many Grammy Awards has Drake won?

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Drake has won 5 Grammy Awards out of 47 nominations, making him one of the most nominated artists in Grammy history. His wins include Best Rap Album for 'Take Care' (2013), Best Rap/Sung Performance for 'Hotline Bling' (2017), Best Rap Song for 'God's Plan' (2019), and Best Rap Song for 'A Lot' by 21 Savage featuring J. Cole (2020, as songwriter). Despite his massive commercial success, many fans and critics feel he's been snubbed by the Grammys multiple times.

What is Drake's net worth?

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As of 2024, Drake's estimated net worth is around $250-300 million. His wealth comes from multiple revenue streams including album sales, streaming royalties, concert tours, his OVO (October's Very Own) brand, real estate investments, and various business ventures. He's also had lucrative partnerships with brands like Nike's Jordan Brand, Apple Music, and his own whiskey brand Virginia Black. His Toronto mansion alone is reportedly worth over $100 million.

Does Drake have kids?

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Yes, Drake has one son named Adonis Graham, born in October 2017. Adonis' mother is Sophie Brussaux, a French artist and former adult film actress. Drake initially kept his son private, but Pusha T revealed the information in their famous rap beef during 2018. Since then, Drake has been open about his relationship with his son, frequently posting about him on social media and mentioning him in his music.

What is OVO and what does it stand for?

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OVO stands for 'October's Very Own,' named after Drake's birth month. It's Drake's record label, clothing brand, and overall lifestyle brand founded in 2012. OVO Records has signed artists like PARTYNEXTDOOR, Majid Jordan, dvsn, and others. The OVO clothing line is known for its owl logo and has become a popular streetwear brand. Drake also hosts an annual OVO Fest in Toronto and has OVO retail stores in major cities.

Who are Drake's biggest musical influences?

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Drake has cited several major influences throughout his career, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Aaliyah. He's particularly vocal about Jay-Z's impact on his approach to rap and business, while Kanye influenced his melodic style and production choices. Aaliyah's influence can be heard in his R&B-influenced tracks, and he's even sampled her music. He's also mentioned being inspired by OutKast, Usher, and various Toronto artists who shaped his early musical development.