Drake, whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, is a Canadian rapper, singer and actor known for his influential role in contemporary popular music.
He gained fame through the TV series, Degrassi: The Next Generation, before transitioning to a successful music career.
Drake has released several albums like Thank Me Later, Take Care and Nothing Was the Same, which have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.
Apart from music, he co-founded the Toronto-based collective October’s Very Own (OVO) and its record label OVO Sound.
Drake is also known for his diverse tattoos, personal life revelations, and relationships with celebrities like Rihanna. Additionally, he is a father to a son named Adonis, born in 2017.
His music career has been marked by numerous achievements and collaborations with other artists, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Net worth | $250 million |
Profession | Rapper, actor, entrepreneur |
Date of birth | October 24, 1986 |
Nationality | Canadian |
Early life
Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada, had music in his blood from a young age.
His father, Dennis Graham, was a drummer for Jerry Lee Lewis, and his mother, Sandi Graham, came from a musical family.
Raised in an affluent Jewish neighborhood in Toronto after his parents’ divorce when he was five, Drake attended Jewish day school and observed Jewish traditions with his mother.
Despite his Jewish upbringing, he felt isolated at his predominantly white high school.
Drake’s entertainment career began when he landed a role on TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation in 2001, playing the character Jimmy Brooks for seven years.
He transitioned to music with mixtapes like Room for Improvement and Comeback Season before achieving mainstream success with hits like Best I Ever Had.
This marked the start of his journey to becoming one of the biggest names in contemporary music.
Net worth
Drake has an estimated net worth of $250 million.
His wealth stems not only from music but also from ventures like his record label OVO Sound and fashion brand.
Despite the varying estimates, it’s evident that Drake has amassed substantial wealth through his music, collaborations and business endeavors, solidifying his position as one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the music industry.
Annual earnings
Drake’s annual earnings have been substantial, reflecting his immense success in the music industry.
In 2020, he earned $50 million. His earnings for 2019 were reported at $75 million from music royalties and other sources.
Drake’s income has shown consistency over the years, with notable figures like $95 million in 2017 and $75 million between June 2018 and June 2019.
His financial success is further highlighted by his various ventures, including real estate investments and endorsement deals with major brands.
Endorsement deals
Drake has a diverse portfolio of endorsement deals with various brands and companies, showcasing his influence and business acumen beyond music.
Some of the notable brands and companies he is associated with include Stake.com, OVO Sound, Main Street Advisors, Virginia Black Whiskey, Nike, 100 Thieves, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Apple Music.
These endorsements and partnerships highlight Drake’s ability to leverage his brand and influence across various sectors, solidifying his position as not just a music icon but also a successful entrepreneur with strategic investments in diverse industries.
Stake.com deal
Drake’s partnership with Stake.com, a crypto gambling firm, has been a significant development in his career.
The deal, valued at $100 million per year, has attracted attention due to its scale and impact on both Drake and Stake.com.
However, this partnership has faced legal challenges in Australia, where a share trading platform with the same name filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the casino from using the Stake brand within the country.
Despite legal hurdles, Drake’s involvement with Stake.com has been substantial, with reports indicating that he has won significant amounts through gambling on the platform.
The collaboration between Drake and Stake.com has not only brought attention to the platform but has also led to increased visibility and credibility for Stake.com, showcasing the power of celebrity endorsements in the world of online gambling.
Nike deal
Drake’s partnership with Nike has been a significant aspect of his brand and business ventures.
The deal, estimated at $450 million, has boosted his album Certified Lover Boy and solidified his ties with the renowned sportswear company.
This collaboration has seen Drake release various products with Nike, including the NOCTA sub-label featuring apparel like bubble coats and sweatsuits with reflective trim.
His history with Nike dates back to 2009, where he expressed his admiration for the brand, incorporating references in his lyrics and showcasing Nike apparel during tours and personal time.
From OVO-branded Air Jordans to the NOCTA apparel line, Drake’s collaboration with Nike has been extensive and successful, highlighting his influence in the fashion and sportswear industry.
Despite past speculations about a potential move to Adidas, Drake’s loyalty to Nike has remained strong, emphasizing his commitment to the Swoosh brand through various product releases and endorsements.
Apple Music deal
Drake’s partnership with Apple Music has been a significant aspect of his career, showcasing his influence in the music streaming industry.
Initially, in 2015, Drake reportedly signed a $19 million deal with Apple Music, helping to launch the platform and providing exclusive projects, premieres, ads, visuals and OVOSOUND Radio content.
In 2018, industry experts speculated that Drake may have renewed his partnership with Apple Music due to the return of OVOSOUND Radio after a three-month break, featuring exclusive content like a remix of N.E.R.D and Rihanna’s Lemon.
This renewed collaboration hinted at a potentially new chapter in Drake’s relationship with Apple Music, emphasizing his role in shaping the platform’s offerings and engaging with fans through exclusive content and projects.
Drake’s involvement with Apple Music has not only enhanced his music distribution but also highlighted his ability to leverage digital platforms for creative expression and audience engagement.
Dave’s Hot Chicken involvement
Drake became a significant investor in Dave’s Hot Chicken in 2021, after noticing the brand’s success.
This partnership led to Dave’s Hot Chicken experiencing remarkable growth, with a 156% increase in total sales in 2022 compared to 2021.
The company celebrated its 6th anniversary by hosting a pop-up event where they offered free food to customers, showcasing their jumbo Hot Chicken Tenders and Sliders with various spice levels. Dave’s Hot Chicken has over 700 locations in development and is known for its cult following, attracting customers from across state lines. Notably, Drake gifted free chicken tenders to fans at Dave’s Hot Chicken locations on his birthday, further solidifying his connection to the brand and its expansion.
Virginia Black Whiskey partnership
Drake, in collaboration with spirits producer Brent Hocking, sought to raise up to $30 million through an initial public offering (IPO) of their Virginia Black Whiskey.
This move aimed to expand the company and offer fans a stake in the whiskey business.
Virginia Black Whiskey, a decadent American whiskey, is a product of Drake’s partnership with Brent Hocking, known for its unique blend and touch of decadence.
The whiskey has gained popularity as the official whiskey of rapper Drake, attracting fans to order bottles from various online shops.
The collaboration between Drake and Hocking represents a fusion of music, style, and taste, redefining the traditional whiskey experience with Virginia Black.
Business ventures
Drake is involved in various companies and brands that showcase his diverse business ventures. He co-founded OVO Sound, a record label distributed by Warner Bros. Records, and DreamCrew, a production company. Drake also acquired a stake in 100 Thieves, a lifestyle brand and gaming organization, and invested in Daring Foods Inc., a plant-based brand. Additionally, he participated in funding rounds for MoonPay, a financial technology company, and partnered to create Virginia Black Whiskey.
Car collection and real estate properties
Drake’s car collection is a reflection of his opulent taste and wealth, featuring a variety of luxury vehicles worth millions.
Notable cars in his collection include the Devel Sixteen, valued at $2.2 million, the Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir, a rare edition worth around $1.8 million, and the Ferrari LaFerrari, a yellow 2016 roadster version with a price range between $500,000 and $1 million.
Additionally, Drake owns a Bentley Mulsanne, Rolls-Royce vehicles like the Mansory Bushukan Phantom and Rolls-Royce Dawn convertible, among others.
His car collection showcases his affinity for high-end and unique models, with his garage housing vehicles that exemplify luxury and exclusivity.
In terms of real estate properties, Drake is actively involved in various ventures through entities like Drake Real Estate Partners, Drake Real Estate Group specializing in third-party management and acquisition of multifamily complexes, and Drake Real Estate Services founded in Denver, Colorado in 1999.
These companies focus on maximizing asset value through proactive management strategies and innovative approaches to real estate investments.
Drake’s involvement in real estate demonstrates his commitment to diverse investment opportunities and strategic ventures within the industry.
Drake’s private jet
Drake’s private jet, named Air Drake, is a Boeing 767-200ER valued at $185 million.
This luxurious aircraft, gifted to Drake in 2019 through a partnership with Cargojet, features a custom paint job designed by the late designer Virgil Abloh.
Air Drake seats up to 30 people and boasts a lavish interior with three private suites, two living rooms, a bathroom with a shower, leather recliners, flat-screen TVs and various entertainment rooms.
The exterior of the jet is adorned with a unique sky blue and white design created by Abloh, featuring Drake’s OVO logo and references to his mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.
This extravagant private jet not only serves as a mode of transportation but also symbolizes Drake’s affinity for luxury and style, showcasing his penchant for opulence in his travel experiences.
Drake’s Toronto mansion
Drake’s Toronto mansion, known as The Embassy, is a luxurious and extravagant property located in the exclusive Bridle Path neighborhood.
This opulent residence spans 50,000 square feet and features a 3,200 square foot master suite, a 2-story great room with a wet bar, a formal dining room, a gourmet kitchen, a recording studio, a lounge/nightclub with a bar, an indoor NBA regulation-sized basketball court, an indoor pool and a 10-car garage.
The mansion boasts lavish outdoor features like a gated entrance, motor court, terraces, and a swimming pool.
Designed and built by the renowned Ferris Rafauli, Drake’s Toronto home is adorned with various luxurious materials such as bronze, black granite, macassar ebony and brown agate.
The interior is decorated with sculptures by American artist KAWS, Grammy Awards, sports jerseys of famous athletes, and features high-end amenities like a bespoke Bösendorfer concert grand piano designed in collaboration with Rafauli and Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.
The mansion’s design combines traditional Beaux-Arts architecture with contemporary elements to create a timeless and grandiose living space that reflects Drake’s desire for the property to stand firm for generations to come.
Successful music career
Drake’s music success is a testament to his unparalleled talent and strategic approach to the industry.
He has won four Grammy Awards and holds the record for the most charted songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
Drake’s influence extends beyond music; he co-founded the Toronto sound, inspired by artists like Kanye West and Jay-Z, putting Toronto on the map in the music world.Â
His career began with mixtapes like Room for Improvement and Comeback Season, leading to five studio albums, six mixtapes, and over 130 singles with 84 music videos.
Drake’s debut album, Thank Me Later, was a massive success, certified platinum in Canada within a week of release.
His impact on the industry is evident through his numerous achievements, including being Spotify’s most-streamed artist of the decade with over 28 billion streams and having all his albums top the US Billboard charts.
Drake’s ability to blend commercial appeal with credibility has garnered him global success, making him one of the most recognized and celebrated artists in the music world.
Dominating mainstream
Drake’s mainstream success in the music industry is a result of his exceptional talent, strategic collaborations and ability to resonate with a diverse audience.
He has won four Grammy Awards and holds the record for the most charted songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
Drake’s rise to fame was marked by his early mixtapes like Room for Improvement and Comeback Season, leading to five studio albums, six mixtapes, and over 130 singles with 84 music videos.
His debut album Thank Me Later was certified platinum in Canada within a week of release, setting the stage for his continued success.
Drake’s impact goes beyond music; he co-founded the Toronto sound, inspired by artists like Kanye West and Jay-Z, putting Toronto on the map in the music world.
His ability to blend commercial appeal with credibility has solidified his position as one of the most recognized and celebrated artists globally, making him a dominant force in contemporary music.
Number of singles sold
Drake has achieved remarkable success in terms of singles sold, solidifying his position as one of the highest-selling artists in music history.
With a total of 184 million singles sold, Drake has become the highest-selling singles artist in the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) history, surpassing Eminem.
Notably, Drake has achieved five diamond singles, including Hotline Bling, God’s Plan and One Dance, making him one of only three artists to reach this milestone.
His 2018 hit God’s Plan is on the verge of breaking the record for the highest certified RIAA song, currently at 15x platinum.
Additionally, Drake became the first artist in RIAA history to surpass 200 million single units sold, with his tally standing at an impressive 220 million units.
Universal Music Group contract
Drake signed a groundbreaking deal with Universal Music Group, reportedly valued at around $400 million, according to Vibe.
This “mega-deal” covers various aspects of his career, including recordings, publishing, merchandise, and visual media projects.
The agreement is described as LeBron-sized, alluding to its immense value and significance within the music industry.
This deal solidifies Drake’s position as one of the most influential and successful artists in the music world, showcasing his ability to negotiate favorable terms and secure a substantial advance upfront.
With this partnership, Universal Music Group gains a stake in multiple revenue streams tied to Drake’s work, further enhancing their collaboration and expanding their involvement in his future projects and releases.
Drake’s iconic status and long-standing dominance on the charts have undoubtedly contributed to the magnitude of this historic deal, marking a significant milestone in his career and the music industry as a whole.