Drake
📍 Toronto, Ontario
Born in Toronto, Ontario in 1986, Drake gained initial fame as an actor on the hit Canadian TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation. However, his passion for music led him to leave acting and pursue a full-time music career. In 2009, Drake released his debut mixtape “So Far Gone” which contained the smash hit single “Best I Ever Had”. The mixtape was a breakthrough success, earning Drake two Grammy nominations and cementing him as one of hip hop’s most promising new talents.
In the decade since, Drake has released five multi-platinum studio albums, all of which have topped the Billboard charts. His albums Thank Me Later (2010), Take Care (2011), Nothing Was the Same (2013), Views (2016) and Scorpion (2018) have spawned countless hit singles including “Over”, “Headlines”, “Started from the Bottom”, “Hotline Bling”, “God’s Plan” and “In My Feelings”. Drake has broken numerous records, including the most Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles and the most number one singles on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
Beyond his own recordings, Drake has become one of hip hop’s most sought-after collaborators, featuring on hit tracks with artists like Lil Wayne, Rihanna, DJ Khaled and Travis Scott. His features elevate songs to chart-topping anthems, a testament to his star power.
Drake’s success stems from his versatility as an artist, effortlessly blending rapping and singing over productions that crossover from hip hop to contemporary R&B. His lyrics about relationships, fame, and his upbringing resonate with millions globally. He represents a new breed of rap superstar, able to connect with diverse audiences while maintaining credibility as a lyricist.
In recent years, Drake has expanded his empire, launching his own record label OVO Sound and co-founding Virginia Black, a whiskey brand. He continues to drop new music frequently, surprising fans with surprise singles and EPs. Even over a decade into his career, Drake remains one of music’s most bankable and influential artists.
In fact, Drake is set to release his highly anticipated seventh studio album titled 'Certified Lover Boy' in October 2021. The album has already spawned the hit single “Laugh Now Cry Later” featuring Lil Durk. Given Drake's track record, Certified Lover Boy is poised to be another chart-topping release from the rap icon.
Going forward, he undoubtedly will continue breaking records and shaping the sound of popular hip hop.
Some key highlights of Drake's prolific career include:
Over 170 million records sold worldwide
Holds several Billboard chart records including most Hot 100 top 10s, most #1 singles on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart
Has won 4 Grammy Awards along with several other accolades
Signed to Young Money Entertainment alongside Lil Wayne
Launched own label OVO Sound in 2012
Headlined several major world tours and festivals
Has collaborated with top artists like Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Rihanna and Jay-Z
Currently one of the top streaming artists globally on platforms like Spotify
With his trendsetting music and status as a pop culture icon, Drake has left an indelible impact on hip hop. For over a decade, he has shaped the sound of rap and R&B while delivering countless smash hits. Even amidst massive success, Drake continues to push his artistry forward, proving why he reigns as one of this generation's most talented and influential rappers.
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