45 Facts About Drake

Early Life and Background

Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, has a fascinating background that shaped his career. Here are some intriguing facts about his early life.

1. Drake was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada. His parents, Sandi and Dennis Graham, played significant roles in his upbringing.

2. His father, Dennis Graham, was a drummer for Jerry Lee Lewis. This musical influence undoubtedly impacted Drake's future career.

3. Drake's mother, Sandi, worked as an English teacher and florist. She raised him in Toronto's Forest Hill neighborhood after his parents divorced.

4. Drake attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute. Here, he developed an interest in acting and music.

5. He later transferred to Vaughan Road Academy. This school had a more diverse student body, which influenced his worldview and music.

Acting Career

Before becoming a global music icon, Drake had a successful acting career. Let's explore some key moments.

6. Drake starred in the Canadian teen drama "Degrassi: The Next Generation." He played Jimmy Brooks, a basketball player who becomes paralyzed.

7. He appeared in 145 episodes of "Degrassi." This role made him a household name in Canada.

8. Drake's character, Jimmy Brooks, was based on a real-life incident. The show's creators wanted to address the issue of gun violence in schools.

9. He left "Degrassi" in 2007 to focus on his music career. This decision proved to be a turning point in his life.

10. Drake has made cameo appearances in other TV shows and movies. These include "Anchorman 2" and "Ice Age: Continental Drift."

Music Career Beginnings

Drake's transition from acting to music was seamless. Here are some facts about his early music career.

11. Drake released his first mixtape, "Room for Improvement," in 2006. This project featured collaborations with artists like Trey Songz and Lupe Fiasco.

12. His second mixtape, "Comeback Season," dropped in 2007. This mixtape included the hit single "Replacement Girl."

13. Drake's third mixtape, "So Far Gone," was released in 2009. This project catapulted him to international fame.

14. "So Far Gone" featured the hit single "Best I Ever Had." This song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

15. Drake signed with Lil Wayne's label, Young Money Entertainment, in 2009. This partnership helped launch his career to new heights.

Rise to Stardom

Drake's rise to stardom was meteoric. Here are some key moments that defined his journey.

16. Drake released his debut studio album, "Thank Me Later," in 2010. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

17. His second album, "Take Care," won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. This album solidified his status as a major player in the music industry.

18. Drake's third album, "Nothing Was the Same," was released in 2013. It featured hits like "Started from the Bottom" and "Hold On, We're Going Home."

19. He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Jay-Z. These collaborations have produced some of his biggest hits.

20. Drake's music often blends rap and R&B. This unique style has earned him a diverse fan base.

Business Ventures

Drake is not just a musician; he's also a savvy businessman. Let's look at some of his ventures.

21. Drake founded his own record label, OVO Sound, in 2012. The label has signed artists like PartyNextDoor and Majid Jordan.

22. He has a clothing line called October's Very Own (OVO). The brand features streetwear and has a strong following.

23. Drake partnered with Nike to create the NOCTA line. This collaboration includes apparel and footwear.

24. He has invested in the esports organization 100 Thieves. This investment shows his interest in the gaming industry.

25. Drake co-owns a restaurant in Toronto called Fring's. This venture highlights his love for food and hospitality.

Personal Life

Drake's personal life often makes headlines. Here are some lesser-known facts.

26. Drake has a son named Adonis. He revealed his son's existence in his 2018 album "Scorpion."

27. He has been linked romantically to several celebrities. These include Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Serena Williams.

28. Drake is known for his extensive collection of tattoos. Many of them are tributes to his family and friends.

29. He owns a luxurious mansion in Toronto. The house features a basketball court, recording studio, and indoor pool.

30. Drake is a huge basketball fan. He is often seen courtside at Toronto Raptors games.

Awards and Achievements

Drake's career is filled with numerous awards and achievements. Here are some highlights.

31. Drake has won four Grammy Awards. These include Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song.

32. He holds the record for the most Billboard Music Awards. Drake has won 27 awards as of 2021.

33. Drake has the most top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. He surpassed Madonna's record in 2020.

34. He has been named Artist of the Decade by Billboard. This honor reflects his dominance in the music industry.

35. Drake has sold over 170 million records worldwide. This makes him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Philanthropy

Drake is also known for his philanthropic efforts. Here are some notable contributions.

36. Drake donated $1 million in his "God's Plan" music video. The video shows him giving money to individuals and organizations in need.

37. He has supported various educational initiatives. These include funding scholarships and donating to schools.

38. Drake has contributed to disaster relief efforts. He donated to Hurricane Harvey relief in 2017.

39. He supports mental health awareness. Drake has spoken openly about his own struggles and encourages others to seek help.

40. Drake has donated to COVID-19 relief efforts. He contributed to various organizations helping those affected by the pandemic.

Fun Facts

Drake's life is full of interesting tidbits. Here are some fun facts you might not know.

41. Drake's favorite color is gold. He often incorporates this color into his fashion and branding.

42. He has a pet dog named Diamond. The dog often appears in his social media posts.

43. Drake loves to collect Birkin bags. He plans to give them to his future wife.

44. He is a fan of the Harry Potter series. Drake has mentioned his love for the books in interviews.

45. Drake has a custom-made Rolls-Royce. The car features an owl emblem, representing his OVO brand.

Drake's Journey in a Nutshell

Drake's rise from Degrassi actor to global rap icon is nothing short of impressive. His musical versatility, business acumen, and cultural impact have cemented his place in the industry. From breaking streaming records to winning countless awards, Drake's influence is undeniable. His collaborations with top artists and his ability to stay relevant in a constantly changing music scene show his adaptability.

Beyond music, Drake's ventures into fashion, sports, and philanthropy highlight his diverse talents. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious, there's no denying the mark he's made on pop culture. Keep an eye on Drake; his story is far from over.