Drake Biography

Drake Biography

Early Life & Background

Aubrey Drake Graham was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His father, Dennis Graham, is an African-American musician who played drums for Jerry Lee Lewis, while his mother, Sandi Graham, is a white Jewish-Canadian educator. His parents divorced when he was five years old, and Drake was raised primarily by his mother in Toronto’s Forest Hill neighborhood.

Drake attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, where he displayed early artistic talent and an interest in performing. As a mixed-race, Jewish kid in a predominantly white neighborhood, he faced identity struggles but credits those formative years with giving him a unique perspective.

Acting Career Highlights

From Degrassi to Music Stardom

Drake’s entertainment career began not with music, but with acting. He landed the role of Jimmy Brooks, a basketball player who becomes wheelchair-bound after a school shooting, on the teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation in 2001. He portrayed the character until 2009.

Although he found success on Degrassi, Drake always had aspirations in music. During his time on the show, he began releasing mixtapes independently. His 2007 mixtape Comeback Season gained notable buzz and caught the attention of rapper Lil Wayne.

In 2009, Drake signed to Lil Wayne’s label Young Money Entertainment. He subsequently released So Far Gone, which included hits like “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful.” This marked the true beginning of his music career.

Musical Breakthrough and Global Fame

Drake’s debut studio album Thank Me Later dropped in 2010 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. His follow-up albums—Take Care (2011), Nothing Was the Same (2013), and Views (2016)—cemented his status as a global superstar. “Hotline Bling,” “One Dance,” and “God’s Plan” became global chart-toppers.

Drake is renowned for blending rap with R&B, introspective lyrics, and catchy hooks. His style has influenced an entire generation of artists.

Personal Life & Relationships

Drake’s personal life has always been of great interest to fans and the media. He has been linked romantically to several high-profile women, including Rihanna, Serena Williams, Jennifer Lopez, and Sophie Brussaux, the latter being the mother of his son, Adonis Graham.

He confirmed the existence of his son in his 2018 album Scorpion, revealing that he had kept the child’s birth private to protect him from public scrutiny.

Despite his superstar status, Drake is known to be a devoted father, often sharing moments with Adonis on social media. He’s also famously loyal to his hometown of Toronto, frequently referencing it in his music and using his platform to promote Canadian culture.

Legal & Financial Struggles

Despite his success, Drake has had his fair share of legal and financial hurdles. Early in his music career, disputes over royalties and contractual disagreements caused delays and complications.

In 2017, he faced a lawsuit from producers claiming they were owed royalties from Take Care, but the matter was settled out of court. In 2021, Drake was also involved in legal issues related to his label’s contracts, leading to renegotiations.

On the financial front, Drake is savvy and entrepreneurial. He co-founded OVO Sound, launched the Virginia Black whiskey brand, and partnered with major companies like Nike and Apple Music. Despite significant spending on luxury properties and private jets, his ventures keep his finances robust.

Drake NetWorth

As of 2025, Drake networth is approximately $250 million. This wealth comes not only from album sales and streaming revenue but also from touring, business investments, real estate, and endorsement deals.

Table: Drake’s Income Sources

5 Key Points About Drake

1. Versatility: Drake’s unique blend of rap, R&B, and pop has helped him transcend genres and dominate music charts across the globe.
2. Cultural Influence: As a Canadian artist, Drake has elevated Toronto’s visibility on the world stage, turning local slang and culture into global phenomena.
3. Fatherhood: His role as a father is central to his personal evolution, showcasing a more grounded and private side of the superstar.
4. Business Acumen: Beyond music, Drake has smartly diversified his income through fashion, beverages, and media partnerships.
5. Record-Breaker: He holds multiple Billboard records, including the most charted songs of any artist in Hot 100 history.

Conclusion

Drake’s journey from a child actor in Canada to one of the most influential artists of his generation is nothing short of inspirational. His ability to reinvent himself, connect with audiences emotionally, and dominate multiple industries is a testament to his talent and vision. Despite personal and legal setbacks, Drake has managed to not only survive in the limelight but thrive in it—continuously evolving and breaking barriers. His story is far from over, and fans worldwide eagerly await what he’ll do next.

FAQs About Drake

1. What is Drake’s real name?
   Drake’s full name is Aubrey Drake Graham.
2. When did Drake start his music career?
   Drake began his music career around 2006, but his breakthrough came in 2009 with the release of So Far Gone.
3. Who is the mother of Drake’s child?
   The mother of Drake’s son, Adonis, is Sophie Brussaux, a French artist and former adult film actress.
4. What was Drake’s role on Degrassi?
   Drake played Jimmy Brooks, a high school basketball player who becomes disabled after a shooting incident.
5. How much is Drake worth in 2025?
   As of 2025, Drake’s net worth is estimated to be around $250 million.