Drake

NAME Aubrey Drake Graham

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Drake is renowned as a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. He gained prominence for blending R&B and hip-hop, producing chart-topping hits, and his influential role in modern music.

BIRTH Born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

FAMILY BACKGROUND 

Drake's father, Dennis Graham, is an African-American drummer from Memphis, Tennessee, who performed with Jerry Lee Lewis. His paternal uncles, Larry Graham and Mabon "Teenie" Hodges, are notable musicians; Larry was the bassist for Sly and the Family Stone, and Teenie co-wrote classics like "Love and Happiness" and "Take Me to the River" with Al Green. Drake once shared, "I've got crazy family history; my grandmother used to baby-sit for Aretha Franklin."  (1)

Drake's mother is Sandi Graham, who has worked as a teacher and florist. She is of Canadian Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. 

Drake is generally considered to be an only child from his parents' marriage.

CHILDHOOD Raised in Toronto, Drake experienced a diverse upbringing. After his parents' divorce when he was five, he lived with his mother in the city's Weston Road area before moving to the affluent Forest Hill neighborhood. Despite the area's wealth, they lived modestly in the lower half of a house. Drake faced challenges due to his mixed racial and religious background, attending a Jewish day school and celebrating his Bar Mitzvah. 

EDUCATION Drake attended a Jewish day school during his youth and celebrated his bar mitzvah. His parents divorced when he was five, leading him to live with his mother in Toronto's Weston Road area before moving to the affluent Forest Hill neighborhood. Drake attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute and later Vaughan Road Academy but faced bullying due to his racial and religious background, prompting him to leave school. He eventually earned his high school diploma in October 2012.

CAREER RECORD 2001 Drake's entertainment career began with his role as Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation. 

2006 He released his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement

2009 He rose to prominence as a rapper with the release of his mixtape So Far Gone 

2012 Drake founded OVO Sound record label

2024 He engaged in a high-profile rap feud with Kendrick Lamar, resulting in diss tracks and public exchanges. 

APPEARANCE Drake stands at 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weighs approximately 89 kg (196 lbs), possesses a physique with reported measurements of 44-34-16.  His dark brown eyes and black hair frame a face often adorned with a well-groomed beard, a signature feature of his overall look.  

He is known for his numerous tattoos, many of which carry symbolic meanings.  His hairstyles have also been a point of interest, with notable examples like the "heart haircut" during the promotion of his album Certified Lover Boy.

Drake in 2023. By Dr. Flikk - Own work, Wikipedia

FASHION  Drake frequently sports high-end designer clothing, often incorporating styles not traditionally associated with hip-hop. He has been spotted in custom varsity jackets, tailored suits, and casual athletic wear. His style evolution reflects his versatility and influence in the fashion world.

CHARACTER  Drake is often described as introspective and emotionally expressive, qualities that resonate in his music. He has a reputation for being hardworking, ambitious, and deeply connected to his roots and family.

SPEAKING VOICE Drake's speaking voice is smooth and articulate, carrying a mild Canadian accent. His tone conveys confidence and relatability, mirroring the emotive quality of his music.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Drake has demonstrated his comedic talent on numerous occasions, showcasing a self-deprecating and playful sense of humor. One notable example of Drake's comedic side is his appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2014, where he participated in several hilarious skits. In one memorable SNL sketch called "Drake's Beef," the rapper poked fun at his sensitive image by getting upset over minor inconvenience. 

RELATIONSHIPS Drake's romantic life has been a frequent topic of discussion, marked by a series of high-profile relationships and rumored flings.  One of his most significant connections was with pop superstar Rihanna.  Their on-again-off-again romance lasted for nearly a decade, starting in 2009.  The two collaborated on several successful songs and shared undeniable chemistry, culminating in Drake's public declaration of love for Rihanna at the 2016 MTV VMAs.  Despite this, their relationship eventually ended, and by 2018, Rihanna confirmed they were no longer in contact.

Another significant relationship in Drake's life was with Sophie Brussaux, a former adult film star turned painter.  This relationship resulted in the birth of his son, Adonis, on October 11, 2017.  Although Drake initially denied paternity, he later acknowledged his role as Adonis's father and has since embraced fatherhood.

Beyond these more prominent relationships, Drake has been linked to a number of other celebrities.  These include Jennifer Lopez, with whom he was spotted in 2016-2017, even gifting her a $100,000 diamond necklace.  

He also had an on-and-off relationship with tennis star Serena Williams spanning several years, from 2010 to 2015.  

Drake's song "Mr. Right Now" revealed a past connection with singer SZA, which she later confirmed, clarifying that it occurred in 2009.  

MONEY AND FAME Drake is one of the wealthiest and most famous musicians in the world. His success in music has led to lucrative endorsements and business ventures. He has multiple endorsement deals, including partnerships with brands like Nike and Apple Music. 

Drake founded OVO Sound record label in 2012.  It was  co-founded by Drake along with his long-time friends and partners Noah "40" Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib and established as an imprint of Warner Records. The name OVO stands for "October's Very Own," which is a reference to Drake's birth month. Since its inception, OVO Sound has focused primarily on Canadian artists, though it has expanded its roster over the years.

In February 2025, OVO Sound announced a new partnership with Santa Anna Label Group, a Sony Music venture.

Despite his fame, Drake maintains a connection to his roots, often referencing Toronto in his music and business ventures.

FOOD AND DRINK Drake's approach to food and drink has shifted over time, demonstrating a balance between health consciousness and occasional indulgences.  His diet typically revolves around lean proteins like grilled chicken, turkey, and fish, coupled with complex carbohydrates such as quinoa, brown rice, and sweet potatoes.  He incorporates healthy fats from sources like avocados, olive oil, and nuts, and emphasizes the consumption of plenty of vegetables, especially leafy greens.  Drake generally avoids refined carbohydrates and excessive sugar, particularly when preparing for performances or public appearances.  More recently, he has reportedly transitioned towards a plant-based diet, confirming in 2024 during a gaming livestream that he no longer consumes meat.

When it comes to beverages, Drake enjoys alcohol but appears to do so in moderation.  He has been known to appreciate wine, particularly rosé, and even has his own whiskey brand, Virginia Black American Whiskey.  Champagne is another drink he has mentioned in his music.  He has also been seen drinking white wine spritzers, a choice that can help reduce calorie and alcohol intake.  Despite these indulgences, there are indications that Drake is mindful of his alcohol consumption. He has shared advice about managing drinking habits, such as discreetly avoiding drinks at social events, and has mentioned in interviews that while he may drink daily, he doesn't consider it excessive.

Drake allows himself occasional cheat meals.  He has expressed a fondness for Italian food, particularly pasta, as a cheat meal, and pizza has also been mentioned as a favorite treat.  

Drake has ventured into the food and beverage industry, including opening restaurants in Toronto. He has also expressed a love for various cuisines and often shares his culinary experiences on social media.

MUSIC CAREER In 2006, while still gracing the small screen, Drake ventured into the realm of music with his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement. This was followed by Comeback Season in 2007, both of which hinted at his burgeoning potential and piqued the interest of industry insiders. However, it was the 2009 mixtape So Far Gone, featuring the infectious single "Best I Ever Had," that propelled him into the limelight, sparking a frenzied bidding war among record labels.

Seizing the moment, Drake aligned himself with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment in 2009, a decision that would catapult him into the stratosphere of stardom. His inaugural studio album, Thank Me Later (2010), debuted triumphantly at number one on the Billboard 200, signaling the arrival of a new maestro in the music arena.

Subsequent albums such as Take Care (2011), Nothing Was the Same (2013), Views (2016), Scorpion (2018), Certified Lover Boy (2021), Honestly, Nevermind (2022), and For All the Dogs (2023) not only garnered critical acclaim but also dominated the charts with unwavering consistency.

Drake's career is a veritable tapestry of record-smashing feats. He boasts over a dozen number-one albums on the Billboard 200, a testament to his enduring appeal. Billboard anointed him the "Artist of the 2010s Decade" and ranked him as the 16th Greatest Artist of all time. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) crowned him the top-selling digital artist, with a staggering 244 million units sold in the United States alone. His 2016 opus, Views, reigned supreme for 13 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1, making him the first male solo artist in over a decade to achieve such a feat.

Drake's sonic alchemy lies in his seamless fusion of rapping and singing, a blend that has effectively blurred the demarcation between hip-hop and pop music. His penchant for introspective and emotive lyrics has carved out a novel niche within the hip-hop landscape, inspiring a new cadre of artists to explore the depths of vulnerability in their art.

Drake in 2010. By musicisentropy - https://www.flickr.com/photos/bandfan/4972213105/

ARTS  At 15, Drake began his entertainment career as an actor, portraying Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation. He appeared in 138 episodes, playing a basketball star who becomes physically disabled after a school shooting.

Beyond his music career, Drake has shown interest in various art forms. He has produced television content and has a passion for visual arts, often collaborating with artists for his album covers and music videos.

LITERATURE Drake has referenced literary works in his lyrics and has expressed admiration for authors and poets, indicating a deep appreciation for literature.

NATURE While not extensively publicized, Drake has shown appreciation for nature, occasionally sharing images of natural landscapes and expressing a desire for tranquility away from his bustling career.

PETS  Drake has a fondness for animals and has been seen with pets, including dogs, showcasing his affectionate side towards animals. His pets include 

An Akita dog called Diamond gifted in 2016, who appeared with Drake in the digital booklet for his 2016 album Views.

An American Bully (XL) called Winter who was a Christmas gift in 2016

A Bengal cat called Cyatty, adopted in December 2022

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Drake is an avid sports fan, particularly of basketball. He is a global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors and frequently attends NBA games. He also enjoys playing basketball and has a court in his Toronto home.

Drake has taken up painting as a therapeutic and meditative activity, often sharing his artwork on social media. He is also an art collector, with a growing collection of pieces from renowned artists. He has a particular interest in contemporary art.

Drake is a fan of video games, particularly enjoying titles like Fortnite. He has even invested in the esports organization 100 Thieves.

SCIENCE AND MATHS His business ventures indicate a strategic and analytical mindset, essential for managing his diverse portfolio.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Drake has often explored themes of introspection and spirituality in his music. Raised in a multicultural environment with an African-American Catholic father and a white Canadian Jewish mother, he attended a Jewish day school and celebrated his bar mitzvah, experiences that have influenced his worldview and artistic expression.

POLITICS Drake has occasionally engaged in political discourse. In 2016, he penned an open letter addressing the shooting of Alton Sterling, expressing concern over systemic racism and police brutality. In 2021, he joined fellow Canadian artists in lobbying Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to amend copyright laws, aiming to help artists regain ownership of their work during their lifetimes. Additionally, he has advocated for the establishment of a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise in Toronto. In October 2023, Drake signed a letter calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. 

SCANDAL Throughout his career, Drake has faced various controversies. Notably, he has been involved in high-profile feuds with fellow artists, including a recent dispute with rapper Kendrick Lamar. Lamar's diss track, "Not Like Us," achieved significant success, leading Drake to file a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group. Despite these challenges, Drake continues to maintain a strong presence in the music industry.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS To support his fitness regimen, Drake incorporates various supplements, including whey protein shakes for muscle recovery, pre-workout supplements, BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) to reduce muscle soreness, multivitamins, and omega-3s for overall health.  He also focuses on hydration, using hydration boosters like electrolyte drinks and coconut water.

In August 2021, Drake revealed he had contracted COVID-19, experiencing temporary hair loss as a side effect. He faced another bout with the virus in 2022, leading to the postponement of planned reunion concerts with Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. In October 2023, Drake announced a hiatus from music to address ongoing stomach issues, stating, "I need to focus on my health first and foremost... I've been having the craziest problems for years with my stomach." 

HOMES Drake owns multiple properties, including a 35,000-square-foot estate in Toronto, nicknamed "The Embassy," built in 2017. This mansion, featured in his "Toosie Slide" music video, boasts luxurious amenities. In 2022, he purchased a Beverly Crest home from Robbie Williams for $70 million. Previously, he owned the "YOLO Estate" in Hidden Hills, California, from 2012 to 2022. 

TRAVEL Drake's career necessitates extensive travel, facilitated by his private Boeing 767 jet, "Air Drake." This customized aircraft underscores his global reach and commitment to maintaining a presence in various international markets.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Drake's music videos, notably "Hotline Bling," have become cultural phenomena, inspiring numerous memes and parodies. Drake has also hosted and performed on Saturday Night Live, showcasing his versatility and sense of humor.

ACHIEVEMENTS Drake's accolades are extensive. He maintained a record-breaking 430-week streak on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, beginning with "Best I Ever Had" in 2009 and concluding in August 2017. In March 2020, "Oprah's Bank Account" by Lil Yachty, featuring Drake and DaBaby, marked Drake's 208th entry on the Hot 100, surpassing the cast of Glee for the most Hot 100 hits in history. In 2021, he was honored as Artist of the Decade at the Billboard Music Awards.

Sources (1) Songfacts