October 24, 1986: Aubrey Drake Graham is born in Toronto, Canada.
2001: Drake embarks on his entertainment career as a child actor, appearing in the Canadian television series “Degrassi: The Next Generation.”
Breakthrough into Music
2006: Drake releases his debut mixtape, “Room for Improvement.”
2007: Drake signs a record deal with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment.
2009: Drake’s breakthrough mixtape, “So Far Gone,” is released and spawns the hit single “Best I Ever Had.”
June 15, 2010: Drake releases his debut studio album, “Thank Me Later,” which sells over 447,000 copies in its first week.
Rise to Stardom
November 15, 2011: Drake releases his second studio album, “Take Care,” which features the Grammy-winning single “Hotline Bling.”
September 24, 2013: Drake releases his third studio album, “Nothing Was the Same,” which debuts at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
July 28, 2015: Drake releases his mixtape “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late,” which is certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
August 12, 2016: Drake collaborates with Future on the mixtape “What a Time to Be Alive,” which also debuts at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
Continued Success
March 10, 2017: Drake releases his fourth studio album, “Views,” which becomes the first album to surpass 1 billion streams on Apple Music.
September 22, 2018: Drake releases his fifth studio album, “Scorpion,” which features the Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles “Nice for What” and “In My Feelings.”
January 10, 2020: Drake releases his mixtape “Dark Lane Demo Tapes.”
March 5, 2021: Drake releases his sixth studio album, “Certified Lover Boy,” which becomes his tenth consecutive number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart.
Collaborations and Legacy
2019: Drake partners with Universal Music Group to launch the record label and management company OVO Sound.
2022: Drake becomes the first artist to reach 75 billion streams on Spotify.
Drake’s unparalleled success has earned him numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, and 29 Billboard Music Awards. He has sold over 170 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Table: Drake’s Commercial Performance
Album
Release Date
Sales (First Week)
Thank Me Later
June 15, 2010
447,000
Take Care
November 15, 2011
631,000
Nothing Was the Same
September 24, 2013
658,000
Views
March 10, 2017
1,043,000
Scorpion
September 22, 2018
732,000
Certified Lover Boy
March 5, 2021
613,000
Table: Drake’s Grammy Awards
Award
Year
Song/Album
Best Rap Performance
2010
“Best I Ever Had”
Best Rap Song
2013
“Hotline Bling”
Best Rap/Sung Performance
2019
“God’s Plan”
Best Rap Album
2023
“Her Loss” (with 21 Savage)
Table: Drake’s Billboard Music Awards
Award
Year
Song/Album
Top Artist
2017, 2018, 2019
N/A
Top Male Artist
2017, 2018, 2019
N/A
Top Billboard 200 Album
2017, 2018, 2019, 2021
Views, Scorpion, Certified Lover Boy
Top Streaming Artist
2017, 2018, 2019
N/A
Top Streaming Song
2017, 2018, 2019
“One Dance,” “God’s Plan,” “Nice for What”
Tips and Tricks for Drake Fans
Follow Drake on social media: Stay up-to-date on his latest projects, releases, and tour dates.
Sign up for the OVO Sound newsletter: Receive exclusive updates, merchandise, and more.
Attend Drake concerts: Experience his electrifying live performances firsthand.
Listen to Drake’s music regularly: Explore his vast discography and immerse yourself in his musical evolution.
Engage with the Drake community: Join online forums and discussions to connect with other fans and share your thoughts on his work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Listening to Drake
Overplaying his music: Avoid listening to Drake’s music excessively to avoid burnout.
Ignoring his early work: Drake’s mixtapes and early studio albums are essential listening for understanding his artistic journey.
Comparing Drake to other artists: Drake has a unique sound and style, so avoid making direct comparisons to other musicians.
Overlooking his lyrics: Drake’s lyrics are often thought-provoking and poetic, so pay attention to their meaning and depth.
Missing his collaborations: Drake has collaborated with numerous artists, so explore his extensive collection of features and guest appearances.
Why Drake Matters
Drake has had a profound impact on the music industry and popular culture. His unique blend of rapping, singing, and melodic production has inspired a new generation of artists. Drake’s authenticity, relatability, and ability to connect with his audience have made him one of the most successful and influential musicians of all time. His music has provided a soundtrack for millions worldwide and has helped to redefine what it means to be a hip-hop artist.
Benefits of Listening to Drake
Emotional connection: Drake’s music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience, which can resonate with listeners on a personal level.
Musical diversity: Drake’s music spans multiple genres, from hip-hop to R&B to pop, offering a wide range of sounds and styles.
Cultural impact: Drake’s music and presence have influenced fashion, language, and social trends, making him a cultural icon.
Inspirational lyrics: Drake’s lyrics are often thought-provoking and inspiring, providing motivation and encouragement to his fans.
Memorable melodies: Drake’s music features memorable melodies and infectious hooks that stay in listeners’ heads long after they hear them.
