Born: October 24, 1986
Drake is a Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter, considered one of the most influential figures in contemporary music.
Family and Early Life:
Aubrey Drake Graham, born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was raised in a multicultural household. His father, Dennis Graham, is an African-American musician from Memphis, Tennessee, and his mother, Sandi Graham, is a Jewish Canadian who worked as an educator. Drake’s parents divorced when he was five, and he was primarily raised by his mother in Toronto’s affluent Forest Hill neighborhood. Despite the area’s affluence, Drake faced financial difficulties during his youth. He attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, where he developed an interest in acting and music, balancing his early aspirations with the challenges of his family’s economic struggles.
Acting Carrier:
Drake first gained recognition as an actor on the Canadian teen drama series “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” where he played the character Jimmy Brooks from 2001 to 2009. However, his passion for music led him to pursue a career in rap. In 2006,
Music Journey:
Drake released his debut mixtape, “Room for Improvement,” followed by “Comeback Season” in 2007, which helped him gain traction in the underground rap scene.
His big break came with the 2009 mixtape “So Far Gone,” which included hits like “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful.” This mixtape’s success caught the attention of Lil Wayne, leading to Drake signing with Young Money Entertainment. In 2010, Drake released his debut studio album, “Thank Me Later,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and solidified his status as a rising star.
Mainstream Success:
Drake’s subsequent albums, “Take Care” (2011), “Nothing Was the Same” (2013), and “Views” (2016), cemented his position in the music industry. “Take Care” won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, and “Views” featured the hit single “Hotline Bling,” which won multiple awards and became a cultural phenomenon. Known for his introspective lyrics and seamless blending of rap and R&B, Drake’s music resonates with a wide audience.
Awards and Recognition:
Drake has received numerous awards throughout his career, including four Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, and a record 34 Billboard Music Awards. He holds several Billboard chart records, including the most charted songs of any artist in the history of the Billboard Hot 100.
Personal Life:
Drake has a son named Adonis, born in 2017, with French artist Sophie Brussaux. He splits his time between Toronto and Los Angeles, often referencing his hometown in his music. Known for his close relationships with his mother and friends, Drake’s personal life has been a frequent subject of media attention.
