Drake

Radio Singers Drake

Biography

Aubrey Drake Graham was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada. He was raised by his mother, Sandi Graham, after his parents divorced when he was a young child. Drake's father, Dennis Graham, is an African-American musician who hailed from Memphis, Tennessee. Growing up, Drake attended a Jewish day school and was even bar mitzvahed, reflecting his mixed heritage.

Acting Career

Before finding fame as a musician, Drake first gained prominence as an actor. He landed his breakout role at the age of 15, playing the character of Jimmy Brooks on the popular Canadian teen drama series "Degrassi: The Next Generation." Drake appeared on the show for several seasons, showcasing his acting chops.

Transition to Music

While still acting on "Degrassi," Drake began to focus more on his musical ambitions. He released his first mixtape, "Room for Improvement," in 2006, followed by "Comeback Season" in 2007. These early works caught the attention of fellow Canadian rapper Lil Wayne, who signed Drake to his Young Money Entertainment label in 2009.

Commercial Success

Drake's debut studio album, "Thank Me Later," was released in 2010 and immediately shot to the top of the charts, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. This propelled him to mainstream stardom, and he has since gone on to release a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including "Take Care" (2011), "Nothing Was the Same" (2013), and "Views" (2016).

Impact and Accolades

Throughout his career, Drake has established himself as one of the most influential and successful artists in the contemporary hip-hop and R&B genres. He has won numerous awards, including 4 Grammys, 6 American Music Awards, and 27 Billboard Music Awards. With his unique blend of singing and rapping, Drake has left an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring a new generation of artists.