Drake, a Canadian-born actor, producer, and rapper, boasts his million fortune. Known for being one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world, his diverse career in music, acting, and business ventures has earned him immense financial success year after year. His consistent presence at the top of the entertainment industry is a testament to his talent and business acumen.
In this article, we’ll cover Drake net worth, career earnings, real estate investments, and much more. Let’s take a closer look at how this Canadian superstar has built his empire, from chart-topping albums to multimillion-dollar deals.
Quick Facts
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | Aubrey Drake Graham |
Popular Name | Drake |
Net Worth | $250 million |
Salary | $45–95 million annually |
Birth Date | October 24, 1986 |
Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Gender | Male |
Height | 1.82 m |
Parents | Dennis Graham, Sandra Sandi Graham |
Siblings | N/A |
Marital Status | Single |
Wife/Spouse | N/A |
Dating | Rihanna (ex) |
Children | Adonis Graham |
Education | Forest Hill Collegiate, Vaughan Academy |
Profession | Rapper, Singer, Actor, Producer |
Nationality | Canadian-American |
What is Drake Net Worth in 2024?
In 2024, Drake net worth is estimated at an impressive $250 million, solidifying his status as one of the wealthiest rappers in the world. His diverse income streams include music sales, concert tours, business ventures, and endorsement deals.
By 2023, his music career alone had earned him more than $430 million. His strategic moves, such as a $400 million contract with Universal Music Group, have propelled his financial success further, giving him a steady stream of revenue from music publishing and other rights.
Besides, you can learn more about the latest information about Drake here.
Early Life
Aubrey Drake Graham was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada. His father, Dennis, was a drummer who performed with musicians such as Jerry Lee Lewis. His mother, Sandra (known as Sandi), worked as both an English teacher and a florist. He grew up attending a Jewish day school, where he also celebrated a formal Bar Mitzvah.
When he was five, his parents, Sandi and Dennis, divorced. His father moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he faced legal troubles and was incarcerated for several years on drug-related charges.
Despite the distance, Drake spent his summers in Memphis with his father when Dennis wasn’t in prison. He has spoken about his father’s absence during his childhood, though Dennis has publicly denied this, suggesting the claims were exaggerated to promote records.
Starting in sixth grade, he and his mother lived in the lower half of a two-story townhouse in the upscale neighborhood of Forest Hill. His mother stayed on the ground floor while he resided in the basement. Though they lived in an affluent area, their financial situation was difficult.
During his time at Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, he developed a passion for acting and singing. He later transferred to Vaughan Road Academy, where he faced bullying due to his biracial background and religious upbringing.
Despite these challenges, he persevered and eventually completed his high school education, graduating in 2012.
Key Financial Milestones
Universal Music Group Contract
Drake’s contract with Universal Music Group, signed in 2022, is valued at an estimated $400 million. This deal was a significant boost to his net worth, covering music publishing, recorded music, and film rights.
By securing this deal, he not only ensured a massive payday but also cemented his place as one of the most powerful figures in the music industry. It’s estimated that the deal paid him $200 million upfront after taxes.
Career Earnings
Young Money Entertainment
Despite what many might assume, Drake had not yet signed to Lil Wayne’s label at the start of his career. In 2009, he released his third mixtape, So Far Gone, as a free download on his OVO website. This project featured collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne, Lloyd, Trey Songz, Omarion, and Bun B.
Within the first hour, it was downloaded over 2,000 times. The mixtape’s success was undeniable—it was eventually certified Gold by the RIAA and peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Due to its massive popularity, So Far Gone was re-released as an EP, debuting at #6 on the Billboard 200 and earning Drake the 2010 Juno Award for Rap Recording of the Year.
Even as an independent artist, his talent put him in high demand within the music industry. A fierce bidding war ensued among various labels, with some calling it the biggest bidding war in music history, although this claim remains unconfirmed.
On June 29, 2009, he officially signed a record deal with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment. This contract was a joint venture between Young Money and its parent label Cash Money Records, with Universal Music handling distribution. This deal marked the beginning of his ascent to global superstardom.
Mainstream Success
Drake’s debut studio album, Thank Me Later, was released on June 15, 2010, and it quickly became a massive success. The album reached #1 in both Canada and the US, topping the Billboard 100, the R&B/Hip Hop charts, and the US Rap charts. The album’s success led to it being certified Platinum by the RIAA, solidifying his position as a dominant force in the music industry.
In 2011, Drake released his second studio album, Take Care, which also achieved incredible success, hitting #1 on multiple charts across various countries. This album went on to be certified 6-times Platinum, further boosting his reputation as a top-tier artist.
Since then, every album he has released has been certified at least 4-times Platinum, a testament to his consistent popularity and influence.
His work with some of the biggest names in the industry—such as Kanye West, Eminem, Jay-Z, and Travis Scott—has cemented his status as one of the most successful and powerful figures in both hip-hop and the broader music industry.
His talent and hard work have been recognized with more than 193 major awards, including five Grammy Awards from over 55 nominations. Additionally, his live performances are in high demand, with Drake grossing approximately $1 million per concert.
Singles Sold
Drake holds the record for selling more digital singles than any artist in history. As of now, he has sold over 163 million digital singles, which is a staggering 40 million more than the second-highest artist, Rihanna.
When it comes to album sales, he ranks as the 80th highest-selling musician of all time, with an estimated 26 million albums sold.
Among Canadian artists, he is the third best-selling musician, trailing only behind Shania Twain with 48 million albums sold, and Celine Dion, who leads with 50 million albums sold. These numbers solidify his immense influence and success, both in Canada and globally.
Career Highlights
Acting in Degrassi
Before Drake became a household name in the music world, he starred as Jimmy Brooks in Degrassi: The Next Generation from 2001 to 2008. This role, though financially modest, provided the stability he needed to support his family during his teenage years.
He has often spoken about how his time on the show allowed him to save and invest in his future music career.
Music Career
Inspired by rap legends like Jay-Z, who secured record deals after building their success as independent artists, Aubrey, now using Drake as his stage name, began releasing his own mixtapes in 2006.
In February 2005, he dropped his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement, through his website and MySpace page, selling over 6,000 copies directly. The following year, he launched his second mixtape, Comeback Season, under his newly founded label, October’s Very Own (OVO Records).
This project featured the underground hit Replacement Girl, which gained notable recognition. The accompanying music video became the first from an unsigned Canadian rapper to air on BET. A version of the track also included a sample of Man of the Year by Brisco, Flo Rida, and Lil Wayne.
His music caught the attention of Houston producer and Rap-A-Lot Records founder Jas Prince, who shared the track with Lil Wayne. Impressed by his talent, Lil Wayne invited him to join his Tha Carter III tour.
During the tour, Drake and Wayne collaborated on multiple songs, including Brand New, Forever, and Ransom. This partnership marked the beginning of his rise to mainstream success.
Business Ventures
Over the years, Drake has partnered with several major brands, securing high-profile endorsement deals with Sprite, Burger King, Whataburger, Nike, and Apple.
His most notable partnership came with Apple Music, where he signed a $19 million exclusivity deal upon its launch. This deal made Apple the exclusive platform for all of his future solo releases, further boosting both his visibility and income.
In 2012, he expanded his influence in the music industry by founding his own record label, OVO Sound, which is distributed by Warner Bros. Records. The label represents a number of prominent artists, including PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, and Kash Doll, as well as producers like Boi-1da, Future the Prince, and Mike Zombie, helping to shape the careers of new talents.
Beyond music, Drake has a strong connection to sports. He is the global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors and hosts an annual Drake Night with the team, further strengthening his brand and ties to his hometown.
In 2016, he ventured into the spirits industry by launching his own bourbon-based whiskey brand, Virginia Black. The brand had a successful start, selling 4,000 bottles in its first week. Later that year, 30,000 more units were shipped, marking a strong debut for his foray into the business world.
Real Estate Investments
YOLO Estate
In 2012, Drake bought the famous YOLO Estate in Hidden Hills, California, for $7.7 million. The estate features a 12,000-square-foot mansion, a pool with waterfalls, and a 25-seat movie theater. This sprawling property became a symbol of his success and has since been expanded with neighboring acquisitions, totaling $15 million in real estate.
Beverly Hills Mansion
In 2022, Drake purchased Robbie Williams’ 20-acre Beverly Hills mansion for $75 million. This lavish estate features luxurious amenities and became one of the most significant additions to his real estate portfolio. In 2023, he listed the mansion for $88 million, further increasing the value of his investments.
Toronto Mansion
Drake’s Toronto mansion sits on two acres and spans 50,000 square feet, offering amenities like a 10-car garage and a regulation-sized NBA basketball court. This mansion, purchased for $6.7 million, reflects his deep connection to his hometown and his desire for a truly grand living space.
Texas Estate
In 2023, Drake expanded his real estate portfolio with the acquisition of a 313-acre estate in Texas, purchased for $15 million. Formerly a luxury resort, this ranch, known as Dos Brisas, marks his entry into larger land holdings, signifying his continued focus on diversifying his investments.
Personal Life
Drake’s personal life has often made headlines, especially his relationship with Sophie Brussaux, the mother of his son, Adonis, born in 2017. He has embraced fatherhood and often shares glimpses of his life with his son.
Though previously linked to high-profile celebrities like Rihanna, he remains single as of 2024. His deep ties to Toronto are evident through his role as the global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors, where he often supports the team courtside.
Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/champagnepapi/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Drake/
Twitter: https://x.com/drake
FAQs About Drake
Where was Drake born?
He was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and spent much of his early life there before rising to fame.
How many children does Drake have?
He has one son, Adonis, who was born in 2017.
What business ventures has Drake pursued?
In addition to his music career, he has founded OVO Sound, launched Virginia Black Whiskey, and partnered with brands like Nike and Apple Music.
When did Drake start his music career?
His music career began in 2006 with his first mixtape, but he gained widespread recognition after his 2009 mixtape So Far Gone.
What are some of Drake’s major real estate properties?
He owns multiple high-end properties, including the YOLO Estate, a Toronto mansion, a Beverly Hills mansion, and a Texas ranch.
Conclusion
Drake’s rise to the top of the music and business world is truly remarkable. His ever-growing net worth and strategic investments show his impressive acumen. Want to explore more insights into celebrity finances? Be sure to leave a comment, share your thoughts, or read more at Fame Network Hub here!