Drake is not only one of the most successful hip-hop artists but also a sharp entrepreneur with a massive fortune. He earns money from music, acting, the alcohol business, fashion, and various other ventures, continuously increasing his net worth over the years. Let’s explore the main sources of income that have made Drake one of the richest rappers in the world.
1. Who is Drake?
Drake, whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, was born on October 2, 1986, in Toronto, Canada. He is one of the wealthiest and most successful rappers globally and is also a talented singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur.
Drake grew up in a musically inclined family. His father, Dennis Graham, was a drummer for rock legend Jerry Lee Lewis, while his mother, Sandi Sher, came from a Jewish family deeply connected to the arts. Additionally, Drake’s uncle, Larry Graham, was a renowned bass guitarist who performed with the legendary funk band Sly and the Family Stone.
However, Drake’s childhood was not entirely smooth. His parents divorced when he was young, and he primarily lived with his mother in Toronto. Initially, he resided in the working-class Weston Road neighborhood before moving to Forest Hill, one of the city’s wealthiest districts.
Drake attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, a school that differed significantly from the environment he was raised in. As a biracial Jewish teenager in a predominantly white school, he faced isolation and discrimination. At the age of 13, he underwent a Bar Mitzvah, a significant coming-of-age ceremony in Jewish tradition.
He later transferred to Vaughan Road Academy, where he encountered further challenges. There, he was frequently bullied due to his race and religion. These pressures ultimately led him to drop out of school. However, determined to complete his education, Drake later returned and graduated from high school in 2012 at the age of 24.
Drake began his acting career in 2001 at just 14 years old. He landed the role of Jimmy Brooks in the Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation. His character was a promising basketball player who suffered a severe injury and was confined to a wheelchair. This role brought him media attention, although at the time, he had not yet considered becoming a professional rapper or singer.
2. How much is Drake’s net worth?
Drake is not only one of the world’s top rappers but also a highly successful entrepreneur. Thanks to his booming music career and smart investments, his net worth is currently estimated at around $250 million.
Drake first gained attention in 2001 when he appeared in the Canadian TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation. He played the role of Jimmy Brooks, a teenage basketball star who later suffered a severe injury. This role earned him approximately $40,000 per year throughout 145 episodes.
Despite his acting career, Drake’s greatest passion has always been music. In 2006, he released his first mixtape, Room for Improvement, selling 6,000 copies. By 2009, his mixtape So Far Gone—featuring the hit song Best I Ever Had—reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, making him a rising star in the rap industry.
In 2009, Drake signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment. His debut album, Thank Me Later, released in 2010, immediately debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Drake quickly set numerous records:
- 163 million digital singles sold, making him the highest-selling digital singles artist of all time.
- 26 million albums sold, ranking him as the third best-selling Canadian artist after Shania Twain and Celine Dion.
Beyond chart success, Drake has also made a fortune from touring. Since 2010, he has headlined 10 major tours, breaking revenue records in the hip-hop industry:
- Summer Sixteen Tour (2016): Grossed over $84 million.
- Aubrey & The Three Migos Tour (2018): Reached $80 million.
Currently, Drake commands a performance fee of up to $2 million per show and earns an additional $500,000 just for nightclub appearances in Las Vegas.
Back in 2009, Drake’s net worth was only around $1 million. Today, that figure has surpassed $250 million. In 2017 alone, he earned $100 million from music, touring, and endorsement deals.
Drake is not just a talented rapper but also a savvy businessman, continuously expanding his income streams. As a result, he remains one of the richest rappers in the world today.
3. Main sources of income that increase Drake’s net worth
As one of the most successful artists in the world, Drake doesn’t just earn from music—he has expanded his financial empire into multiple industries. From chart-topping hits and multi-million-dollar contracts to whisky investments and brand ambassador roles, all of these ventures have significantly increased his net worth.
Music
Drake’s illustrious music career generates approximately $50 million annually. With a series of chart-dominating hits, he continuously expands his influence. His 2016 album Views remained on the Billboard 200 for an incredible 100 consecutive weeks. By 2022, Drake had become the most-streamed artist on Spotify, surpassing 50 billion streams.
Beyond that, in 2021, Drake signed a massive deal with Universal Music Group, reportedly worth nearly $400 million. His sold-out tours also bring in tens of millions of dollars, cementing his status as one of the highest-earning artists today.
Acting
Before becoming a rap superstar, Drake pursued an acting career. He first gained fame playing Jimmy Brooks in the teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation. Although his salary was only around $40,000 per year, this experience introduced him to the entertainment industry, allowing him to build connections and gain valuable experience that later helped him shine in the music world.
Virginia black whiskey
Drake is not just an artist but also a sharp businessman, investing in the whiskey industry. In 2016, he co-founded the Virginia Black brand alongside Brent Hocking, the founder of DeLeón Tequila.
From its launch, Virginia Black quickly expanded into major markets, including New York, Nevada, and California. By the end of 2016, it had become the best-selling whiskey in Canada, proving that Drake’s influence extends beyond music into the business world.
Global Ambassador for the Toronto Raptors
Drake takes great pride in his hometown of Toronto and has a special connection with the Toronto Raptors basketball team. In 2013, he was officially named the team’s Global Ambassador, helping to promote the Raptors’ brand worldwide.
Drake’s involvement goes beyond media representation—he actively participates in marketing campaigns, designs exclusive uniforms, and even has a VIP section named after him at the Raptors’ stadium.
SiriusXM
In 2019, Drake further expanded his influence by launching the Sound 42 radio station on SiriusXM. This platform became the new home for OVO Sound Radio, which previously aired on Apple Music from 2015 to 2018.
More than just a channel for Drake’s own music, the station also promotes artists signed under his OVO record label while offering listeners a diverse mix of genres, including R&B, dancehall, and more.
OVO Label
Beyond being a top-tier artist, Drake is also the founder of October’s Very Own (OVO), a record label he established in 2012 alongside Noah “40” Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib. The label has signed numerous talented artists and released several successful albums.
In addition to music, OVO has expanded into fashion with its high-end streetwear line, reflecting Drake’s signature style. The brand has gained significant popularity, contributing to his ever-growing revenue streams.
From a teenage television actor to one of the highest-earning artists in the world, Drake has continuously expanded his financial empire with sharp business acumen. His success extends beyond music, driven by strategic investments that solidify his status as a global cultural icon. Drake’s wealth and influence are not just products of his artistry but also of his keen ability to turn opportunities into lasting success.
