Sebastian Tellez Vargas 5/4/2024 MUSC 108 Hip Hop/Rap Artist Fact Sheet #8 1. Drake (born Aubrey Drake Graham, born on October 24, 1986) is a Canadian rapper and singer. 2. He was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada 3. Drake's music career took off with his mixtape "So Far Gone" in 2009, which included the hit single "Best I Ever Had." 4. His debut studio album, "Thank Me Later," was released in 2010 and debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 chart. 5. Drake has won four Grammy Awards and holds several Billboard chart records, including most charted songs by a solo artist. 6. He founded the OVO Sound record label in 2012, which has signed artists like PARTYNEXTDOOR and Majid Jordan. 7. Drake's album "Take Care" (2011) won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and featured collaborations with Rihanna, Lil Wayne, and The Weeknd. 8. His song "Hotline Bling" became a viral sensation in 2015, known for its catchy beat and even became a Tiktok trend. 9. Drake holds the record for the most number-one singles on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart. 10. He is known for seamlessly blending rap with R&B influences in his music, creating a unique sound that appeals to a wide audience. 11. Drake's album "Views" (2016) spent multiple weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and produced several hit singles, including "One Dance" and "Controlla." 12. He has collaborated with numerous well known artists across various genres, including Future, Travis Scott, and Nicki Minaj. 13. Drake's album "Scorpion" (2018) set multiple streaming records upon its release and included the chart-topping singles "God's Plan" and "In My Feelings." 14. In addition to his music career, Drake has ventured into acting, business, and philanthropy. 15. He launched his own clothing line, OVO (like the record label) Clothing, which has become a popular streetwear brand. 16. Drake frequently references his hometown of Toronto in his music and is known for his support of the city's sports teams, particularly the Toronto Raptors basketball team. 17. He has faced controversies and beefs with other artists throughout his career, including notable conflicts with Meek Mill and Pusha T. 18. Drake's versatility as an artist has allowed him to remain a dominant figure in the music industry for over a decade. 19. He often explores themes of love, fame, and personal struggles in his lyrics, which resonate with fans worldwide. 20. Drake continues to evolve as an artist, releasing chart-topping singles and albums while solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in rap and hip-hop music.