Drake Graham Biography: Age, Early Life, Parents, Education, Career, Net Worth

Drake is one of the most successful and influential rappers in the world. Known for his versatile music style, emotional lyricism, and record-breaking albums, he has become a dominant force in the music industry. This article provides a detailed look at his biography, early life, career, relationships, and net worth.
Biography Overview
- Full Name: Aubrey Drake Graham
- Stage Name: Drake
- Date of Birth: October 24, 1986
- Age: 38 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Profession: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Entrepreneur
- Genres: Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop Rap
- Years Active: 2001–Present
Early Life and Parents
Drake was born in Toronto, Ontario, to an interracial family. His father, Dennis Graham, is an African American drummer from Memphis, Tennessee, who performed with legendary musician Jerry Lee Lewis. His mother, Sandra “Sandi” Graham, is a Canadian Jewish educator and florist. His parents divorced when he was five years old, and he was raised primarily by his mother in Toronto’s Forest Hill neighborhood.
Despite growing up in a relatively affluent area, Drake faced financial struggles, and his mother worked hard to support them. His father’s influence in music played a key role in shaping his love for hip-hop and R&B.
Education
Drake attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, where he developed an interest in acting and music. Later, he transferred to Vaughan Road Academy, but he dropped out to pursue his entertainment career. However, he later completed his high school diploma in 2012.
Career
Acting Career (2001–2009)
Before becoming a global rap sensation, Drake began his career in acting. He gained fame for playing Jimmy Brooks, a basketball player who becomes paralyzed, in the Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–2009). While acting, he started working on music and releasing mixtapes.
Music Career Breakthrough (2006–2010)
Drake’s music career began with independent mixtapes:
- Room for Improvement (2006)
- Comeback Season (2007)
- So Far Gone (2009) – Featured the hit Best I Ever Had, gaining mainstream attention.
His rising success led to a bidding war among record labels, and he eventually signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment in 2009.
Mainstream Success and Albums (2010–Present)
Drake released multiple chart-topping albums, blending rap and R&B to create his signature sound.
Studio Albums:
- Thank Me Later (2010) – Debut album with hits like Over and Find Your Love.
- Take Care (2011) – Grammy-winning album with songs like Marvins Room and The Motto.
- Nothing Was the Same (2013) – Featured Started from the Bottom and Hold On, We’re Going Home.
- If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late (2015) – A surprise mixtape that became a major hit.
- Views (2016) – Included One Dance, which became his first No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit.
- More Life (2017) – Featured Passionfruit and introduced the “playlist album” concept.
- Scorpion (2018) – Contained God’s Plan and In My Feelings, which became viral.
- Certified Lover Boy (2021) – Featured hits like Way 2 Sexy and Fair Trade.
- Honestly, Nevermind (2022) – A house music-inspired album.
- Her Loss (2022, with 21 Savage) – Collaborative album featuring Rich Flex.
- For All the Dogs (2023) – Continued his dominance in the rap industry.
Drake’s ability to constantly evolve has made him one of the most influential rappers of all time.
Relationships and Personal Life
Drake has had several high-profile relationships, including:
- Rihanna (on and off from 2009–2016) – One of his most publicized romances.
- Serena Williams (rumored in 2015).
- Jennifer Lopez (briefly in 2016–2017).
- Sophie Brussaux – The mother of his son, Adonis, born in 2017.
Drake keeps his personal life relatively private but has been linked to various models and celebrities over the years.
Business Ventures and Net Worth
Drake is not only a musician but also a successful entrepreneur. His business ventures include:
- OVO Sound – His record label, founded in 2012.
- OVO Clothing – A fashion brand known for its high-end streetwear.
- Stake (online gambling) – Investment in the betting company.
- Virginia Black Whiskey – A luxury alcohol brand.
- Toronto Raptors Ambassador – A key figure in NBA culture.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Drake’s estimated net worth is around $300–400 million. His wealth comes from music sales, streaming, business ventures, and endorsements with brands like Nike and Apple Music.
Conclusion
Drake’s journey from a teenage actor in Canada to one of the most successful rappers in the world is inspiring. With a career filled with record-breaking hits, major business ventures, and global influence, he continues to dominate the music industry. Whether through his emotional storytelling or his ability to adapt to new music trends, Drake remains a defining figure in hip-hop and pop culture.