Drake, a Canadian actor, producer, and rapper, boasts a net worth of $250 million. He initially rose to fame as an actor on the teen drama “Degrassi: The Next Generation” before entering the music scene in 2006 with his first mixtape “Room for Improvement.” His major breakthrough occurred with the 2009 mixtape “So Far Gone,” featuring the hit “Best I Ever Had.” After signing with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment, he released his debut album “Thank Me Later” in 2010, which topped the charts. His following albums—”Take Care,” “Nothing Was the Same,” and “Views”—further established him as a dominant global figure, known for blending rap with R&B and pop.
Drake’s introspective lyrics, catchy melodies, and viral songs have earned him numerous Billboard records and consistent success on streaming platforms. His influence expands beyond music into business, fashion, and pop culture. With notable projects such as “More Life,” “Scorpion,” and “Certified Lover Boy,” along with numerous collaborations, he remains one of the most commercially successful and culturally significant artists in the industry.
Drake is often listed among the highest-paid entertainers globally. He has toured extensively and accumulated over $430 million in earnings throughout his career, prior to taxes and expenses. Between June 2017 and June 2018, he earned $45 million, followed by $95 million in 2017, $75 million between June 2018 and June 2019, and $50 million in the subsequent year. A complete year-by-year income breakdown is available.
Universal Music Group Deal
In May 2022, during its Q1 earnings call, Universal Music Group revealed that it had renewed a “long-term worldwide partnership” with Drake covering various aspects including music, film, and television. Drake hinted at this deal in his lyrics, suggesting a $360 million upfront payment, though estimates have pegged the deal’s worth at $400 million or more. Before this agreement, his music catalog alone generated around $50 million annually for Universal.
Assuming the deal is valued at $400 million, after taxes Drake would have received an estimated $200 million upfront.
Early Life
Aubrey Drake Graham was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto. His father, Dennis, was a drummer, while his mother, Sandra (Sandi), was an English teacher and florist. Following their divorce when he was five, Drake stayed with his mother, visiting his father in Memphis during the summers. Despite financial challenges, Drake and his mother lived in Forest Hill, where he developed an interest in acting and music during his school years, later graduating in 2012 after a brief drop out.
Degrassi
At age 15, a friend’s father, an acting agent, facilitated Drake’s role in the Canadian series “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” where he played Jimmy Brooks, a basketball player who becomes disabled. As his mother fell ill, Drake relied solely on his income from the show, earning approximately $50,000 a year.
Music Career
Motivated by rap legends like Jay-Z, Drake began releasing mixtapes in 2006. His first, “Room for Improvement,” was sold online, followed by “Comeback Season,” which featured the underground hit “Replacement Girl.” The latter’s success caught the attention of Lil Wayne, who invited him to join his tour. However, at this time, he was not yet signed to Wayne’s label.
Drake dropped his third mixtape, “So Far Gone,” in 2009 as a free download, leading to widespread acclaim and certification as Gold by the RIAA.
Young Money Entertainment
On June 29, 2009, Drake signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment. His debut studio album, “Thank Me Later,” was released on June 15, 2010, reaching the top of charts in Canada and the U.S. His subsequent albums, including “Take Care,” achieved significant commercial success, with his later albums also going multi-Platinum.
Drake ranks as a major force in hip-hop, collaborating with various industry giants and winning over 180 major awards, including four Grammys out of more than 40 nominations. His concert earnings generally reach about $1 million per show.
Singles Sold
Drake is the highest-selling digital singles artist, with over 163 million sold, outperforming second-place Rihanna. He has sold an estimated 26 million albums, making him the third best-selling Canadian artist after Shania Twain and Celine Dion.
Drake’s Earnings By Year
– 2010: $10 million
– 2011: $11 million
– 2012: $21 million
– 2013: $11 million
– 2014: $33 million
– 2015: $40 million
– 2016: $40 million
– 2017: $95 million
– 2018: $47 million
– 2019: $75 million
– 2020: $50 million
– 2021: $40 million
– 2022: $30 million
Total earnings: $503 million.
YOLO Estate
In 2012, Drake purchased a lavish mansion in Hidden Hills, California, for $7.7 million, dubbed the YOLO Estate. The property includes various amenities like a 12,000-square-foot main house, equestrian stables, a movie theater, and an extravagant pool. He later expanded the estate by purchasing neighboring properties, totaling 6.7 contiguous acres with a combined acquisition cost of around $15 million.
Drake listed the YOLO Estate for $22.7 million in March 2022, selling parts of it thereafter.
Toronto Mansion
In 2016, he invested $6.7 million in a 50,000-square-foot mansion in Toronto, featuring extensive amenities, including a 10-car garage and a gym. Additionally, he owns a downtown Toronto condo.
$90 Million Beverly Hills Mansion
In March 2022, Drake bought a 20-acre mansion in Beverly Hills from Robbie Williams for $75 million and later listed it for $88 million in May 2023.
300+ Acre Texas Estate
In October 2023, he acquired a 313-acre estate, previously known as The Inn at Dos Brisas, for $15 million. This property had transitioned from a private compound to a popular resort before it was shut down in 2022.
Air Drake Private Jet
In May 2019, Drake showcased his Boeing 767 private jet, named “Air Drake,” which he owns outright and is comparable to jets worth $75-100 million.
Drake’s Net Worth History
Drake was first considered in November 2009 with a net worth of $1 million and has seen significant growth over the years, surpassing $25 million in 2012 and $100 million by early 2018.
Business Ventures
Drake has partnered with brands like Sprite and Apple, signing a $19 million exclusivity deal with Apple Music. He founded his label OVO Sound in 2012. As the global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors, he also promotes annual events like Drake Night.
In 2016, he launched a bourbon whiskey brand, Virginia Black, which sold well upon release.
Tours
Drake has completed multiple headline tours since 2010, with his 2016 “Summer Sixteen Tour” being the highest-grossing hip-hop tour until 2018.
Personal Life
Drake’s high-profile relationships include his on-and-off romance with Rihanna and the birth of his son, Adonis, in October 2017, which he confirmed in 2018.
