The Rise of Drake: A Global Phenomenon

11-6-23

Part 1: Still in his prime

In the music world, a question has emerged among Drake fans and foes. Has he hit his prime or peaked? Following the release of his album For All The Dogs, the rapper has officially charted 13 songs at No.1, a record that hasn't been surpassed since Jackson achieved it in 1995 with “You Are Not Alone.” The achievement means that Drake and Jackson now share the title of fourth-most No. 1 songs on the Hot 100. Drake biggest year, in terms of No. 1 Hot 100 singles, was 2018, where he scored three of his 12 No. 1 hits: “God's Plan,” “Nice for What” and “In My Feelings.” The record for the most NoHe's still at the top of his game raise a sharp bring in the heat, song after song. So I think we need to take a moment and give him some more props, not that he doesn't have enough already. Seriously, who doesn't have a favorite Drake song? But is he still in his prime? Let's go to Canada and dig in a bit.

In the sprawling urban landscape of Toronto, a musical prodigy was born on October 24, 1986, destined to rewrite the rules of the rap game. Aubrey Drake Graham, better known simply as Drake, emerged as a force to be reckoned with, captivating the world with his unparalleled talent and innovative style.

At first glance, the accolades speak volumes. Drake boasts an impressive collection of awards, including 13 Gold records, 378 Platinum records, and a staggering 140 Diamond records. These achievements, while remarkable, only scratch the surface of Drake's impact on the global music industry. His influence extends far beyond mere statistics; he has become a cultural icon, a trendsetter, and a pioneer in the hip-hop genre. And yet, some would argue that Drake is still at the top of his game, still in his prime. They say let the music speak for itself.

One of the most astonishing aspects of Drake's success is his ability to transcend borders. While many artists aspire to conquer the American music scene, Drake shattered expectations by achieving unparalleled global recognition.

Toronto

Toronto, his hometown, experienced a significant economic boost, with tourism revenue soaring to $440 million in 2018, largely attributed to the "Drake effect." For the record, Toronto is Canada's largest city and a world leader in business, finance, technology, entertainment and culture. Its large population of immigrants from all over the globe has also made Toronto one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Check out the Festivals & Events Calendar to see how vibrant Toronto is.

Let's get back to Drake; he was born in Toronto and has owned a house in the city's Bridle Path neighbourhood since 2015. The two-acre property was initially purchased for $6.7 million.

On Sept. 30, 2013, when the Raptors named the hometown kid turned superstar rapper Aubrey Drake Graham as their global ambassador.

"Forever" rapidly became Drake's highest debut on the chart. It showcased Drake's bars as well as his smooth vocals, plus his ability to easily flow between the two styles — and the high-power collaboration put him on plenty of rap fans' radars, before he even released a studio album.He's got tons of hits but none like "One Dance." That song became the most successful single of Drake's career, becoming an international hit and peaking at number one in fifteen countries, including Canada, the US, and the UK, where it became his first number-one single.

The recipe

In his lyrics, Drake, like most rappers, has a way with words, but he loves to play with them, injecting humor and riddles along the way. Accordingly, his magnetic presence draws fans from all corners of the world, turning Toronto into a musical pilgrimage site.

What sets Drake apart from his peers is not just his talent but his unconventional journey. While many artists seek validation from American labels, Drake made a bold move by signing with the UK label "Boy Better Know," helmed by the renowned rapper Skepta. This decision showcased Drake's independence and willingness to challenge industry norms, setting the stage for his extraordinary career.

Drake's style is multifaceted and constantly evolving, reflecting his versatility as an artist. He seamlessly blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop, creating a unique sound that appeals to a wide range of listeners. We happen to be a few of them and the list keeps growing.

Stay tuned for Part 2 in this series.