Aubrey Drake Graham, known mononymously as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer, and actor who has significantly influenced contemporary music with his blend of rap and R&B.
Born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Drake was raised in a musically inclined family. His father, Dennis Graham, was a drummer for Jerry Lee Lewis, and his uncle, Larry Graham, played bass for Sly and the Family Stone. Drake’s mother, Sandi Graham, worked as an educator. He first gained recognition as an actor, portraying Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation from 2001 to 2008.
In 2006, Drake released his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement, followed by Comeback Season in 2007. His third mixtape, So Far Gone (2009), featuring the hit single “Best I Ever Had,” garnered widespread acclaim and marked his breakthrough in the music industry.