Drake, a versatile Canadian-born actor, producer, and rapper, has amassed an impressive net worth of $250 million. Over the years, he has consistently ranked as one of the highest-paid entertainers globally. Though his journey began in acting, his rise to fame as a musician catapulted him to international stardom. Drake’s breakthrough came with his 2010 debut album Thank Me Later, which claimed the top spot on the hip-hop charts, setting the stage for his successful music career. Since 2006, Drake has been a continuous force in the industry, writing and recording hit after hit, touring, appearing on major music platforms, and participating in awards shows, all of which have contributed to his massive wealth.
Drake’s career earnings have soared to more than $430 million before taxes and lifestyle expenses. In the period between June 2017 and June 2018, he earned $45 million, followed by $95 million in 2017. The earnings continued to grow, with $75 million between June 2018 and June 2019 and $50 million in the subsequent year. For a more detailed breakdown of his earnings by year, scroll down.
Universal Music Group Partnership
In May 2022, Universal Music Group reaffirmed its long-term global partnership with Drake, which includes everything from recorded music to publishing, film, television, and branding. This deal, which Drake has referenced in his lyrics, is believed to be valued between $360 million and $400 million. If the deal was worth $400 million, it’s estimated that Drake received approximately $200 million upfront after taxes. Before this agreement, his music catalog alone was generating around $50 million annually for the company.
Early Life
Born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada, Aubrey Drake Graham grew up in a family of diverse influences. His father, Dennis, was a drummer who worked with renowned musicians, and his mother, Sandra (Sandi), was an English teacher and florist. Drake attended a Jewish day school and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah, embracing his heritage. His parents divorced when he was young, and he lived with his mother in Toronto while visiting his father in Memphis during the summers. Despite financial struggles, Drake’s childhood was marked by a pursuit of education and an emerging passion for acting and singing.
During his time at Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, Drake developed an interest in the arts. His family’s financial challenges were evident, and money was tight, but he found solace in his school’s arts program. However, it was at Vaughan Road Academy where he faced bullying due to his bi-racial and religious background. He briefly dropped out of school but later earned his diploma in 2012.
Degrassi: The Next Generation
Drake’s acting career took off at the age of 15, thanks to a childhood friend’s father who was an acting agent. Drake landed a role on the iconic Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation. As Jimmy Brooks, a basketball star who becomes paralyzed after being shot by a classmate, Drake starred in the show for seven seasons and made occasional guest appearances in 2008. His role in Degrassi provided financial stability for him and his mother, who struggled with illness during this period. Drake earned around $50,000 per year from the show, which helped support them during tough times.
Transition to Music
Inspired by rap legends such as Jay-Z, Drake shifted his focus to music in 2006, aiming to follow in the footsteps of independent artists who later signed record deals. He adopted his middle name, “Drake,” as his stage name and began releasing mixtapes. His first mixtape, Room for Improvement (2006), sold over 6,000 copies, and his second, Comeback Season (2007), featured the hit underground track “Replacement Girl.” This song garnered attention on BET, which led Houston-based producer Jas Prince to connect Drake with Lil Wayne. Impressed by Drake’s talent, Lil Wayne invited him to join his Tha Carter III tour, where they collaborated on several tracks.
Signing with Young Money Entertainment
In 2009, Drake’s mixtape So Far Gone received widespread acclaim, eventually earning Gold certification. As an independent artist, he was in high demand, sparking what’s been described as one of the biggest bidding wars in music history. Ultimately, Drake signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment, a joint venture between Young Money, Cash Money, and Universal Music. This deal launched Drake into the mainstream and set the stage for his meteoric rise in hip-hop.
Mainstream Success
Drake’s debut album, Thank Me Later, released in 2010, hit number one in both Canada and the U.S., reaching #1 on the Billboard 100, R&B/Hip-Hop charts, and the U.S. Rap charts. The album earned Platinum certification from the RIAA. His subsequent album, Take Care (2011), was even more successful, going 6x Platinum. Every album released after that has been at least 4x Platinum, solidifying Drake’s place as one of the most influential artists in the music industry.
Drake has collaborated with major artists such as Kanye West, Eminem, Jay-Z, and Travis Scott. Over the years, he has amassed more than 180 major awards, including four Grammys out of over 40 nominations. In terms of earnings, Drake makes approximately $1 million per concert, a testament to his massive global fanbase.
Record-Breaking Singles and Earnings
Drake holds the title for the most digital singles sold by any artist, surpassing 163 million singles sold. His album sales also rank him among the best-selling musicians of all time, with an estimated 26 million albums sold, placing him in the 80th spot globally. His earnings have consistently grown, with his annual income for various years as follows:
- 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
YOLO Estate
Drake’s real estate investments reflect his wealth and taste. In 2012, he purchased the YOLO Estate in Hidden Hills, California, for $7.7 million in cash. The property, which features multiple residences, equestrian stables, a large movie theater, and an expansive pool, is a testament to Drake’s penchant for luxury. His estate includes a lagoon-like pool with waterfalls and an 80-foot water slide. Over time, Drake expanded his property with additional land, bringing the total real estate value to $15 million. In 2022, he listed the YOLO Estate for $22.7 million, later selling it in parts.
Toronto Mansion
Drake also owns a sprawling 50,000-square-foot mansion in Toronto’s upscale Bridle Path neighborhood. Purchased in 2016 for $6.7 million, the mansion features a regulation-size NBA basketball court, an extensive garage, and an awards room. The master bedroom alone spans 3,200 square feet.
$90 Million Beverly Hills Mansion
In 2022, Drake secured a $75 million off-market deal for a 20-acre Beverly Hills mansion previously owned by British singer Robbie Williams. The luxurious property was purchased through a corporate entity, and Drake financed it with a $52.5 million mortgage. However, by May 2023, Drake listed the property for $88 million.
Texas Estate
In 2023, Drake purchased the Dos Brisas Ranch, a 313-acre estate in Texas, for $15 million. The property, once a private compound and later a resort, had been a luxury destination before closing in 2022. The estate is now a significant addition to Drake’s impressive real estate portfolio.
Air Drake
Drake’s luxurious lifestyle extends to air travel as well. In May 2019, he revealed his Boeing 767 private jet, named Air Drake, which he owns outright. The jet, valued between $75 million and $100 million, is a symbol of his success and ability to enjoy a lavish lifestyle.
Net Worth Milestones
Since joining Celebrity Net Worth in 2009 with an estimated net worth of $1 million, Drake’s financial success has soared. By 2012, his worth surpassed $25 million, and by 2014, it was over $45 million. Thanks to his continuous success, Drake crossed the $100 million mark in 2018, and by 2019, his net worth exceeded $150 million.
Business Ventures
Drake has also ventured into various business deals. He has endorsed several major brands, including Sprite, Burger King, Nike, and Apple. His exclusive $19 million deal with Apple Music allowed the platform to host all of Drake’s solo releases. Drake also launched his record label, OVO Sound, in 2012, which represents various artists and producers. Additionally, his 2016 venture into the whiskey market, Virginia Black, sold 30,000 units in its first year.
Tours and Residencies
Drake has gone on several headlining tours, including the Away From Home Tour in 2010. His Summer Sixteen Tour in 2016 grossed $84.3 million, making it the highest-grossing hip-hop tour at the time. His 2018 co-headlining tour with Migos earned $80 million. Drake also hosts the annual OVO Fest in Toronto and has a residency at XS Nightclub in Las Vegas, where he earns up to $500,000 per appearance.
Personal Life
Drake has had several high-profile relationships, including an on-and-off romance with Rihanna between 2009 and 2016. In 2017, he became a father to a son, Adonis, with French artist Sophie Brussaux. He confirmed his fatherhood in 2018, marking a new chapter in his personal life.
