Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada, has risen to become one of the most influential figures in contemporary music. Starting his career as an actor on the teen drama series "Degrassi: The Next Generation," Drake transitioned to music and quickly found success as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.

Drake's debut studio album, "Thank Me Later," released in 2010, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and featured hit singles like "Find Your Love" and "Over." His sophomore album, "Take Care" (2011), solidified his status as a hip-hop heavyweight, earning critical acclaim and spawning chart-topping tracks such as "Take Care" (featuring Rihanna) and "Started From the Bottom."

Known for his introspective lyrics, emotional depth, and seamless blending of rap and R&B, Drake continued to dominate the music charts with albums like "Nothing Was the Same" (2013), "Views" (2016), and "Scorpion" (2018). "Views" became his first album to top the Billboard 200 for multiple weeks and included smash hits like "Hotline Bling" and "One Dance," which topped charts globally.

Drake's ability to consistently produce chart-topping singles and albums has made him one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 170 million records sold worldwide. He holds numerous Billboard records, including the most charted songs (over 200) by any solo artist in Billboard Hot 100 history.

In addition to his solo career, Drake has been a prominent figure in collaborations with other artists, producing hits like "What's My Name?" with Rihanna, "No Guidance" with Chris Brown, and "Sicko Mode" with Travis Scott. His versatility and influence extend beyond music into entrepreneurship, with successful ventures in fashion, cannabis, and partnerships with major brands.

Drake's impact on popular culture goes beyond music sales and awards. He has influenced the hip-hop genre with his innovative sound and style, while also breaking barriers as a biracial Canadian artist in a traditionally American-dominated industry. His authenticity, storytelling prowess, and ability to connect with diverse audiences have solidified his place as a cultural icon.

As Drake continues to evolve as an artist and expand his creative endeavors, his legacy in music and entertainment remains formidable. With multiple Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and an OVO Sound record label under his belt, Drake's influence on the music industry and popular culture shows no signs of waning.