Drake’s Journey from Actor to Rap Icon

Before Drake became a global rap sensation, he was known as Aubrey Graham, a teenage actor on the Canadian TV show “Degrassi: The Next Generation (1).” He played Jimmy Brooks, a high school basketball star who ends up in a wheelchair after being shot by a classmate. Drake’s role on the show was a stepping stone that eventually led him to pursue music full-time.

Despite his success as a musician, Drake has often acknowledged his acting roots and how they helped shape his career. When you track his career, Drake’s Degrassi days remain a beloved part of his history for fans, showing that even superstars can start from humble beginnings.

Drake Owns a Lavish Collection of Memorabilia

Drake isn’t just known for his music and acting; he’s also an avid collector of rare and expensive memorabilia. One of his most talked-about items is a custom-made Rolls-Royce Phantom that he used to rent when he couldn’t afford to buy it.

According to Rachel Tashjian’s 2020 article for GQ, Drake later purchased the car as a present to himself for a whopping $400,000, showcasing his love for luxury and nostalgia (2). This car has become a symbol of his journey from humble beginnings to massive success.

Additionally, Drake has a penchant for unique sports memorabilia. For example, he owns an impressive collection of basketball jerseys, including a rare LeBron James high school jersey. Drake explained that collecting these items isn’t just about status — it’s about celebrating the achievements of his idols and the culture that inspires his music.

Drake’s Courtside Influence

Drake’s love for his hometown team, the Toronto Raptors, is no secret to the locals. He’s been the team’s global ambassador since 2013 and is a regular fixture at their games. Drake’s courtside antics, from playful trash-talking to celebrating big plays, have made him well-known in the NBA community.

His support for the Raptors goes beyond just being a fan; he’s actively promoting the team and even helped design the team’s alternate jerseys, which have become a hit among fans (3).

In a 2021 interview with Tim Bontemps, ESPN, Drake spoke about how his involvement with the Raptors is more than just a celebrity endorsement. He considers it a way to give back to his city and help elevate the team’s profile on a global scale. His influence has brought more attention to the Raptors and helped solidify Toronto’s reputation as a basketball city.

Drake’s Record-Breaking Billboard Streak

Drake has set numerous records throughout his career, but one of the most impressive is his domination of the Billboard charts. In March 2021, he became the first artist to debut three songs simultaneously in the top three spots on the Billboard Hot 100.

The songs “What’s Next,” “Wants and Needs,” and “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” all debuted in the top three, making history and further cementing Drake’s status as a musical powerhouse (4).

According to Andrew Unterberger, in a March 2021 article for Billboard, this achievement was part of a streak that saw Drake consistently topping the charts with every release. His ability to produce hit after hit has kept him at the forefront of the music industry for over a decade.

References

1. Callie Ahlgrim. “The complete timeline of Drake’s rise to stardom, from starring on ‘Degrassi’ to his record-breaking reign as a rapper.” Business Insider, October 16, 2023. | https://www.complex.com/music/2021/09/drake-evolution-actor-rapper 

2. Rachel Tashjian. “Inside Drake’s Obsession with Expensive Memorabilia.” GQ, April 14, 2020. | https://www.gq.com/story/drake-collecting-memorabilia

3. Tim Bontemps. “Drake’s Impact on the Toronto Raptors and the NBA.” ESPN, May 17, 2021. | https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31464612/drake-impact-toronto-raptors-nba

4. Andrew Unterberger. “Drake’s Historic Billboard Hot 100 Feat.” Billboard, March 15, 2021. | https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9542486/drake-billboard-hot-100-record