0 to 100: The Rise of Drake's Empire
Drake, the 6 God, has been dominating the music industry for over a decade. From his early mixtapes to his chart-topping albums, Drake's rise to fame has been nothing short of phenomenal. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Drake's journey from 0 to 100, exploring his early days, breakthrough moments, and milestones that have cemented his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
Early Days: The Come-Up
Born Aubrey Drake Graham on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada, Drake's love for music began at a young age. Growing up in a musical family, he was exposed to a wide range of genres, from hip-hop to R&B. After dropping out of high school, Drake pursued a career in acting, landing a role on the Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation.
However, Drake's true passion lay in music. He began releasing mixtapes, starting with Room for Improvement in 2006, which caught the attention of Lil Wayne. The two collaborated on several tracks, including "Ransom," which became a local hit.
Breakthrough: So Far Gone
In 2009, Drake released So Far Gone, a mixtape that would change the course of his career. The tape's success led to a record deal with Young Money Entertainment, and Drake's major-label debut, Thank Me Later, dropped in 2010. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling over 447,000 copies in its first week.
Take Care: Critical Acclaim
Drake's sophomore album, Take Care, released in 2011, marked a significant turning point in his career. The album received widespread critical acclaim, earning Drake his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Take Care also spawned several hit singles, including "Headlines" and "The Motto," featuring Lil Wayne and Young Thug.
Nothing Was the Same: Experimentation
In 2013, Drake released Nothing Was the Same, an album that showcased his lyrical growth and experimentation with different sounds. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling over 658,000 copies in its first week.
Views: Commercial Success
Drake's fourth studio album, Views, released in 2016, became his most commercially successful project to date. The album spent 13 non-consecutive weeks at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning Drake his first number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart with "One Dance."
More Life: A New Chapter
In 2017, Drake released More Life, a "playlist" that debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The project featured a more experimental sound, with Drake incorporating UK grime and Afrobeats into his music.
Scorpion: Breaking Records
Drake's fifth studio album, Scorpion, released in 2018, broke multiple records. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning Drake his eighth number one album. Scorpion also spawned several hit singles, including "God's Plan" and "Nice for What."
Certified Lover Boy: The Future
In 2021, Drake released Certified Lover Boy, an album that solidified his position as one of the greatest rappers of all time. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning Drake his ninth number one album.
The 6 God's Legacy
Drake's impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. He has been named the best-selling rapper of the 2010s by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). With over 200 million records sold worldwide, Drake is one of the best-selling artists of all time.
As Drake continues to push the boundaries of hip-hop, his legacy as the 6 God is cemented in history. From 0 to 100, Drake's rise to fame has been nothing short of remarkable, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.
