Many talented and successful people were born in Toronto. Famous actors, singers, television hosts, politicians, and athletes have built their careers in this metropolis. Today, we’ll talk about a renowned musician. Aubrey Drake Graham was born in Toronto. He is one of the most successful musicians of our time, famed as a rapper, singer, producer, and actor. Read more about this on the pages of torontoski.info.
What We Know About the Star’s Childhood
The future singer was born in Toronto in 1986. He grew up in a family of musicians and educators. It’s worth noting that his father was a drummer who worked with the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis, while his mother, Sandra Graham, was a teacher.
Drake grew up in a multicultural environment: he attended a Jewish day school and celebrated a Bar Mitzvah. When he was five years old, his parents divorced. Drake went to live with his mother in the Forest Hill neighbourhood of Toronto. It should be noted that the Toronto native’s childhood could not be described as affluent. He and his mother rented part of a house – Drake lived in the basement, and his mother on the first floor. He later admitted that he grew up very quickly and felt a sense of responsibility for his mother. As for his father, he spent some time in prison. Consequently, Drake saw his father infrequently.
The Beginning of His Creative Journey
The Toronto native first gained popularity as a teenager with his role as Jimmy Brooks in the series “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” However, music was his priority. In 2007, Drake left his acting career to fully dedicate himself to hip-hop. He also released several mixtapes that caught the attention of the music industry. Just three years later, his debut studio album, “Thank Me Later” (2010), was released and instantly topped the charts. This first album solidified Drake’s status as a new leader in hip-hop.
Overall, the Toronto star became one of the most influential contemporary artists, known for his hits in the hip-hop and R&B genres and collaborations with stars like Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Kanye West, Eminem, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj. Furthermore, his albums regularly top international charts. Additionally, Aubrey Drake Graham has received numerous prestigious awards, including American Music Awards and Grammy Awards.
Aubrey Drake Graham also supports young artists. In Toronto, he organizes the annual OVO Fest and is an ambassador for the Toronto Raptors basketball team. Graham contributes to the popularization of sports and culture in his hometown.
The Star’s Global Popularity
Throughout his career, the singer has performed countless songs, but it was Drake’s early tracks that brought him fame: “Comeback Season” and “So Far Gone.” The track “Best I Ever Had” is particularly noteworthy, as it became his first major hit and entered the top charts in the USA. Also popular are his songs “Successful” and “Forever,” recorded with Eminem.
For his work, the Toronto native has received numerous prestigious accolades, including: Grammy Awards in 2017 for “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap/Sung Performance,” a Grammy Award in 2019 for “Best Rap Song,” and Billboard Music Awards, winning in categories such as “Top Artist,” “Top Rap Artist,” and “Top Billboard 200 Artist.”
Aubrey Drake Graham always emphasizes his love for Toronto, often mentioning the city in his songs and music videos, and even has a tattoo of the CN Tower – a symbol of the city. It should be added that this hometown star has become a true ambassador for Toronto globally, inspiring a new generation of Canadians.
Aubrey Drake Graham is a true motivator for youth and an example to follow. We hope our material was informative and that you learned more about this famous individual born in Toronto.