Drake

Biography

To say this Toronto mc is talented is a gross understatement. Drake (goverment name Aurbrey Drake Graham) was born in Toronto, Ontario, the son of Dennis Graham, an African American drummer from Memphis, Tennessee who worked with Jerry Lee Lewis and a white Jewish Canadian mother. His parents divorced when he was five, and he was raised by his mother in Toronto's wealthy Forest Hill neighbourhood. In 2001, Drake began his acting career, playing the role of Jimmy Brooks, a character on Degrassi: The Next Generation playing the role of the school basketball star. Drake began writing songs at the age of ten; penning lyrics for many up and coming R&B singers. He has worked with Cash Money Records, TVT Records, BMG, and has featured on tracks for producers Mike City, Neek Rusher, Saukrates, and Brian Cox. Much of his musical influence comes from his family, which includes funk creator Larry Graham (Graham Central Station) who’s hit song “One In A Million” became a top 10 hit, and Mabon ‘Teenie’ Hodges who, alongside Willie Mitchell, was the soulful mastermind behind the majority of Al Green’s hits. Having roots in America's deep south, this mc has the potential to have international success and is believed to be the next big thing out of Canada.