When people think about some of the most prominent figures in the music industry, Drake is among the first names that come to mind. From his all-consuming music to his charismatic and blazing personality, Drake is an artist that has changed the music industry permanently and in multitudes.
Although most people know Drake and the unique elements that make up his musical career, it’s not as commonly known that he started off his career as an actor. It was actually one of his classmates that can be credited for his start in the entertainment industry.
“There was a kid in my class whose father was an agent,” Drake said in an interview with Hip Hop Scriptures. “His dad would say, ‘If there’s anyone in the class that makes you laugh, have them audition for me.’ After the audition, he became my agent.”
He ended up playing on Degrassi for seven years, until 2008, when his character got killed off. When Drake’s character got eliminated from Degrassi, he got his start in the music industry.
Overall, Drake has won 193 awards, including five Grammy Awards and over 50 nominations. He holds the record of most Billboard Music Awards, which he has won 29 of out of 81 total nominations.
At 36 years old, and with 170 million records sold worldwide, Drake is among the best-selling music artists in the industry. If that’s not enough, Billboard named him as the “Artist of the 2010s Decade” and the 16th Greatest Artist of all time.
The question remains then. What is the appeal to Drake? To what does he owe his wide-spread success? What qualities does he possess that make his fans so loyally adore him? The answer lies in the uniqueness and vulnerability he brings to a previously stereotype-filled industry.
He symbolizes the new generation of what young men can become. Drake transformed the stereotype that rap music had to have a degree of masculinity into something completely different. He talks about his feelings and uses sincerity when doing so. While for centuries men have been structured around the ideals that their emotions should never be revealed, Drake completely restructures this stigma.
“It’s not weird for a young man to talk about their feelings. It’s not soft. It’s normal. And not only has Drake normalized it. He made it cool.” said joe.le.com in an opinion piece about Drake’s significance.
The genuine energy his music brings to the table is part of the reason he has managed to stay relevant for decades. With every generation of individuals, they can look at Drake as an inspiration and an outlet of expression to feelings they might not be able to describe.
Along with this, his music has a unique blend of traditional rap and R&B music only contributing to the fact that Drake fans can’t be placed in a box. There is no standard Drake supporter. His ability to transition from hip-hop to emotional music strikes the perfect balance between sensitivity and relatability that every music lover can appreciate.
Drake just recently announced through an Instagram post that he will be releasing his eight studio album called ‘For All The Dogs.’ The album’s cover art is a drawing of a dog designed by his five-year old son Adonis. While he hasn’t confirmed the official release date, fans speculate that it will be in the near future.
While also set to release a new album and record new music, he is also on his ninth US tour. Deemed the “It’s All A Blur Tour,” he teamed up with close friend and frequent collaborator, 21 Savage, and is set to perform a total of 56 dates. Considered his most special tour yet, it is promised to be “a celebration of the last decade.”
As expected, the stage set and visuals do not disappoint. He opens up the show sitting next to a younger version of himself and reciting his hit song “Look What You’ve Done” from his 2011 album “Take Care.” This song is especially special to many Drake fans because it pays tribute to his past and gives shoutouts to his mom, uncle, and grandma and their contribution to his success.
It’s clear that there’s no artist quite like Drake. His consistency and positive impact on all generations make it certain that he will never be forgotten. He has managed to change with the times and release content that appeals to every generation. In fact, he can be considered a musical legend whose name continues to top the charts.
