In the firmament of modern music, few stars burn with the same undeniable, genre-shifting heat as Aubrey Graham, better known to the world simply as Drake. A man whose career trajectory is less a path and more a rocket launch, he has spent over a decade not just dominating the charts, but redefining what it means to be a global superstar.
From his humble beginnings in Canadian television to his current reign as the “Certified Lover Boy” and the “6 God“, his story is one of meticulous ambition, emotional vulnerability turned into commercial gold, and an almost psychic connection to the ever-shifting currents of popular culture.
Drake’s Most Notable Songs
“One Dance” (2016)
This was the track that transformed Drake from a hip-hop heavyweight into a true international pop titan. Fusing Afrobeats and UK dancehall, it became a phenomenon, topping charts in 15 countries, spending 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and becoming one of the most streamed songs in history, cementing his status as a king of global streaming.
“Hotline Bling” (2015)
More than a song, “Hotline Bling” was a cultural event. Its distinct, retro R&B sound and simple, yet relatable, lyrics about late-night calls were overshadowed only by its iconic, minimalist music video. Drake’s unique, slightly awkward “dad dancing” launched a thousand memes and cemented his image as the “Champagne Papi” who wasn’t afraid to be self-aware.
“God’s Plan” (2018)
This record-breaking hit spent 11 weeks at the top of the Hot 100, but its true cultural impact came from its music video. By spending its entire $996,631 budget giving away money to people in Florida, Drake turned the video into a viral act of philanthropy, matching the song’s themes of blessing and goodwill.
“Started From the Bottom” (2013)
Serving as the lead single for Nothing Was the Same, this track instantly became an indelible rags-to-riches hip-hop mantra. While critics often pointed to his privileged upbringing, the song’s infectious defiance and triumphant beat allowed him to create a universal anthem for anyone striving for success.
“Best I Ever Had” (2009)
This breakout single from his So Far Gone mixtape was the moment he fused introspective R&B melodies with traditional rap flows, establishing the signature “sing-rap” style that would dominate the next decade of hip-hop and set him up for his major label debut.
“In My Feelings” (2018)
The song’s catchphrase, “Kiki, do you love me?” launched the “In My Feelings Challenge,” a massive global phenomenon where people filmed themselves dancing outside of slow-moving cars. This moment demonstrated his unparalleled ability to leverage social media and create internet-breaking trends.
“Nice for What” (2018)
Sampling Lauryn Hill, this track arrived with a fresh New Orleans bounce influence and an empowering message, particularly for women. The high-energy, infectious beat and feminist-leaning lyrics cemented its place as a celebratory club hit of the modern era.
“Take Care” ft. Rihanna (2011)
The title track from his pivotal sophomore album perfectly distilled the sound of introspective, moody opulence. The pairing with Rihanna created a moody, dance-inflected exploration of relationship fatigue and regret, defining a key emotional tone in his catalog.
“Back to Back” (2015)
One of the most legendary moments in modern hip-hop history was Drake’s legendary rap feud with Meek Mill. “Back to Back” was a rare diss track that was commercially released, earning a Grammy nomination, and peaking at number 21 on the Hot 100—a feat that demonstrated his market dominance even in battle mode.
“Hold On, We’re Going Home” (2013)
A smooth, synth-driven R&B track that became a staple on pop radio, this song was a definitive shift toward a more mainstream, melodic sound. Its deliberate 80s aesthetic and soulful chorus solidified Drake’s capacity to craft pure pop records without sacrificing his characteristic emotional depth.
Drake speaks onstage during Drake’s Till Death Do Us Part rap battle. (Source: Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Drake’s Most Iconic Moments
The Motto and the Rise of “YOLO” (2011)
Though the phrase “You Only Live Once” predates Drake, his hit single The Motto popularized the acronym “YOLO” into a global, viral phenomenon. It transcended music, entering mainstream lexicon and even the Oxford Dictionary, showcasing his unique power to create mass-market catchphrases.
The Toronto Raptors Global Ambassadorship (2013)
Drake officially became the “Global Ambassador” for the Toronto Raptors, tying his personal brand to his city’s basketball team. This move elevated the Raptors’ profile, turned the courtside into a cultural spectacle, and firmly established his identity as the “6 God” and the ultimate cultural representative of Toronto.
OVO Sound – The Empire Builder
Beyond his music, Drake is a savvy entrepreneur who established his own successful record label, OVO Sound (October’s Very Own), alongside his partners. The label has been instrumental in shaping the “Toronto Sound,” launching new artists, and evolving into a full-fledged cultural brand.
Artist of the Decade Award (2021)
Billboard officially crowned Drake as the Artist of the Decade for the 2010s. This award solidified his legendary status, recognizing his complete chart dominance, countless broken records, and unshakeable influence on the sound and style of popular music over ten years.
“Migos’ ‘Versace’ Remix” (2013) – The King of Features
While he has many great features, his appearance on the remix of Migos’ “Versace” was a pivotal moment. Drake’s verse amplified the Atlanta group’s unique flow to a massive, global audience, establishing him as a crucial “co-sign” and a culture-broker whose verse could instantly turn an underground artist into a mainstream success.
The “Hotline Bling” Dancing Meme (2015)
More than a song, this was a cultural event. The iconic, minimalist music video featuring Drake’s distinct, slightly awkward “dad dancing” launched a thousand memes and cemented his image as the “Champagne Papi” who wasn’t afraid to be self-aware and embrace internet culture.
The “$1 Million Charity” Video (2018)
The true cultural impact of this massive hit came from its music video, where Drake spent the entire $1 million budget giving away money to people in Miami. This massive, public act of philanthropy turned the video into a viral event, defining him as a generous figure in the pop landscape.
The Co-Creation of the “Sing-Rap”
Genre Starting with his early mixtapes (So Far Gone), Drake perfected the fusion of introspective R&B melodies with traditional rap flows. This blended style, often called “sing-rap,” was widely adopted by artists globally, irrevocably changing the sound and emotional tone of contemporary hip-hop and R&B.
Breaking The Beatles’ Billboard Record (2018)
Following the release of his album Scorpion, Drake simultaneously charted seven songs in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. In doing so, he surpassed a record of having the most simultaneous Top 10 hits that had been held by The Beatles for 54 years, illustrating his unprecedented chart dominance in the streaming era.
The “Kiki, Do You Love Me?” Dance Challenge (2018)
The viral phenomenon spawned by this hit’s lyrics launched the “In My Feelings Challenge,” a massive global craze where people filmed themselves dancing, demonstrating his unparalleled ability to leverage social media to create a worldwide trend.
