Aubrey Graham, better known as Drake, isn’t just a rapper and singer. He’s a mogul whose influence stretches far beyond music. With a keen business sense, he’s channeled his earnings from music into strategic investments in businesses, companies, and real estate.
Drake burst into the spotlight with albums like “Thank Me Later” (2010), “Take Care” (2011), and “Nothing Was the Same” (2013). His fourth album, “Views” (2016), made history by dominating the Billboard 200 for 13 weeks.
In his 22-year career, Drake has solidified his status as one of the world’s best-selling music artists, selling more tham 170 million records. He’s the top-certified digital singles artist in the United States, according to the RIAA. He boasts five Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, a record-breaking 34 Billboard Music Awards, two Brit Awards, and three Juno Awards.
But Drake’s not just a music icon; he’s a business mogul. Before diving into the business world, he had already scored multiple endorsement deals. In 2018, Forbes ranked him fifth on the list of wealthiest hip-hop artists, trailing Birdman, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, and Diddy.
In 2020, he was among the highest-earning celebrities worldwide, raking in $49 million. The following year, Forbes placed him fourth in their ranking of highest-paid rappers in 2021, with a staggering pre-tax income of $50 million.
Now, Drake’s financial empire is skyrocketing. In 2021, he secured an eye-popping $100 million annual endorsement deal with the gambling giant Stake.com. With this windfall, he’s strategically investing in various businesses across diverse sectors and industries.
Billionaires.Africa has identified five companies owned by Drake:
- OVO Sound
Drake, the multi-talented artist, entrepreneur, and music icon, co-founded OVO Sound in 2012 alongside his trusted collaborators, Noah “40” Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib. The label’s name, OVO, stands for October’s Very Own, a nod to Drake’s earlier projects. Beyond serving as a platform for his own music, OVO Sound has become a nurturing ground for emerging talents. Today, it boasts a roster of exceptional artists, including PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, Roy Woods, and dvsn. This innovative record label is currently distributed by Warner Bros. Records.
In 2017, Drake embarked on a new venture with Adel “Future” Nur, co-founding the production company DreamCrew. This dynamic enterprise wears multiple hats in the entertainment industry, managing artists and producing compelling content. DreamCrew has achieved remarkable success, with its credits including hit television series such as “Euphoria” and “Top Boy,” as well as five films distributed by major platforms like Netflix, Showtime, and 20th Century Studios. In 2022, Drake’s DreamCrew unveiled ambitious plans to invest $100 million in revitalizing the Luna Luna amusement park for a global tour, in partnership with Live Nation.
“In 2018, Drake made a strategic investment by acquiring a stake in 100 Thieves, a prominent American lifestyle brand and gaming organization based in Los Angeles. Founded by Matthew Nadeshot” Haag in 2017, 100 Thieves competes in various video games, including Apex Legends, Call of Duty, League of Legends, and Valorant. With this investment, Drake became a co-owner of the organization, aligning himself with the booming esports and gaming industries.
In 2021, Drake displayed his entrepreneurial prowess by joining a group of investors to raise $40 million for Daring Foods Inc. This plant-based brand, known for its innovative faux chicken products, received this funding boost through a series B funding round led by D1 Capital Partners, a prominent global investment firm. Drake’s involvement not only demonstrates his commitment to sustainable, plant-based options but also expands his diverse investment portfolio. Since his investment, Daring Foods has expanded its retail presence, making its products available in over 4,500 U.S. stores, including popular chains like Kroger, King Soopers, Costco, and Sprouts.
In 2022, Drake’s influence extended into the world of cryptocurrency when he participated in an impressive $87 million funding round for MoonPay. This Miami-based financial technology company specializes in providing payment solutions for cryptocurrency and NFTs. Drake joined other notable celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Justin Bieber, Jason Derulo, Questlove, and Gwyneth Paltrow in backing this innovative firm. This substantial investment contributed to MoonPay’s soaring valuation of $3.4 billion, following a previous funding round of $555 million.
- A.C. Milan
Last August, Drake collaborated with NBA superstar LeBron James as part of the investment fund Main Street Advisors. Together, they partnered with U.S. private equity group RedBird Capital and Yankee Global Enterprises to acquire Italian soccer club A.C. Milan. This landmark deal was reported to be valued at approximately $1.2 billion, marking Drake’s foray into the world of international sports ownership.
- Real Estate Portfolio
Beyond his diverse business ventures, Drake has made significant investments in real estate. He resides in a sprawling 35,000-square-foot estate in Ontario, Canada, known as “The Embassy,” a magnificent property worth $100 million that he oversaw construction in 2017. This iconic residence even featured in the music video for his hit song “Toosie Slide.” In 2012, he acquired the “YOLO Estate” in Hidden Hills, California, and in 2022, he sold the property, using the proceeds to purchase a stunning Beverly Crest home from Robbie Williams for $70 million. Additionally, Drake owns a luxurious condominium adjacent to Toronto’s iconic CN Tower.
