Drake, the Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter, has risen to become one of the biggest names in the music industry. But how did he get his start and who signed him? In this article, we will delve into the details of Drake’s signing and the record labels that have played a crucial role in his success.
Drake’s journey began in the late 2000s when he gained recognition for his mixtapes and collaborations with other artists. It was during this time that his talent caught the attention of several major record labels, leading to a bidding war for his loyalty.
One of the labels vying for Drake’s signing was Young Money, which is an imprint of Cash Money Records. Founded by Lil Wayne, Young Money had already established itself as a powerhouse in the hip-hop industry. With the backing of Universal Republic, Young Money made a bold move and offered Drake a staggering $2 million advance.
This deal with Young Money and Universal Republic, which was eventually sealed in June 2009, marked a pivotal moment in Drake’s career. Not only did it provide him with the financial support he needed, but it also gave him access to a team of talented producers and songwriters who would help shape his sound.
Under the Young Money label, Drake released his debut studio album, “Thank Me Later,” in 2010. The album was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 and solidifying Drake’s position as a rising star in the music industry.
As Drake’s popularity continued to soar, he formed his own label called OVO Sound in 2012. OVO Sound, which stands for October’s Very Own, serves as both a record label and a clothing brand. It has become synonymous with Drake’s signature sound and aesthetic.
OVO Sound has been instrumental in introducing new talent to the music industry. The label represents acts such as PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, Roy Woods, OB O’Brien, Dvsn, Plaza, Baka Not Nice, Popcaan, and Smiley. These artists have all contributed to the label’s success and have helped solidify OVO Sound as a force to be reckoned with.
In addition to the impressive roster of artists, OVO Sound also boasts an impressive lineup of in-house producers. The team includes renowned names such as 40, Boi-1da, DJ Prince, Nineteen85, Mike Zombie, T-Minus, and Future The Prince. These producers have played a crucial role in shaping Drake’s sound and have contributed to his numerous chart-topping hits.
Drake’s signing with Young Money and the subsequent formation of OVO Sound have undoubtedly played a significant role in his success. The deal he secured with Universal Republic was reported to be one of the biggest deals in music history, solidifying Drake’s status as a powerhouse in the industry.
As Drake continues to dominate the charts and captivate audiences worldwide, it is clear that his signing with Young Money and the establishment of OVO Sound have been instrumental in his rise to stardom. With a talented team of artists and producers behind him, Drake’s influence in the music industry shows no signs of slowing down.
Who Has Signed To Drake?
Drake’s record label, OVO Sound, has signed a diverse range of talented artists. These include:
1. Drake: As the founder of OVO Sound, Drake is the flagship artist of the label. He has achieved immense success and is known for his versatile style, blending rap and R&B.
2. PartyNextDoor: PartyNextDoor, also known as PND, is an R&B artist signed to OVO Sound. He gained recognition for his smooth vocals and atmospheric production.
3. Majid Jordan: This Canadian duo, consisting of Majid Al Maskati and Jordan Ullman, is known for their blend of electronic and R&B music. They have collaborated extensively with Drake.
4. Roy Woods: Roy Woods is a singer and rapper who signed to OVO Sound in 2015. He has released several successful projects and is known for his unique sound.
5. OB O’Brien: OB O’Brien is a rapper and singer who has collaborated with Drake on various tracks. He brings a comedic and lighthearted element to his music.
6. Dvsn: Dvsn, pronounced “division,” is an R&B duo signed to OVO Sound. They are known for their soulful and emotional sound.
7. Plaza: Plaza is an R&B artist who joined OVO Sound in 2017. He has released a number of singles and has a smooth and melodic vocal style.
8. Baka Not Nice: Baka Not Nice is a rapper signed to OVO Sound. He gained recognition for his guest appearances on Drake’s songs and has since released his own solo material.
9. Popcaan: Popcaan is a Jamaican dancehall artist who signed to OVO Sound in 2018. He has collaborated with Drake on multiple tracks and brings a Caribbean flavor to the label.
10. Smiley: Smiley is a rapper from Toronto who recently signed to OVO Sound. He has released a few singles and is known for his energetic and catchy style.
In addition to these talented artists, OVO Sound also boasts a team of in-house producers who contribute to the label’s distinctive sound. These include 40, Boi-1da, DJ Prince, Nineteen85, Mike Zombie, T-Minus, and Future The Prince. These producers have been instrumental in shaping the OVO Sound’s signature sound and have worked extensively with Drake and other artists on the label.
Please note that this information is accurate as of the time of writing and may be subject to change as new signings or developments occur within OVO Sound.
How Did Drake Get Signed To Lil Wayne?
Drake’s signing to Lil Wayne’s label, Young Money, was a result of a significant bidding war among major record labels. In 2009, Drake, who had gained attention through his mixtapes and collaboration with Lil Wayne, became a highly sought-after artist in the music industry.
During this time, three major labels were competing to sign Drake, making it one of the biggest bidding wars ever. The labels involved were not explicitly mentioned, but it can be inferred that they were major players in the industry.
Ultimately, Young Money, which is distributed through Universal Republic, emerged as the winner in the battle for Drake’s loyalty. They offered him an impressive $2 million advance, solidifying the deal in June 2009.
It is important to note that Drake’s existing relationship with Lil Wayne played a significant role in his decision to sign with Young Money. Lil Wayne, being a highly influential figure in the music industry and having a successful career himself, saw potential in Drake and played a pivotal role in bringing him into his label.
Drake’s signing to Lil Wayne’s Young Money label was a result of a fierce bidding war, with Young Money offering a substantial advance and leveraging the existing relationship between Drake and Lil Wayne. This move proved to be instrumental in launching Drake’s successful career in the music industry.
How Much Did Drake Get Signed For?
Drake signed a deal with Universal Music Group for a reported $400 million. This deal is considered to be one of the biggest deals in music history.
Conclusion
Drake’s signing with a record label was a significant turning point in his career and marked the beginning of his journey to becoming one of the biggest names in the music industry. After gaining attention through his mixtapes and collaborations, Drake found himself in the midst of a fierce bidding war between three major labels. Ultimately, he chose to sign with Young Money, an imprint of Universal Republic, in June 2009.
The deal that Drake secured with Young Money was reported to be one of the biggest deals in music history, with a $2 million advance. This signing not only provided Drake with the financial support he needed at the time but also opened doors for him to work with some of the industry’s top producers and artists.
Since joining Young Money, Drake has released numerous successful albums and singles, solidifying his status as one of the most influential and commercially successful artists of his generation. The label has played a crucial role in his success, providing him with a platform and resources to reach a wider audience and establish himself as a global superstar.
Under the Young Money umbrella, Drake has had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow labelmates such as Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and Tyga, further expanding his fanbase and solidifying his place within the hip-hop and R&B community. The label’s in-house producers, including 40, Boi-1da, and Nineteen85, have also played a significant role in shaping Drake’s sound and contributing to his chart-topping hits.
Drake’s signing with Young Money, distributed through Universal Republic, was a pivotal moment in his career. The deal not only provided him with financial support but also gave him access to a talented roster of artists and producers. This partnership has undoubtedly contributed to Drake’s immense success and played a crucial role in establishing him as one of the most influential and commercially successful artists of his generation.
