American Music Awards[edit][]
Created by Dick Clark in 1973, the American Music Awards is an annual music awards ceremony and one of several major annual American music awards shows. Drake has received thirty-four nominations.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Drake | Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist | Won |
| Thank Me Later | Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album | Won | |
| 2012 | Take Care | Nominated | |
| Drake | Artist of the Year | Nominated | |
| Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | Nominated | ||
| Nothing Was the Same | Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album | Nominated | |
| 2015 | If You're Reading This It's Too Late | Nominated | |
| Drake | Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist | Nominated | |
| 2016 | Won | ||
| Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist[3] | Nominated | ||
| Views | Favorite Pop/Rock Album | Nominated | |
| Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album[4] | Won | ||
| What a Time to Be Alive (with Future)[5] | Nominated | ||
| "One Dance" (featuring Wizkid and Kyla) | Favorite Pop/Rock Song | Nominated | |
| Favorite Soul/R&B Song | Nominated | ||
| Collaboration of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Work" (with Rihanna) | Nominated | ||
| Favorite Soul/R&B Song | Won | ||
| Video of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Hotline Bling" | Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Song | Won | |
| 2017 | Drake | Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist | Nominated | ||
| Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist | Won | ||
| More Life | Favorite Pop/Rock Album | Nominated | |
| Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album | Nominated | ||
| 2018 | Drake | Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist | Nominated | ||
| Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist | Nominated | ||
| Scorpion | Favorite Pop/Rock Album | Nominated | |
| Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album | Nominated | ||
| "God's Plan" | Video of the Year | Nominated | |
| Favorite Pop/Rock Song | Nominated | ||
| Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Song | Nominated |
ARIA Music Awards[edit][]
The Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards are awarded annually by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Himself | Best International Artist | Nominated | [6] |
| 2018 | Himself | Best International Artist | Nominated |
ASCAP Music Awards[edit][]
ASCAP Pop Music Awards[edit][]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015[7] | "Hold on, We're Going Home" (ft. Majid Jordan) | Most Performed Songs | Won |
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards[edit][]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015[8] | "0 to 100/ The Catch Up" | Award Winning R&B/Hip Hop Songs | Won |
| "All Me" (ft. 2 Chainz & Big Sean) | Won | ||
| "Believe Me" (ft. Lil Wayne) | Won | ||
| "The Language" | Won | ||
| "Trophies" (ft.Young Money ) | Won | ||
| "Hold On, We’re Going Home" (ft. Majid Jordan) | Won |
BBC Music Awards[edit][]
The BBC Music Awards are the BBC's inaugural pop music awards, first held in December 2014, as a celebration of the musical achievements over the past 12 months.[9]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 [10] | "One Dance" (with Wizkid and Kyla) | BBC Song of the Year | Nominated |
BET Awards[edit][]
The BET Awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television (BET) network to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports and other fields of entertainment. The awards are presented annually and broadcast live on BET.[11] Drake has won nine awards from forty seven nominations.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | |||
| Himself | Best Male Hip-Hop Artist[12] | Won | |
| "Successful" (with Trey Songz) | Best Collaboration[13] | Nominated | |
| "Forever" (with Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem) | Nominated | ||
| "BedRock" (with Young Money and Lloyd) | Viewer's Choice[14] | Nominated | |
| Young Money | Best Group[15] | Won | |
| Best New Artist[16] | Nominated | ||
| 2011 | Himself | Best Male Hip Hop Artist | Nominated |
| "What's My Name?" (with Rihanna) | Best Collaboration | Nominated | |
| Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice | Nominated | ||
| "Moment 4 Life" (with Nicki Minaj) | Nominated | ||
| 2012 | |||
| "I'm on One" (with DJ Khaled, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne) | Best Collaboration | Nominated | |
| "The Motto" (with Lil Wayne and Tyga) | Nominated | ||
| Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice | Nominated | ||
| Himself | FANdemonium Award | Nominated | |
| Best Male Hip-Hop Artist | Won | ||
| 2013 | "No Lie" (with 2 Chainz) | Best Collaboration | Nominated |
| Video of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Problems" (with ASAP Rocky, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar) | Nominated | ||
| Best Collaboration | Won | ||
| Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice | Nominated | ||
| "Poetic Justice" (with Kendrick Lamar) | Best Collaboration | Nominated | |
| Video of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Started from the Bottom" | Won | ||
| Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice | Won | ||
| "Pop That" (with French Montana, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne) | Best Collaboration | Nominated | |
| "HYFR" (with Lil Wayne) | Video of the Year | Nominated | |
| Himself | Best Male Hip-Hop Artist | Nominated | |
| 2014 | "Hold On, We're Going Home" (with Majid Jordan) | Best Collaboration | Nominated |
| "Worst Behavior" | Video of the Year | Nominated | |
| Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice | Nominated | ||
| Young Money | Best Group | Won | |
| Himself | Best Male Hip Hop Artist | Won | |
| 2015 | "Only" (with Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown and Lil Wayne) | Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice | Won |
| Young Money | Best Group | Nominated | |
| Himself | Best Male Hip Hop Artist | Nominated | |
| FANdemoniam Award | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | "Where Ya At" (with Future) | Best Collaboration | Nominated |
| Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice | Nominated | ||
| "Work" (with Rihanna) | Nominated | ||
| Best Collaboration | Won | ||
| Video of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Hotline Bling" | Nominated | ||
| Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice | Nominated | ||
| Himself and Future | Best Group | Won | |
| Himself | Best Male Hip Hop Artist | Won | |
| 2017 | Nominated | ||
| "Fake Love" | Viewers’ Choice Award | Nominated | |
| 2018 | Himself | Best Male Hip Hop Artist | Nominated |
| "God's Plan" | Viewers’ Choice Award | Nominated | |
| Video of the Year | Won | ||
| "Walk It Talk It" (with Migos) | Nominated |
BET Hip Hop Awards[edit][]
The BET Hip Hop Awards are hosted annually by BET for hip hop performers, producers and music video directors. Drake has won sixteen awards from eighty-two nominations.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Himself | Lyricist of the Year[17] | Nominated |
| Rookie of the Year[18] | Won | ||
| MVP of the Year[19] | Nominated | ||
| Hustler of the Year[20] | Nominated | ||
| 2010 | "Over" | People's Champ Award[21] | Nominated |
| "Forever" (with Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem) | Perfect Combo Award[22] | Nominated | |
| "Find Your Love" | Best Hip Hop Video[23] | Nominated | |
| Thank Me Later | CD Of The Year[24] | Nominated | |
| Himself | Best Live Performer[25] | Nominated | |
| Hustler Of The Year[26] | Nominated | ||
| Lyricist Of The Year[27] | Nominated | ||
| MVP Of The Year[28] | Won | ||
| 2011 | "I'm on One" (with DJ Khaled, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne) | Best Collaboration | Nominated |
| Best Hip-Hop Video | Nominated | ||
| Best Club Banger | Nominated | ||
| 2012 | |||
| HYFR (with Lil Wayne) | Best Hip-Hop Video | Nominated | |
| "The Motto" (with Lil Wayne and Tyga) | Reese's Perfect Combo Award | Nominated | |
| Best Club Banger | Nominated | ||
| "Stay Schemin'" | Sweetest Sixteen (Best Featured Verse) | Nominated | |
| "No Lie" (with 2 Chainz) | People's Champ Award | Nominated | |
| Best Hip-Hop Video | Nominated | ||
| Reese's Perfect Combo Award | Nominated | ||
| Take Care | CD Of The Year | Nominated | |
| Himself | Best Live Performer | Nominated | |
| 2013 | "Started From the Bottom" | People's Champ Award | Won |
| Best Hip Hop Video | Won | ||
| "Fuckin' Problems" (with ASAP Rocky, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar) | Nominated | ||
| Best Collabo, Duo or Group | Won | ||
| "Pop That" (with French Montana, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne) | Nominated | ||
| Best Club Banger | Won | ||
| "Started From the Bottom" | Nominated | ||
| "Fuckin' Problems" (with ASAP Rocky, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar) | Nominated | ||
| People's Champ Award | Nominated | ||
| "Versace (Remix)" | Sweet 16 (Best Featured Verse) | Nominated | |
| "Poetic Justice" (with Kendrick Lamar) | Best Collabo, Duo or Group | Nominated | |
| Himself | Lyricist of the Year | Nominated | |
| MVP of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | "Worst Behavior" | Best Hip Hop Video | Won |
| People's Champ Award | Won | ||
| "Who Do You Love?" | Sweet 16 (Best Featured Verse) | Nominated | |
| Nothing Was the Same | Album of the Year | Won | |
| Himself | Best Live Performer | Nominated | |
| Lyricist of the Year | Nominated | ||
| MVP of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Hustler of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2015 | "Blessings" (with Big Sean and Kanye West) | Peoples Champ Award | Won |
| Best Collab, Duo, or Group | Won | ||
| Best Hip-Hop Video | Nominated | ||
| Sweet 16 Award | Nominated | ||
| "My Way (Remix)" | Won | ||
| "Truffle Butter" (with Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne) | Best Collab, Duo, or Group | Nominated | |
| Himself | Hustler of the Year | Nominated | |
| Best Lyricist of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Best Live Performer | Nominated | ||
| MVP of the Year | Won | ||
| Best Hip-Hop Style | Nominated | ||
| If You're Reading This It's Too Late | Album of the Year | Nominated | |
| 2016 | "For Free" (with DJ Khaled) | Peoples Champ Award | Nominated |
| Best Collab, Duo, or Group | Nominated | ||
| "One Dance" (with Wizkid and Kyla) | Nominated | ||
| "Jumpman" (with Future) | Nominated | ||
| "Hotline Bling" | Best Hip-Hop Video | Won | |
| "Work" | Sweet 16 Award | Nominated | |
| Himself | Hustler of the Year | Nominated | |
| Best Lyricist of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Best Live Performer | Nominated | ||
| MVP of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Best Hip-Hop Style | Nominated | ||
| Views | Album of the Year | Won | |
| 2017 | Himself | Hot Ticket Performer | Nominated |
| Lyricist of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2018 | Hot Ticket Performer | Won | |
| Lyricist of the Year | Nominated | ||
| MVP of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Hustler of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Nice for What" | Single of the Year | Nominated | |
| "God's Plan" | Nominated | ||
| Best Hip Hop Video | Nominated | ||
| "Walk It Talk It" (with Migos) | Nominated | ||
| "Look Alive" (with BlocBoy JB) | Best Collabo, Duo or Group | Nominated | |
| Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse | Nominated | ||
| Scorpion | Album of the Year | Nominated |
Billboard Music Awards[edit][]
The Billboard Music Award had been discontinued since 2007, but returned in 2011. Drake has won fourteen awards from thirty-three nominations.
| Year | Nominated Work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Himself | Top Radio Songs Artist | Nominated |
| Top Rap Artist | Nominated | ||
| Top Male Artist | Nominated | ||
| Thank Me Later | Top Rap Album | Nominated | |
| "What's My Name?" (with Rihanna) | Top R&B Song | Nominated | |
| 2012 | Himself | Top Male Artist | Nominated |
| Top Rap Artist | Nominated | ||
| Take Care | Billboard 200 Album | Nominated | |
| Top Rap Album | Nominated | ||
| 2013 | Himself | Top Male Artist | Nominated |
| Top Streaming Artist | Nominated | ||
| Top Rap Artist | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | Top Male Artist | Nominated | |
| Top Rap Artist | Nominated | ||
| Nothing Was the Same | Billboard 200 Album | Nominated | |
| Top Rap Album | Nominated | ||
| "Hold On, We're Going Home" (with Majid Jordan) | Top R&B Song | Nominated | |
| 2015 | Himself | Top Rap Artist | Nominated |
| Top Male Artist | Nominated | ||
| If You're Reading This It's Too Late | Top Rap Album | Nominated | |
| "Odio" (with Romeo Santos) | Top Latin Song | Nominated | |
| 2016 | Himself | Top Artist | Nominated |
| Top Male Artist | Nominated | ||
| Top Billboard 200 Artist | Nominated | ||
| Top Hot 100 Artist | Nominated | ||
| Top Song Sales Artist | Nominated | ||
| Top Streaming Songs Artist | Nominated | ||
| Top Rap Artist | Won | ||
| Billboard Chart Achievement Award | Nominated | ||
| If You're Reading This It's Too Late | Top Rap Album | Nominated | |
| What a Time to Be Alive (with Future) | Nominated | ||
| "Hotline Bling" | Top Streaming Song (Audio) | Nominated | |
| Top Rap Song | Nominated | ||
| 2017 | Himself | Top Artist | Won |
| Top Hot 100 Artist | Won | ||
| Top Male Artist | Won | ||
| Top Billboard 200 Artist | Won | ||
| Top Song Sales Artist | Won | ||
| Top Radio Songs Artist | Nominated | ||
| Top Streaming Songs Artist | Won | ||
| Top Rap Artist | Won | ||
| Views | Top Billboard 200 Album | Won | |
| Top Rap Album | Won | ||
| "One Dance" (with Wizkid and Kyla) | Top Hot 100 Song | Nominated | |
| Top Selling Song | Nominated | ||
| Top Radio Song | Nominated | ||
| Top Streaming Song (Audio) | Won | ||
| Top Collaboration | Nominated | ||
| Top R&B Song | Won | ||
| Top R&B Collaboration | Won | ||
| "Come and See Me" (with PartyNextDoor) | Nominated | ||
| "Work" (with Rihanna) | Nominated | ||
| Top R&B Song | Nominated | ||
| "Fake Love" | Top Rap Song | Nominated | |
| Boy Meets World Tour | Top Rap Tour | Won | |
| 2018 | Himself | Top Artist | Nominated |
| Top Male Artist | Nominated | ||
| Top Billboard 200 Artist | Won | ||
| Top Streaming Artist | Nominated | ||
| Top Rap Artist | Nominated | ||
| Top Rap Male Artist | Nominated | ||
| Billboard Chart Achievement (fan-voted) | Nominated | ||
| More Life | Top Billboard 200 Album | Nominated | |
| Top Rap Album | Nominated | ||
| 2019 | Himself | Billboard Chart Achievement Award | Pending |
| Top Artist | Pending | ||
| Top Male Artist | Pending | ||
| Top Billboard 200 Artist | Pending | ||
| Top Hot 100 Artist | Pending | ||
| Top Song Sales Artist | Pending | ||
| Top Radio Songs Artist | Pending | ||
| Top Streaming Songs Artist | Pending | ||
| Top Rap Artist | Pending | ||
| Top Rap Male Artist | Pending | ||
| Top Rap Tour | Pending | ||
| Scorpion | Top Billboard 200 Album | Pending |
Billboard Latin Music Awards[edit][]
| Year | Nominated Work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Himself | Crossover Artist of the Year | Pending |
| “MIA” (with Bad Bunny) | Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event | Pending |
BMI Awards[edit][]
The BMI Awards are held annually by Broadcast Music, Inc. to award songwriters in various genres, including Hip-Hop/R&B, country and pop.
BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards[edit][]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Best I Ever Had | Most-Performed Urban Songs Of The Year | Won | [29] |
| Every Girl | Won | |||
| Forever | Won | |||
| Successful | Won | |||
| 2011 | Himself | Urban Songwriter of the Year | Won | [30] |
| Bedrock | Urban Winning Songs | Won | ||
| Find Your Love | Won | |||
| I Invented Sex (with Trey Songz) | Won | |||
| Money to Blow (with Birdman) | Won | |||
| Over | Won | |||
| Say Something (with Timbaland) | Won | |||
| Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready) (with Alicia Keys) | Won | |||
| 2012 | Himself | Urban Songwriters of the Year | Won | [31] |
| Aston Martin Music (with Rick Ross) | Urban Winning Songs | Won | ||
| Headlines | Won | |||
| I'm On One (with DJ Khaled) | Won | |||
| Moment 4 Life (with Nicki Minaj) | Won | |||
| Right Above It (with Lil Wayne) | Won | |||
| She Will (with Lil Wayne) | Won | |||
| What's My Name(with Rihanna) | Won | |||
| Make Me Proud | Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay & Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | Won | ||
| The Motto | Won | |||
| She Will (with Lil Wayne) | Won | |||
| Hadlines | Hot Rap Songs | Won | ||
| Make Me Proud | Won | |||
| The Motto | Won | |||
| 2013 | Make Me Proud | Most-Performed Songs | Won | [32] |
| No Lie | Won | |||
| Take Care | Won | |||
| The Motto | Won | |||
| "Fuckin' Problems" (with A$AP Rocky) | Billboard No. 1s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay | Won | ||
| No Lie | Won | |||
| "Started From the Bottom" | Won | |||
| No Lie | Billboard No. 1s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | Won | ||
| No Lie | Billboard No. 1s Hot Rap Songs | Won | ||
| 2014 | "Fuckin' Problems" | 35 Most Performed R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | Won | [33] |
| Love Me | Won | |||
| Poetic Justice (with Kendrick Lamar) | Won | |||
| Pop That (With French Montana) | Won | |||
| Started From the Bottom | Won | |||
| 2015 | "Trophies" | 35 Most Performed R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | Won | [34] |
| 2016 | "Hotline Bling" | 35 Most Performed R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | Won | [35] |
| 2017 | "Back to Back" | 35 Most Performed R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | Won | [36] |
| Jumpman (with Future) | Won | |||
| One Dance | Won | |||
| Pop Style | Won | |||
| Work (with Rihanna) | Won | |||
| 2018 | "Fake Love" | 35 Most Performed R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | Won | [37] |
| Passsionfruit | Won |
BMI London Awards[edit][]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | "Marvin's Room" | London Pop Award Songs | Won | [38] |
| 2017 | "One Dance" | London Pop Award Songs | Won | [39] |
| "Summer Sixteen" | Won | |||
| 2018 | "Passionfruit" | London Pop Award Songs | Won | [40] |
| "Portland" | Won |
BreakTudo Awards[edit][]
Main article: BreakTudo Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Himself | Best International Artist [41] | Nominated |
Brit Awards[edit][]
The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards, and the British equivalent to the American Grammy Award. Drake received one award out of four nominations.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Himself | International Male Solo Artist | Nominated |
| 2016 | Nominated | ||
| 2017 | Won | ||
| Drake and Future | International Group | Nominated | |
| 2018 | Himself | International Male Solo Artist | Nominated |
| 2019 | Won |
Clio Awards[edit][]
The Clio Awards is an annual award program that recognizes innovation and creativity in advertising, design and communication.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | God's Plan | Bronze Winner for Best Music Video | Won | [42] |
Danish Music Awards[edit][]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014[43] | "Nothing Was The Same" | International Album of the Year | Nominated |
| 2015[44] | "If You're Reading This It's Too Late" | Nominated | |
| 2016[45] | "Views" | Nominated |
Fonogram Awards[edit][]
Fonogram Awards is the national music awards of Hungary, held every year since 1992 and promoted by Mahasz.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | "Views" | Best Foreign Rap or Hip-Hop Album of the Year | Won | [46] |
GAFFA Awards[edit][]
Sweden GAFFA Awards[edit][]
Delivered since 2010. The GAFFA Awards (Swedish: GAFFA Priset) are a Swedish award that rewards popular music awarded by the magazine of the same name.[47]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Himself | International Solo Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| "In My Feelings" | International Song of the Year | Nominated |
Norway GAFFA Awards[edit][]
Delivered since 2012. The GAFFA Awards (Norwegian: GAFFA Prisen) are a Norwegian award that rewards popular music awarded by the magazine of the same name.[48]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Himself | International Solo Artist of the Year | Pending |
| "Scorpion" | International Album of the Year | Pending | |
| "God's Plan" | International Song of the Year | Pending |
Global Awards[edit][]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018[49] | Himself | Best Male | Nominated |
| Best R&B/Hip-hop or Grime | Nominated | ||
| 2019 | Best Male | Nominated | |
| Best R&B/Hip-hop or Grime | Nominated | ||
| "In My Feelings" | Best Song | Nominated |
Grammy Awards[edit][]
The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Drake has won four awards from forty-two nominations.[2]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "Best I Ever Had" | Best Rap Song | Nominated |
| Best Rap Solo Performance | Nominated | ||
| 2011 | "Over" | Nominated | |
| "Fancy" (with Swizz Beatz and T.I.) | Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group | Nominated | |
| Thank Me Later | Best Rap Album | Nominated | |
| Himself | Best New Artist | Nominated | |
| 2012 | "I'm on One" (with DJ Khaled, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne) | Best Rap/Sung Collaboration | Nominated |
| "What's My Name?" (with Rihanna) | Nominated | ||
| Loud (as featured artist) | Album of the Year | Nominated | |
| "Moment 4 Life" (with Nicki Minaj) | Best Rap Performance | Nominated | |
| 2013 | "HYFR (Hell Ya Fucking Right)" (with Lil Wayne) | Nominated | |
| "The Motto" (with Lil Wayne) | Best Rap Song | Nominated | |
| Take Care | Best Rap Album | Won | |
| 2014 | Nothing Was the Same | Nominated | |
| "Started from the Bottom" | Best Rap Performance | Nominated | |
| Best Rap Song | Nominated | ||
| "Fuckin' Problems" (with ASAP Rocky, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar) | Nominated | ||
| good kid, m.A.A.d city (as featured artist) | Album of the Year | Nominated | |
| 2015 | Beyoncé (as featured artist) | Nominated | |
| "0 to 100 / The Catch Up" | Best Rap Performance | Nominated | |
| Best Rap Song | Nominated | ||
| "Tuesday" (with ILoveMakonnen) | Best Rap/Sung Collaboration | Nominated | |
| 2016 | "Only" (with Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown) | Nominated | |
| "Back to Back" | Best Rap Performance | Nominated | |
| "Truffle Butter" (with Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne) | Nominated | ||
| "Energy" | Best Rap Song | Nominated | |
| If You're Reading This It's Too Late | Best Rap Album | Nominated | |
| 2017 | Views | Nominated | |
| Album of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Hotline Bling" | Best Rap/Sung Performance | Won | |
| Best Rap Song | Won | ||
| "Work" (with Rihanna) | Record of the Year | Nominated | |
| Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | Nominated | ||
| "Come and See Me" (with PartyNextDoor) | Best R&B Song | Nominated | |
| "Pop Style" (with The Throne) | Best Rap Performance | Nominated | |
| 2019 | "Nice for What" | Nominated | |
| "Sicko Mode" (with Travis Scott, Swae Lee and Big Hawk) | Nominated | ||
| Best Rap Song | Nominated | ||
| "God's Plan" | Won | ||
| Record of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Song of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Scorpion | Album of the Year | Nominated |
iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards[edit][]
The iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards (formerly known as MuchMusic Video Awards) are annual awards presented by the Canadian music video channel MuchMusic to honor the year's best music videos. In 2010, Drake had seven nominations, the most of any artist, winning two of them.[50][51]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "Successful" (with Trey Songz) | Cinematographer of the Year | Won |
| MuchVIBE Hip-Hop Video of the Year | Won | ||
| "BedRock" (with Young Money and Lloyd) | International Video of the Year – Group | Nominated | |
| "Over" | International Video of the Year by a Canadian | Nominated | |
| "Forever" (with Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem) | Nominated | ||
| UR Fave: Canadian Video | Nominated | ||
| UR Fave: New Artist | Nominated | ||
| 2011 | |||
| Himself | UR Fave: Artist | Nominated | |
| "Find Your Love" | International Video of the Year by a Canadian | Won | |
| 2012 | |||
| Himself | UR: Fave Artist | Nominated | |
| "Headlines" | Video Of The Year | Nominated | |
| UR Fave: Video | Nominated | ||
| "Take Care" (with Rihanna) | International Video of the Year by a Canadian | Nominated | |
| "The Motto" (with Lil Wayne and Tyga) | MuchVibe Best Rap Video | Won | |
| 2013 | "Started from the Bottom" | Video of the Year | Nominated |
| Director of the Year | Won | ||
| Hip-Hop Video of the Year | Won | ||
| Your Fave Video | Nominated | ||
| Himself | Your Fave Artist/Group | Nominated | |
| 2014 | "Worst Behavior" | Video of the Year | Nominated |
| Director of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Hip-Hop Video of the Year | Won | ||
| Your Fave Video | Nominated | ||
| "Live For" (with The Weeknd) | Video of the Year | Nominated | |
| "Hold On, We're Going Home" (with Majid Jordan) | International Video of the Year By a Canadian | Won | |
| Himself | Your Fave Artist/Group | Nominated | |
| 2015 | "DnF" (with P Reign and Future) | Hip-Hop Video of the Year | Won |
| Himself | Most Buzzworthy Canadian | Nominated | |
| Your Fave Artist/Group | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | "Hotline Bling" | Video of the Year | Won |
| Director of the Year | Won | ||
| Hip-Hop Video of the Year | Won | ||
| Your Fave Video | Nominated | ||
| Most Buzzworthy Canadian | Won | ||
| "My Love" (with Majid Jordan) | Best MuchFACT Video | Won | |
| Himself | Your Fave Artist/Group | Nominated | |
| 2017 | Himself | Most Buzzworthy Canadian Artist | Won |
| Fan Fave Artist or Group | Nominated | ||
| "One Dance" (with Wizkid and Kyla) | iHeartRadio Canadian Single of the Year | Won | |
| 2018 | Himself | Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| Best Hip Hop Artist or Group | Won | ||
| "God's Plan" | Video of the Year | Nominated | |
| Fan Fave Video | Nominated | ||
| Best Director | Won | ||
| "Nice for What" | Nominated | ||
| Song of the Summer | Nominated |
iHeartRadio Music Awards[edit][]
The iHeartRadio Music Awards is an American music awards show debuted in 2014. Drake has won nine awards from twenty-one nominations.[52][53][54]
| Year | Nominated artist | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | "Hold On, We're Going Home" (with Majid Jordan) | Song of the Year | Nominated |
| Hip-Hop/R&B Song of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Started from the Bottom" | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | "Hotline Bling" | Most Meme-able Moment | Nominated |
| Hip-Hop Song of the Year | Won | ||
| "Truffle Butter" (with Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne) | Nominated | ||
| "Blessings" (with Big Sean and Kanye West) | Nominated | ||
| Himself | Hip-Hop Artist of the Year | Won | |
| 2017 | Won | ||
| Male Artist of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Most Thumbed-Up Artist of the Year | Won | ||
| "One Dance" (with Wizkid and Kyla) | Most Thumbed-Up Song of the Year | Won | |
| Song of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Hip-Hop Song of the Year | Won | ||
| "Controlla" | Nominated | ||
| "For Free" (with DJ Khaled) | Nominated | ||
| "Work" (with Rihanna) | R&B Song of the Year | Won | |
| Best Collaboration | Won | ||
| Best Music Video | Nominated | ||
| "Too Good" (with Rihanna) | Best Lyrics | Nominated | |
| Views | Hip-Hop Album of the Year | Won | |
| 2018 | Himself | Hip-Hop Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| 2019 | Nominated | ||
| Male Artist of the Year | Won | ||
| "God's Plan" | Song of the Year | Nominated | |
| Best Lyrics | Nominated | ||
| Best Music Video | Nominated | ||
| Hip-Hop Song of the Year | Won | ||
| "In My Feelings" | Nominated | ||
| "Nice for What" | Nominated |
Juno Awards[edit][]
The Juno Awards are presented annually to musicians to acknowledge artistic and technical achievements in all aspects of Canadian music. Drake has won six awards from twenty nominations.[55]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Himself | New Artist of the Year | Won |
| "Best I Ever Had" | Single of the Year | Nominated | |
| "Still Fly" | Rap Recording of the Year | Nominated | |
| So Far Gone | Won | ||
| 2011 | Himself | Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| Fan Choice Award | Nominated | ||
| Songwriter of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Thank Me Later | Album of the Year | Nominated | |
| Rap Recording of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Find Your Love" | Single of the Year | Nominated | |
| 2012 | Himself | Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| Fan Choice Award | Nominated | ||
| Take Care | Album of the Year | Nominated | |
| Rap Recording of the Year | Won | ||
| 2013 | Himself | Fan Choice Award | Nominated |
| "HYFR" (with Lil Wayne) | Video of the Year | Won | |
| 2014 | Himself | Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| Fan Choice Award | Nominated | ||
| Nothing Was the Same | Album of the Year | Nominated | |
| Rap Recording of the Year | Won | ||
| 2015 | Himself | Fan Choice Award | Nominated |
| "Hold On, We're Going Home" (with Majid Jordan) | Single of the Year | Nominated | |
| 2016 | Himself | Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| Fan Choice Award | Nominated | ||
| If You're Reading This It's Too Late | Album of the Year | Nominated | |
| Rap Recording of the Year | Won | ||
| "Hotline Bling" | Single of the Year | Nominated | |
| 2017 | Himself | Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| Fan Choice Award | Nominated | ||
| Views | Album of the Year | Nominated | |
| Rap Recording of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "One Dance" (with Wizkid and Kyla) | Single of the Year | Nominated |
Latin American Music Awards[edit][]
The Latin American Music Awards (Latin AMAs) is an annual American music award to be presented by Telemundo.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Drake | Favorite Crossover Artist | Nominated |
| "One Dance" (with Wizkid and Kyla) | Favorite Crossover Song | Nominated |
London International Awards[edit][]
The London International Awards, or LIA (formerly known as London International Advertising Awards, LIAA), are a worldwide awards annually honoring "pioneers, and embodiments of excellence" in advertising, digital media, production, design, music & sound and branded entertainment.
2016
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Hotline Bling" | Music Video: Best Music Video | Nominated | [56] |
LOS40 Music Awards[edit][]
The LOS40 Music Awards, formerly known as Los Premios 40 Principales, are annual awards organized by Spanish music radio Los 40. Drake received three nominations
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Drake | International Breakthrough New Act of the Year | Nominated |
| "One Dance" (with Wizkid and Kyla) | International Song of the Year | Nominated | |
| Views | International Recording of the Year | Nominated |
MOBO Awards[edit][]
The Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards were established in 1996 by Kanya King. They are held annually in the United Kingdom to recognize artists of any race or nationality performing music of black origin. Drake has received five nominations.[57]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Himself | Best Hip-Hop Act | Nominated |
| Best International Act | Nominated | ||
| 2010 | Himself | Nominated | |
| 2012 | Himself | Nominated | |
| 2015 | If Youre Reading This Its Too Late | International Album | Won |
| 2016 | Himself | Best International Act | Won |
MTV[edit][]
MTV Africa Music Awards[edit][]
The MTV Africa Music Awards are an annual awards show from MTV Africa, established in 2013. Drake has received one award over two nominations.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Himself | Best International Act | Nominated |
| 2016 | Won |
MTV Video Music Awards[edit][]
The MTV Video Music Awards were established in 1984 by MTV to celebrate the top music videos of the year. Drake has won three awards from 24 nominations.[58][59]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | "Best I Ever Had" | Best New Artist | Nominated |
| 2010 | "Find Your Love" | Best Male Video | Nominated |
| "Forever" (with Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem) | Best Hip-Hop Video | Nominated | |
| 2012 | "Take Care" (with Rihanna) | Video of the Year | Nominated |
| Best Male Video | Nominated | ||
| Best Art Direction | Nominated | ||
| Best Cinematography | Nominated | ||
| "HYFR" (with Lil Wayne) | Best Hip-Hop Video | Won | |
| 2013 | "Started from the Bottom" | Nominated | |
| Best Direction | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | "Hold On, We're Going Home" (with Majid Jordan) | Best Hip-Hop Video | Won |
| 2016 | "Hotline Bling" | Won | |
| Video of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Best Male Video | Nominated | ||
| Best Art Direction | Nominated | ||
| "One Dance" (with Wizkid and Kyla) | Song of Summer | Nominated | |
| 2018 | "God's Plan" | Video of the Year | Nominated |
| Song of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Best Hip Hop Video | Nominated | ||
| Best Video with a Social Message | Nominated | ||
| Best Direction | Nominated | ||
| "Walk It Talk It" (with Migos) | Best Hip Hop Video | Nominated | |
| "In My Feelings" | Song of Summer | Nominated | |
| Himself | Artist of the Year | Nominated |
MTV Europe Music Awards[edit][]
The MTV Europe Music Awards are an annual awards show from MTV Europe established in 1994. Drake has received seventeen nominations and one award.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Himself | Best Hip-Hop | Nominated |
| Best North American Act | Nominated | ||
| 2013 | Best Hip-Hop Act | Nominated | |
| Best Canadian Act | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | Best Hip-Hop | Nominated | |
| Best Canadian Act | Nominated | ||
| 2015 | Best Hip-Hop | Nominated | |
| Best Canadian Act | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | Best Male | Nominated | |
| Best Hip-Hop | Won | ||
| Best Canadian Act | Nominated | ||
| "Work" (with Rihanna) | Best Song | Nominated | |
| 2018 | God's Plan | Nominated | |
| Himself | Best Artist | Nominated | |
| Best Hip-Hop | Nominated | ||
| Best Canadian Act | Nominated |
MTV Video Music Awards Japan[edit][]
The MTV Video Music Awards Japan is the Japan version of the American VMA. Drake has received one award from five nominations.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | "Headlines" | Best Hip-Hop Video | Nominated |
| 2013 | "Fuckin' Problems" | Best Hip-Hop Video | Won |
| 2016 | "Hotline Bling" | Best International Male Video | Nominated |
| Best Hip-Hop Video | Nominated | ||
| Views | International Album of the Year | Nominated |
NAACP Image Awards[edit][]
The NAACP Image Awards is an award ceremony from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Drake received one award.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Drake and Mary J. Blige | Outstanding Duo or Group | Won |
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards[edit][]
The Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, also known as the KCAs or Kids Choice Awards, is an annual awards show that airs on the Nickelodeon cable channel, that honors the year's biggest television, movie, and music acts, as voted by Nickelodeon viewers. Drake has received six nominations.[60]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | "Hotline Bling" | Favorite Song of the Year | Nominated |
| Himself | Favorite Male Singer | Nominated | |
| 2017 | Nominated | ||
| 2019 | Nominated | ||
| "In My Feelings" | Favorite Song of the Year | Nominated | |
| "Sicko Mode" (with Travis Scott) | Favorite Collaboration | Nominated |
NRJ Music Awards[edit][]
The NRJ Music Award is an award presented by the French radio station NRJ to honor the best in the French and worldwide music industry.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018[61] | "In My Feelings" | Video of the Year | Nominated |
| "God's Plan" | International Song of the Year | Nominated | |
| Himself | International Male Artist of the Year | Nominated |
People's Choice Awards[edit][]
The Peoples Choice Awards are an annual awards show from CBS to regonize the best of pop culture. Drake has received thirteen nominations.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Himself | Favorite Hip Hop Artist | Nominated |
| 2013 | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | Nominated | ||
| 2015 | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | Nominated | ||
| If You're Reading This It's Too Late | Favorite Album | Nominated | |
| 2017[62] | Views | Nominated | |
| "Work" (with Rihanna) | Favorite Song | Nominated | |
| "One Dance" (with Wizkid and Kyla) | Nominated | ||
| Himself | Favorite R&B Artist | Nominated | |
| Favorite Male Artist | Nominated | ||
| 2018 | Nominated | ||
| The Most Hype Worthy Canadian of 2018 | Nominated |
Polaris Music Prize[edit][]
The Polaris Music Prize is a music award annually given to the best full-length Canadian album based on artistic merit, regardless of genre, sales, or record label.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Take Care | Polaris Music Prize | Shortlisted |
| 2015 | If You're Reading This It's Too Late | Shortlisted | |
| 2016 | Views | Longlisted | |
| 2017 | More Life | Longlisted |
Soul Train Music Awards[edit][]
The Soul Train Music Awards is an annual award show aired in national broadcast syndication that honors the best in African American music and entertainment established in 1987. Drake has won two awards from thirty-one nominations.[63][64]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Himself | Best New Artist[65] | Nominated |
| "Best I Ever Had" | Record of the Year[66] | Nominated | |
| "Successful" (with Trey Songz) | Best Collaboration[67] | Nominated | |
| 2010 | Thank Me Later | Album of the Year | Nominated |
| "Find Your Love" | Record of the Year | Nominated | |
| Best Hip-Hop Song | Nominated | ||
| "Unthinkable" (with Alicia Keys) | Record of the Year | Won | |
| 2011 | "Moment 4 Life" (with Nicki Minaj) | Best Hip-Hop Song | Won |
| 2012 | "No Lie" (with 2 Chainz) | Nominated | |
| 2013 | "Poetic Justice" (with Kendrick Lamar) | Nominated | |
| Song of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Started from the Bottom" | Best Hip-Hop Song | Nominated | |
| Video of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | "Hold On, We're Going Home" (with Majid Jordan) | Best Hip-Hop Song | Nominated |
| Song of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Nothing Was the Same | Album of the Year | Nominated | |
| 2015 | "Truffle Butter" (with Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne) | Best Hip-Hop Song | Nominated |
| "Blessings" (with Big Sean and Kanye West) | Nominated | ||
| Best Collaboration | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | Views | Album/Mixtape of the Year | Nominated |
| "Hotline Bling" | Best Dance Performance | Nominated | |
| Video of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Work" (with Rihanna) | Nominated | ||
| Best Dance Performance | Nominated | ||
| Best Collaboration | Nominated | ||
| Song of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Controlla" | Nominated | ||
| Rhythm & Bars Award | Nominated | ||
| "One Dance" (featuring Wizkid and Kyla) | Nominated | ||
| "For Free" (with DJ Khaled) | Nominated | ||
| Best Collaboration | Nominated | ||
| 2017 | "Come Closer" (with Wizkid) | Best Dance Performance | Nominated |
| 2018 | "In My Feelings" | Rhythm & Bars Award | Won |
Sucker Free Award[edit][]
The Sucker Free Awards are an awards show hosted by MTV. Drake has received one award out of two nominations.[68]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "Headlines" | Club Banger: Song of the Year | Nominated |
| Young Money | Best Crew | Won |
Teen Choice Awards[edit][]
The Teen Choice Awards were established in 1999 to honor the year's biggest achievements in music, movies, sports and television, as voted for by young people aged between 13 and 19. Drake has been nominated for 13 awards, winning 2 with the Degrassi cast in 2005 and 2007, respectively.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Degrassi: The Next Generation | Choice Summer Series | Won |
| 2007 | Degrassi: The Next Generation | Choice Summer TV Show | Won |
| 2008 | Degrassi: The Next Generation | Choice Summer TV Show | Nominated |
| 2010 | So Far Gone | Album – Rap | Nominated |
| "Find Your Love" | Best Rap/Hip-Hop Track | Nominated | |
| Himself | Breakout Artist Male | Nominated | |
| Male Artist | Nominated | ||
| Rap Artist | Nominated | ||
| Summer Music Star – Male | Nominated | ||
| 2012 | Himself | Choice Music Male Artist | Nominated |
| "Take Care" (featuring Rihanna) | Choice Music Single by a Male Artist | Nominated | |
| Choice Music R&B/Hip-Hop Track | Nominated | ||
| 2013 | Himself | Choice Music: Rap Artist | Nominated |
| "Started from The Bottom" | Choice Music: R&B/Hip-Hop Track | Nominated | |
| 2015 | Himself | Choice Music: R&B/Hip-Hop Artist | Nominated |
| 2016 | Himself | Nominated | |
| Choice Music Male Artist | Nominated | ||
| Choice Summer Music Star: Male | Nominated | ||
| "One Dance" (featuring Wizkid and Kyla) | Choice Music: R&B/Hip-Hop Song | Won | |
| 2018 | Himself | Choice Male Artist | Nominated |
| Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Artist | Nominated | ||
| "God's Plan" | Choice Song: Male Artist | Nominated | |
| Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song | Nominated | ||
| "Nice for What" | Choice Summer Song | Nominated |
Young Artist Award[edit][]
The Young Artist Awards is an annual award show aired in national broadcast syndication that honors the best in African American music and entertainment established in 1987. As Aubrey Graham, Drake has won one award from five nominations.[1]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Degrassi: The Next Generation | Best Ensemble in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) | Won |
| 2003 | Nominated | ||
| 2005 | Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Supporting Young Actor | Nominated | |
| Outstanding Young Performers in a TV Series | Nominated | ||
| 2006 | Best Young Ensemble Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) | Nominated |
Songwriters Hall of Fame[edit][]
The Hal David Starlight Award is an award given yearly to a songwriter by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Drake was the recipient in 2011.[69]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Himself | Hal David Starlight Award | Won |
Other accolades[edit][]
- Ranked #3 Hottest MC by MTV (2009)
- Ranked #4 Hottest MC by MTV (2010)
- Ranked #2 Hottest MC by MTV (2011)
- Ranked #2 Hottest MC by MTV (2012)
- GQ Man of The Year for "Breakout of the Year" (2010)
- Named #4 Man of The Year by MTV (2010)
TV Shows from drake, future and lil wayne:
- 3rd & Bird (2008-2015)
- Abadas (2011-2016)
- "Andy Pandy"(2002-2008)
- Angelmouse (2002-2005)
- Balamory (2002–2016)
- Becky and Barnaby Bear (2002–2011)
- Big & Small (2008-2015)
- Big City Park(2010-2014)
- Big Cook, Little Cook (2004–2012)
- Bill and Ben(2002-2010)
- Binka (2002-2006)
- Bits and Bobs (2002–2014)
- Bitsa (2002)
- The Mighty Jungle
- Bob the Builder (2002–2014) (Now On Channel 5_(UK))
- Bob the Builder: Project: Build It
- Bob the Builder: Ready, Steady, Build!
- Bobinogs (2004–2010)
- Bodger and Badger (2002-2004)
- Boo! (2003–2010)
- Boogie Beebies (2004–2015)
- Brum (2002–2014)
- Buzz and Tell (2008-2017))
- Carrie and David's Popshop (2008-2015)
- Clifford the Big Red Dog (2002–2013) (united kingdom)
- Clifford's Puppy Days (2003–2013) (united kingdom)
- Come Outside (2002–2012)
- Dirtgirlworld (2009-2015)
- Doodle Do (2006-2010)
- Dr Otter (2002–2006)
- Driver Dan's Story Train (2010-2015)
- El Nombre(2002-2004)
- Ethelbert the Tiger (2002-2010)
- Everything's Rosie (2010-2018)
- Fab Lab (2002-2006)
- Fimbles (2002–2015)
- Fingermouse (2002–2006)
- Finley the Fire Engine (2007-2012)
- Fireman Sam (2002–2007)
- Garth and Bev (2010-2012)
- Get Squiggling (2008-2016)
- Gordon the Garden Gnome (2005-2008)
- Green Balloon Club (2008-2014)
- Guess with Jess (2009-2013)
- Harry & Toto (2008-2012)
- Higgledy House (2002–2009)
- Iconicles (2011-2015)
- Jackanory Junior (2007-)
- Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks (2007-2011)
- Jollywobbles! (2010-2013)
- Kerwhizz (2008-2016)
- LazyTown (2006-2012)
- LazyTown Extra (2008-2012)
- Little Big Cat (2008-2014)
- Little Charley Bear(2011-2015)
- Little Human Planet (2011-)
- Little Prairie Dogs (2010-2016)
- Little Red Tractor (2004–2011)
- Little Robots (2003–2015)
- Louie (2008-2013)
- Lunar Jim (2006-2010)
- Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies (2007-2014)
- Me Too! (2006-2016)
- Mighty Mites (2010-2011)
- Mike the Knight (2011-2017)
- Monster Cafe (2002-2007)
- Muffin the Mule (2005-2010)
- Mr. Bloom's Nursery (2011-2018)
- Nina and the Neurons (2007-2017)
- Noddy's Toyland Adventures (2002-2005)
- Numberjacks (2006-2015)
- Nuzzle and Scratch (2008-2011)
- Oakie Doke (2002-2006)
- Open A Door(2002-)
- Our Planet (2006-2012)
- Pablo the Little Red Fox (2002-2012)
- Penelope(2010-2011)
- Penelope K By The Way (2010-)
- Pingu (2002–2015)
- Pinky Dinky Doo (2006-2013)
- Playdays (2002–2004)
- Poetry Pie(2009-)
- Polka Dot Shorts (2002–2004)
- Razzledazzle (2005-2008)
- Rubbadubbers (2002–2009)
- Same Smile (2010-2016)
- Sergeant Stripes (2003-2012)
- Sesame Tree (2008–2013)
- Small Potatoes(2010-)
- SMarteenies (2002–2008)
- Space Pirates (2007-2014)
- Spot the Dog (2002-2006)
- Spot's Musical Adventures (2002-2006)
- Step Inside (2002–2010)
- Storytime(2002)
- Tellytales (2009-2014)
- The Family Ness(2002)
- The Koala Brothers(2004-2016)
- The Large Family(2007-2014)
- The Magic Key(2002-2006)
- The Pingu Show (2007-2012)
- The Poddington Peas (2002)
- The Shiny Show (2002-2009)
- The Song Catcher (2005-2007)
- The Story Makers (2002-2009)
- Timmy Time (2009–2018)
- ToddWorld (2004-2010)
- Tommy Zoom (2007-2015)
- Tots TV(2004-2008)
- Tweenies(2002-2016)
- Uki(2010-)
- Underground Ernie (2006–2011)
- Waybuloo (2009-2018)
- Wibbly Pig (2009–2015)
- Wide-Eye(2003-2005)
- Wiggly Park (2002-2006)
- William's Wish Wellingtons (2002-2006)
- Yoho Ahoy (2002-2006)
- Yoko! Jakamoko! Toto! (2009-2014)
- Zigby (2009-2014)
- Zingalong (2002-2004)
- ZingZillas (2010-2017)
TV Shows from mike will made it:
- Get Well Soon
- Gigglebiz
- Go Jetters
- Grandpa in my Pocket
- Gundrun: The Viking Princess
- Hey Duggee (all characters voices by: the 106 and park rap artists and 106 and park casts members and hustle gang and cte world members artists) (and the voice of duggee: mike will made it and future)
- I Can Cook
- I Can Cook on the Go
- I Can Cook with You
- In the Night Garden...
- Jamillah and Aladdin
- Junk Rescue
- Justin's House
- Kate and Mim-Mim
- Katie Morag
- Kazoops!
- Kit and Pup
- Let's Celebrate
- Let's Play
- The Lingo Show
- Little Roy
- Magic Door
- Magic Hands
- Meet the Pups
- Melody
Aubrey Drake Graham[8] (born October 24, 1986) is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur.[9] Drake initially gained recognition as an actor on the teen drama television series Degrassi: The Next Generation in the early 2000s. Intent on pursuing a career in music, he left the series in 2007 following the release of his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement. He released two further independent projects, Comeback Season and So Far Gone, before signing to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment in June 2009.[10]
Drake released his debut studio album Thank Me Later in 2010,[11] which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and was soon certified platinum. His next two releases, 2011's Take Care and 2013's Nothing Was the Same,[12][13] were critically and commercially successful; the former earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. In 2015, he released two mixtapes—the trap-influenced If You're Reading This It's Too Late and a collaboration with Future titled What a Time to Be Alive—both of which earned platinum certification in the U.S.[14]
His fourth album, Views (2016), broke several chart records.[15] The dancehall-influenced album[16][17] sat atop the Billboard 200 for 13 nonconsecutive weeks,[18] becoming the first album by a male solo artist to do so in over 10 years. The album's second single, "One Dance", topped the charts in several countries, and became his first number-one single as a lead artist. That year, Drake led both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard 200 charts simultaneously for eight weeks.[19] Views achieved quadruple platinum status in the US, and earned over 1 million album-equivalent units in the first week of its release.[20][21] Its lead single "Hotline Bling" peaked at number two on the Hot 100 and received Grammy Awards for Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Rap Song.[22]
In 2017, he released the mixtape More Life. Described by Drake as a "playlist",[23][24] it became his seventh consecutive number one on the Billboard 200, and set multiple streaming records.[25] A year later, he released the double album Scorpion, which also broke several streaming records,[26] and housed the Grammy Award winning number-one single "God's Plan", and the bounce-infused number ones "Nice for What" and "In My Feelings".
Drake holds several Billboard chart records. He has the most charted songs (186) among solo artists in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, the most simultaneously charted Hot 100 songs in a single week (27), the most time on the Hot 100 (431 weeks) and the most Hot 100 debuts in a week (22).[27] He also has the most number one singles on the Hot Rap Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Rhythmic Charts.[28][29] Drake has also won three Juno Awards, six American Music Awards, and fifteen Billboard Music Awards. Among the world's best-selling music artists, with more than 20 million albums and 100 million singles sold globally,[30][31] he is ranked by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as the world's highest-certified digital singles artist. As an entrepreneur, Drake has founded the OVO Sound record label with longtime collaborator 40, as well as using the "OVO" moniker to create a clothing line and program on Beats 1 Radio.
Contents[]
- 1Early life
- 2Career
- 3Artistry
- 4Public image
- 5Controversies
- 6Business ventures
- 7Personal life
- 8Discography
- 9Tours
- 10Filmography
- 11Awards and nominations
- 12See also
- 13References
- 14External links
Early life[]
Drake attended both Forest Hill Collegiate Institute (left) and Vaughan Road Academy (right) during high school.
Aubrey Drake Graham was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario. His father, Dennis Graham, is an African American and a practising Catholic from Memphis, Tennessee, and worked as a drummer, performing alongside country musician Jerry Lee Lewis.[32][33] Drake's mother, Sandra "Sandi" Graham (née Sher), is an Ashkenazi Jewish Canadian who worked as an English teacher and florist.[34][35][36][37][38] His parents met after Dennis performed at Club Bluenote in Toronto, where he first interacted with Sandra, who was in attendance.[33] He is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.[39] In his youth, Drake attended a Jewish day school, and formally celebrated becoming a Bar Mitzvah in a religious service.[40][41][42][43][44]
Drake's parents divorced when he was five years old. After the divorce, he and his mother remained in Toronto, while his father returned to Memphis, where he was incarcerated for a number of years on drug-related charges.[45] Dennis' limited finances and legal issues caused him to remain in the United States until Drake's early adulthood.[40][41][42] Prior to his arrest, however, Dennis would travel to Toronto and bring Drake to Memphis every summer.[46][47][48] His father later collaborated with Canadian music group Arkells on the music video for a song titled "Drake's Dad".[49]
Drake was raised in two polarizing Toronto neighbourhoods; he lived on Weston Road in the city's working-class west end,[47] until grade six. In his youth, he played minor hockeywith the Weston Red Wings.[50] Drake then moved to one of the city's affluent neighbourhoods, Forest Hill, in 2000.[51][52] When asked about the move, Drake replied, "[We had] a half of a house we could live in. The other people had the top half, we had the bottom half. I lived in the basement, my mom lived on the first floor. It was not big, it was not luxurious. It was what we could afford."[53]
He attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, where he demonstrated an affinity for the arts, first acting while an active student at the school.[54] He later attended Vaughan Road Academy in the city's multicultural Oakwood–Vaughan neighbourhood. Due to the economic status associated with the neighbourhood, Drake described the school as "not by any means the easiest school to go to."[47] Drake was often bullied in school for his racial and religious background,[40] and upon realizing that his busy class schedule was detrimental to his burgeoning acting career, Drake dropped out of school.[55] He later graduated in October 2012.[56]
Career[]
2001–2005: Degrassi: The Next Generation[]
At 15, eager to begin as an actor, a high school friend introduced Drake to his father, who was an acting agent.[57] The agent found Drake a role on Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation. Drake portrayed Jimmy Brooks,[58] a basketball star who became physically disabled after he was shot by a classmate. When asked about his early acting career, Drake replied, "My mother was very sick. We were very poor, like broke. The only money I had coming in was off of Canadian TV".[47] He would continue to appear on the show until 2007, returning for sporadic appearances until his character graduated from school. Overall, Drake appeared in a total of 145 episodes.[59]
2006–2009: Early mixtapes and So Far Gone[]
Main article: So Far Gone (mixtape)
Lil Wayne, the founder of Young Money Entertainment, would sign Drake to the label in 2009.[60]
After becoming musically inspired by Jay Z and Clipse, Drake self-released his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement, in 2006. The mixtapefeatured Trey Songz and Lupe Fiasco, and included vast production from Canadian producers Boi-1da, and Frank Dukes. When asked about the mixtape, Drake described the project as "pretty straightforward, radio friendly, [and] not much content to it." The mixtape was released for sale only, and confirmed to have sold over 6,000 copies.[58] In 2007, he released his second mixtape, Comeback Season. Released from his recently founded October's Very Own label, it spawned the single "Replacement Girl", featuring Trey Songz. The song made Drake become the first ever unsigned Canadian rapper to have his music video featured on BET, with "Replacement Girl" being featured on the channel's "New Joint of the Day" segment on April 30, 2007.[61] The song also saw Drake sample "Man of the Year" by Brisco, Flo Rida and Lil Wayne, retaining Lil Wayne's verse, and adjoined his own to the song's earlier half. This caused Jas Prince to gift Lil Wayne the song, which prompted the rapper to invite Drake to Houston in order to join his Tha Carter III tour.[citation needed] Throughout the duration of the tour, Drake and Lil Wayne recorded multiple songs together, including "Ransom", "I Want This Forever", and a remix to "Brand New".[citation needed] Despite the collaborations between the duo, Drake was yet to be signed by Young Money Entertainment.
In 2009, Drake released his third mixtape, So Far Gone. It was made available for free download through his OVO blog website, and featured Lil Wayne, Trey Songz, Omarion, Lloyd, and Bun B. It received over 2,000 downloads in the first 2 hours of release, finding mainstream commercial success due to the singles "Best I Ever Had" and "Successful", both gaining Gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA), with the former also peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.[62] This prompted the mixtape's re-release as an EP, featuring only four songs from the original, as well as the additions of the songs "I'm Goin' In" and "Fear". It debuted at number six on the Billboard 200, and won the Rap Recording of the Year at the 2010 Juno Awards.[63]
Due to the success of the mixtape,[64] Drake was the subject of a bidding war from various labels, often reported as "one of the biggest bidding wars ever".[65] Despite this, Drake was rumoured to have secured a recording contract with Young Money Entertainment on June 29, 2009.[66] This was later confirmed following a planned lawsuit from Young Money, in conjunction with Drake, against an unauthorized album titled The Girls Love Drake, which was released on iTunes under dubious means.[67]
Drake then joined the rest of the label's roster on the America's Most Wanted Tour in July 2009. However, during a performance of "Best I Ever Had" in Camden, New Jersey, Drake fell on stage, and tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.[68] He underwent surgery later that year.
2010–2012: Thank Me Later and Take Care[]
Main articles: Thank Me Later and Take Care (album)
Drake planned to release his debut album, Thank Me Later, in late 2008, but the album's release date was postponed, first to March 2010,[69] and then to May 25, 2010.[70] Young Money and Universal Motown had then released a statement that the album had again been pushed back three weeks, for a June 15, 2010, release.[69][71]
On March 9, 2010, Drake released the debut single "Over",[72] which peaked at number fourteen on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as topping the Rap Songs chart. It also received a nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 53rd Grammy Awards.[73] His second single, "Find Your Love", became an even bigger success; peaking at number five on the Hot 100, and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[74] The music video for the single was shot in Kingston, Jamaica, and was criticized by Jamaica's minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett. Bartlett condemned the portrayal of the island in the video, saying, "care has to be taken by all, including our creative artists, in [showcasing] images of our destination and people. Gun culture, while not unique to Jamaica, is not enhancing [the island's image]."[75] The third single and fourth singles, "Miss Me" and "Fancy" respectively,[76] attained moderate commercial success, however, the latter garnered Drake his second nomination at the 53rd Grammy Awards, for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.[77] On April 29, it was reportedly announced that Drake had finished Thank Me Later during a show in Kansas City, Missouri.[78]
Thank Me Later was released on June 15, 2010,[79] debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with sales of over 447,000 copies in its first week.[80] Upon the album's release, 25,000 fans gathered at New York City's South Street Seaport for a free concert, hosted by Drake and Hanson, which was later cancelled by police after a near-riot ensued due to overflowing crowds.[81] The album became the top selling debut album for any artist in 2010,[82] and featured Lil Wayne, Kanye West,[83] and Jay Z.[84]
It was soon announced that Drake would have a prominent role in military science fiction video game, Gears of War 3. He was scheduled to play the part of Jace Stratton, but scheduling conflicts with his upcoming Away from Home Tour[85] prevented Drake from accepting the role.[86] He began the tour on September 20, 2010, in Miami, Florida, performing at 78 shows over four different legs.[87] It concluded in Las Vegas in November 2010.[88] Due to the success of the Away from Home Tour, Drake hosted the first OVO Festival in 2010. It would soon become a regular event during the summer, with the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto playing host to the festival on its annual cycle. Drake also had an eco-friendly college tour to support the album, beginning with Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. It concluded in Plymouth, New Hampshire on May 8, and he had also performed at The Bamboozle on May 1.[89][90]
Beginning his second effort in fall 2010,[91] Drake announced his intentions to allow for Noah "40" Shebib to handle most of the production and record a more cohesive sound than on Thank Me Later, which featured disparate production duties by Shebib and others.[92] In November 2010, Drake revealed the title of his next studio album will be Take Care.[93] In comparison to his debut album, Drake revealed to Y.C Radio 1 that Thank Me Later was a rushed album, stating, "I didn't get to take the time that I wanted to on that record. I rushed a lot of the songs and sonically I didn't get to sit with the record and say, 'I should change this verse.' Once it was done, it was done. That's why my new album is called Take Care, because I get to take my time this go-round."[94] Drake sought to expand on the low-tempo, sensuous, and dark sonic esthetic of Thank Me Later.[95][96] Primarily a hip hopalbum, Drake also attempted to incorporate R&B and pop to create a languid, grandiose sound.[97]
Drake performing alongside Bun B in 2011.
In January 2011, Drake was in negotiations to join Eva Green and Susan Sarandon as a member of the cast in Nicholas Jarecki's Arbitrage,[98]before ultimately deciding against starring in the movie, to focus on the album. "Dreams Money Can Buy"[99] and "Marvins Room"[95] were released on Drake's October's Very Own Blog, on May 20 and June 9, respectively. Acting as promotional singles for Take Care, the former was eventually unincluded on the album's final track listing, while "Marvins Room" gained Gold certification by the RIAA,[100] as well as peaking at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100,[101] and reaching the top 10 of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart,[102] coupled with extensive play on contemporary urban radio.[103] Drake would soon release the song's music video on June 28.[104]
"Headlines" was released on August 9, acting as the lead single for Take Care. It was met with positive critical and commercial response, reaching number thirteen on the Hot 100, as well as becoming his tenth single to reach the summit of the Billboard Hot Rap Songs, making Drake the artist with the most number-one singles on the chart, with 12.[105] It was eventually certified Platinum in both the United States and Canada.[106] The music video for the single was released on October 2, and foresaw Drake performing the song during the second intermission of the 59th National Hockey League All-Star Game in January 2012.[107] "Make Me Proud" was released as the album's second single, on October 16.[108] It was the final single to be released prior to the launch of the album, and debuted at number 97 on the Billboard Hot 100.[101]The song reached number nine the following week, tying the record for the largest jump on the Billboard Hot 100 for a male artist, with 88.[109]"Make Me Proud" soon became Drake's fourth consecutive single to receive Platinum certification by the RIAA.[110]
Prior to the album's release, Drake had planned to record a collaborative album with Lil Wayne, however, it was ultimately scrapped due to the success of Watch the Throne.[111][112][113] He had also begun collaborations with Rick Ross for a mixtape titled Y.O.L.O., but the duo decided against the project, in favor of increased concern for their respective studio albums.[114][115]
Take Care was released on November 15, 2011, and received generally positive reviews from music critics.[13] John McDonnell of NME dubbed it "an affecting masterpiece" and commended its "delicate, mellifluous sound and unashamedly candid, emotive lyrics."[116] Pitchfork's Ryan Dombal found Drake's "technical abilities" to be improved and stated, "Just as his thematic concerns have become richer, so has the music backing them up."[117] Andy Hutchins of The Village Voice called it "a carefully crafted bundle of contradictory sentiments from a conflicted rapper who explores his own neuroses in as compelling a manner as anyone not named Kanye West."[118] Chicago Tribune writer Greg Kotcomplimented the depth of Drake's "moral psychodramas" and stated, "the best of it affirms that Drake is shaping a pop persona with staying power."[119] It also won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, and achieved great commercial success, eventually being certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA in 2016, with sales for the album marking 2.6 million in the US.[120]
The album's third and fourth singles, "The Motto" and Take Care", were released on November 29,[100] and February 21, 2012 respectively.[121] Each song was subject to commercial success, while also having large societal impacts, with "The Motto" credited for popularizing the phrase "YOLO" in the United States.[122][123] The music video for "Take Care" saw widespread acclaim, with MTV stating, "None of his contemporaries – not even the ever-obtuse Kanye [West] - make videos like this, mostly because no one else can get away with it."[124] The video received four nominations at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, for Best Male Video, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Video of the Year.[125] The song was also featured on the channel's "Pop Songs You Must Hear" list of 2011.[126] "HYFR" was the final single to be released from the album, and became certified Gold.[127][128] It would later win the MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Video in 2012,[129][130] and the channel also ranked him at number two on their "Hottest MCs in the Game" list.[131]
In promotion of his second album, Drake embarked on the worldwide Club Paradise Tour. It became the most successful hip hop tour of 2012, grossing over $42 million.[132] He then returned to acting, starring in Ice Age: Continental Drift as Ethan.[133]
2013–2015: Nothing Was the Same and commercial mixtapes[]
Main articles: Nothing Was the Same, If You're Reading This It's Too Late, and What a Time to Be Alive
During the European leg of the Club Paradise Tour, Drake spoke in an interview stating that he had begun working on his third studio album. Revealing his intentions to remain with 40 as the album's executive producer, Drake spoke fondly about Jamie xx, hoping to include and expand the British producer's influence over his next album.[134] Drake had also revealed that the album would stylistically differ from Take Care, departing from the ambient production and despondent lyrics prevalent previously.[135]
In January 2013, Drake announced that he would release the first single off of his third album at the conclusion of the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.[136][137] Despite an initial delay, it was released in the wake of his win for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the event, and it foresaw Drake announcing Nothing Was the Same as the title of his third album.[138] The album's second single, "Hold On, We're Going Home", was released in August 2013, becoming the most successful single off of the album, peaking at number-one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[139] Drake sought inspiration from the 1980s television series Miami Vice during the composition of the song's music video, incorporating the dramatic elements seen in the show en route to winning his second MTV Video Music Award in 2014 for the video.[140][141][142] Drake appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, performing the album's third single, "Too Much", alongside featured artist Sampha.[143]
Nothing Was the Same was released on September 24, 2013, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200, with 658,000 copies sold in its first week of release. The album debuted atop the charts in Canada, Denmark, Australia and the United Kingdom. The album also enjoyed generally favourable reviews by contemporary music critics, commending the musical shift in terms of the tone and subject matter, comparing it to the distinct change showcased in 808s & Heartbreak.[144] The album was also reported to have sold over 1,720,000 copies in the United States, and was further promoted by the "Would You like a Tour?" throughout late 2013, to early 2014.[145] It became the 22nd-most successful tour of the year, grossing an estimated $46 million.[146] Drake then returned to acting in January 2014, hosting Saturday Night Live, as well as serving as the musical guest. His versatility, acting ability and comedic timing were all praised by critics, describing it as what "kept him afloat during the tough and murky SNL waters".[147][148][149] Drake also performed in Dubai, being one of the only artists ever to perform in the city.[150] In late 2014, Drake announced that he had begun recording sessions for his fourth studio album.[151]
On February 12, 2015, Drake released If You're Reading This It's Too Late onto iTunes, with no prior announcement. Despite debate on whether it is an album[152] or a mixtape,[153]its commercial stance quantifies it as his fourth retail project with Cash Money Records, a scheme that was rumoured to allow Drake to leave the label.[154][155] However, he eventually remained with Cash Money, and If You're Reading This It's Too Late sold over 1 million units in 2015, making Drake the first artist with a platinum project in 2015, as well as his fourth overall.[156] Drake proceeded If You're Reading This It's Too Late with a collaborative mixtape with Future,[157][158] which was recorded in Atlanta in just under a week.[159]
| Drake's cover on Fader Magazine's 100th Issue from January 2015 |
What a Time to Be Alive debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making Drake the first hip hop artist to have two projects reach number one in the same year since 2004.[160] It was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for combined sales, streaming and track-sales equivalent of over 1 million units.[161] Drake also appeared on the cover of The Fader for their 100th issue.[162]
2016–2017: Views and More Life[]
Main articles: Views (album) and More Life
Drake announced in January 2016 that his fourth studio album would be launched during the spring, releasing the promotional single "Summer Sixteen" later that month. The album was originally titled Views from the 6, but would later be shortened to Views.[163] "Summer Sixteen" debuted at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100, and proved controversial, with Drake comparing his standing in hip hop to more tenured artists. This move divided many contemporary music critics, describing his self-comparison as "goodly brash" or "conventionally disrespectful."[164][165][166] It was also interpreted as a diss track towards Tory Lanez, who was unhappy at Drake popularizing the term "The Six" when referencing Toronto.[167][168] Drake also crashed a Bat Mitzvah in New York City on February 20, performing at the event.[169]
Drake soon released the album's lead singles, "Pop Style" and the dancehall-infused "One Dance", on April 5. Both debuted within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100,[170] however, the latter proved more commercially successful, with "One Dance" becoming Drake's first number-one single in Canada and the US as a leading artist.[171][172] The single also became Drake's first number one single as a lead artist in the United Kingdom, and peaked at number one in Germany, France, Australia, Brazil, Sweden, Belgium, Norway and the Netherlands.[173][174] During an episode for OVO Sound Radio, Drake confirmed the album's release date of April 29, and followed it up with various promotional videos.[175] On October 15, "One Dance" became Spotify's most-streamed song ever, amassing over 882 million plays as of October 2016.[176]
Drake performing at the Summer Sixteen Tour in Toronto in 2016.
Views was previewed in London, before its premiere on Beats 1 a day later. It was released as an Apple Music and iTunes exclusive on April 29, before being made available to various other platforms later that week.[177][178] Views would become Drake's most commercially successful album, sitting atop the Billboard 200 for ten nonconsecutive weeks, as well as simultaneously leading the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard 200 for eight weeks. It also achieved double-platinum status in the US, and earned over 1 million album-equivalent units in the first week of its release, as well as gaining over half-billion overall streams of the album.[20][21][179] Despite its success, critical opinion towards the album remained much divided, drawing criticism for being overlong and lacking in a cohesive theme, while also claiming Drake was not challenging himself artistically, as opposed to his contemporaries.[180] He would later plan to release a short film titled Please Forgive Me.[181]
Drake returned to host Saturday Night Live on May 14, serving as the show's musical guest.[182] Later, Drake was named as a member of the Forbes Five, which ranks the wealthiest artists in hip-hop, placing fifth after Birdman, Jay Z, Dr. Dre, and Diddy respectively.[183] Drake and Future then announced the Summer Sixteen Tour to showcase their collective mixtape, as well as their respective studio albums. This marked Drake's third co-headlining tour, which began in Austin, Texas on July 20.[184][185][186] On July 23, Drake announced that he was working on a new project, scheduled to be released in early 2017,[187] and was later named as the headline act for the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival.[188] The latter dates of the Summer Sixteen Tour were postponed, however, due to Drake suffering an ankle injury.[189] During the 2016 OVO Festival, Kanye Westconfirmed that he and Drake had begun working on a collaborative album.[190] Soon after, the music video for "Child's Play" was released, depicting Drake and Tyra Banks playing a couple encountering relationship issues at the Cheesecake Factory in a reference to one of the song's lyrics.[191] On September 26, Please Forgive Me was released as an Apple Music exclusive. It ran a total of 25 minutes, and featured music from Views.[192] At the 2016 BET Hip-Hop Awards, Drake received the most nominations, with 10,[193] winning the awards for Album of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Video.[194][195] Drake later announced the Boy Meets World Tour on October 10, with twenty-six dates announced for the course of the tour in Europe.[196] Seven additional dates were added a day later due to overwhelming demand.[197]
Soon after, during an episode of OVO Sound Radio, Drake confirmed he would be releasing a project titled More Life in December, however he later pushed the date back to the new year. The project was described as a "playlist of original music", rather than being classified as a traditional mixtape or solo album.[198] He was later revealed to be Spotify's most streamed artist for the second consecutive year in 2016, amassing a total 4.7 billion streams for all projects on the service, which is more than double the amount of streams he had in 2015.[199] Drake later secured his second and third Grammy Awards, winning for Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Rap Song at the 59th ceremony.[22] Despite multiple setbacks, Drake announced More Life would be released on March 18, 2017, via a series of multiple video commercials released through Instagram.[200] Upon release, More Life received mostly positive reviews, and debuted atop the Billboard 200, earning 505,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.[201] It also set a streaming record, becoming the highest ever streamed album in 24 hours, with a total of 89.9 million streams on Apple Music alone. The album also garnered 61.3 million streams on Spotify, dethroning Ed Sheeran's ÷ as the highest opening on the service in a single day.[202] He later won 13 awards at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards in May, which saw him breaking the record for the most wins in a single show.[203] Billboard also reported Drake had been present on the Hot 100 chart for eight consecutive years, and has the most recorded entries by a solo artist.[204]
He then released the single "Signs" on June 24, as well as reuniting with Metro Boomin on a single with Offset.[205][206] The singles marked his first releases since More Life, with "Signs" was initially released as a collaboration between Drake and French fashion house Louis Vuitton, as part of the "Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring-Summer 2018" fashion show.[207]The event also had a playlist exclusively from OVO Sound, curated by label co-founder Oliver El-Khatib.[208] Drake later hosted the first annual NBA Awards on June 26, and starred in multiple commercials alongside his father in promotion of Virginia Black.[209][210] Drake then appeared in The Carter Effect documentary, honouring the basketball career of Vince Carter, who was the first superstar player to appear for the Toronto Raptors since the franchise's inception in 1995.[211] The documentary also featured NBA players Chris Bosh, Tracy McGrady, Steve Nash, and LeBron James.
2018–present: Scorpion[]
Main article: Scorpion (Drake album)
After rumours circulated of Drake possibly collaborating with various artists, including rapper Trippie Redd and producer Pi'erre Bourne, for his new studio album, multiple snippets of songs were leaked near the closing end of 2017.[212][213][214] Two songs would later be released as members of a mini EP, titled Scary Hours, on January 20, 2018, marking Drake's first solo release since More Life, as well as his first appearance on any song after featuring on a remix of the Jay-Z song "Family Feud" with Lil Wayne, as the lead single of the latter's Dedication 6: Reloaded mixtape.[215] Scary Hours featured the songs "Diplomatic Immunity" and "God's Plan", which both debuted within the top-ten, with the latter eventually breaking various streaming records as it debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.[216][217][218] The song was Drake's second as a solo artist to reach number one.
Drake earned his 70th top 40 hit after featuring on the Migos song "Walk It Talk It", which debuted at number eighteen, and peaked at number ten.[219] He later featured on BlocBoy JB's debut single, "Look Alive", which was released on February 9, 2018.[220] The song's entry at number six on the Hot 100 made Drake the rapper with the most top 10 hits on the Hot 100, with 23.[221] He then featured on a remix to "Lemon", a song originally released as a collaboration between band N.E.R.D and Rihanna. On April 5, Drake announced he was finishing his fifth studio album and he was releasing a single later that night.[222] On April 6, "Nice for What" was released, alongside a music video, which featured several female celebrities.[223][224] After "Nice For What" replaced his own "God's Plan" on the Billboard Hot 100 at number one, making him the first artist to have a new number-one debut replace their former number-one debut, Drake announced the title of his fifth studio album as Scorpion, with a planned release date of June 29, 2018.[225][226] He then released "I'm Upset" on May 26, as the album's third single.[227] Scorpion was then released as a double-album, and marked Drake's longest project, with a run-time of just under 90 minutes. The album broke both the one-day global records on Spotify and Apple Music, as it gained 132.45 million and 170 million plays on each streaming service, respectively.[26] It eventually sold 749,000 album equivalent units in its first week of sales, and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.[228][229] Shortly thereafter, Drake collaborated with British hip hop promotion Link Up TV on July 7, releasing a freestyle as a part of the promotion's 'Behind Barz' segment,[230] before releasing another freestyle a week later after featuring on Charlie Sloth's long-running Fire in the Booth program on BBC Radio 1Xtra.[231] Drake then earned his sixth number-one hit with "In My Feelings" on July 21,[232] which also spawned the viral "#InMyFeelingsChallenge" or "#KiKiChallenge".[233][234][235] The success of "In My Feelings" also made Drake the record holder for most number one hits among rappers.[236] Soon after, he released the music video for "Nonstop", which was filmed in London during his surprise performance at the Wireless Festival.[237]
He then appeared on the album Astroworld, featuring uncredited vocals for the song "Sicko Mode", which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.[238] He then began the Aubrey & the Three Migos Tour with co-headliners Migos on August 12. This preceded a collaboration with Bad Bunny titled "Mia", which featured Drake performing in Spanish.[239]He later received the award for Hot Ticket Performer at the 2018 BET Hip Hop Awards on October 16. During a performance in Edmonton on November 7, Drake announced his intention to begin composing his next project in early 2019.[240]
Drake announced in July 2018 that he planned to "take 6 months to a year" to himself in order to produce television and films, including Euphoria.[241]
In February 2019, he received his second Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, for "God's Plan", at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.[242] During his speech, producers abruptly cut to a commercial break, leading viewers to speculate they were censoring his speech during which criticized The Recording Academy.[243] A legal representative for the Academy then released a statement stating "a natural pause [led] the producers [to] assume that he was done and cut to commercial," and added the organization offered him an opportunity to return to stage, but he declined.[244] On February 14, Drake re-released his third mixtape, So Far Gone, onto streaming services for the first time to commemorate its 10 year anniversary,[245] and later collaborated with Summer Walker on a remix of Walker's song "Girls Need Love", marking his first release of 2019.[246]
Artistry[]
Influences[]
Drake has cited several hip hop artists as influencing his rapping style, including Kanye West,[247] Jay Z,[248] and Lil Wayne,[249] while also attributing various R&B artists as influential to the incorporation of the genre into his own music, including Aaliyah,[250] and Usher.[251] Drake has also credited several dancehall artists for later influencing his Caribbean-inflected style, including Vybz Kartel, whom he has called one of his "biggest inspirations".[252][253]
Musical style[]
Drake has credited Kanye West (left) and Aaliyah (right) as being his biggest musical influences.
Drake is known for his egotistical lyrics, technical ability, and integration of personal backstory when dealing with relationships with women.[254] His vocal abilities have been lauded for an audible contrast between typical hip-hop beats and melody, with sometimes abrasive rapping coupled with softer accents, delivered on technical lyricism.[255] His songs often include audible changes in lyrical pronunciation in parallel with his upbringing in Toronto, and connections with Caribbean and Middle Eastern countries which include such phrases as "ting", "touching road", "talkin' boasy" and "gwanin' wassy".[255] Most of his songs contain R&B and Canadian hip hopelements, and he combines rapping with singing.[256] He credits his father with the introduction of singing into his rap mixtapes, which have become a staple in his musical repertoire. His incorporation of melody into technically complex lyrics was supported by Lil Wayne, and has subsequently been a critically acclaimed component to Drake's singles and albums.[257]
The lyrical content that Drake deploys is typically considered to be emotional[258] or boastful.[259] However, Drake is often revered for incorporating "degrading" themes of money, drug use, and women into newer, idealized contexts, often achieving this through his augmentation of the typical meaning of phrases in which he combines an objective and subjective perspective into one vocal delivery. His songs often maintain tension between "pause and pace, tone timbre, and volume and vocal fermata."[260] Drake is credited with innovating what has been referred to as "hyper-reality rap", which is characterized by its focus on themes of celebrity as being distinct from the "real world."[261]
Public image[]
The Washington Post editor Maura Judkis credits Drake for popularizing the phrase "YOLO" in the United States, with his single, "The Motto", which includes, "You only live once: that's the motto, nigga, YOLO."[262] Drake later popularized the term "The Six" in 2015 in relation his hometown Toronto, subsequently becoming a point of reference to the city.[263]Furthermore, the subject matter of his artistry often revolving around relationships, have had widespread impact on social media through photo captions commonly used to reference emotions or personal situations.[264][265][266] However, his lyrical contents have had a negative reception from fans and critics deeming him as sensitive; a trait that is understood as being antithetical to hip hop culture.[267] June 10 was declared "Drake Day" in Houston, Texas.[268][269][270] In 2016, Drake visited Drake University after a show in Des Moines, in response to an extensive social media campaign by students that began in 2009, advocating for his appearance.[271][272] In 2016, Drake spoke on the shooting of Alton Sterling, publishing an open letter expressing his concern for the safety of ethnic minorities against police brutality in the United States.[273] He would also donate $200,000 in order to aid relief efforts in Houston as a result of Hurricane Harvey.[274] In February 2018, following the single "God's Plan" debut at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Drake donated $50,000 to a Miami homeless shelter[275] and giving a University of Miami student $50,000 to help with her tuition.[276] Drake then "kept up the spending spree" by donating the rest of the song's video budget, $996,631.90, to several charitable causes and regular people across Miami.[277][278]
The music video for "Hotline Bling" went viral, due to Drake's eccentric choices in dancing.[279] The video has been remixed, memed, and was heavily commented on due to Drake's unconventional nature on the song,[280] causing it to gain popularity on YouTube, spawning several parodies.[281] Drake has also been critiqued for his expensive, product placement-heavy attire, exampled by the video for "Hotline Bling". Drake modelled a $1,500 Moncler Puffer Jacket, a $400 Acne Studios turtleneck, and limited edition Timberland 6" Classic Boots.[282][283] This foresaw collaborations between OVO and Canada Goose,[284] in which various items of clothing were produced.[285] Drake had also released his own collection of Air Jordans, dubbed the "Air Jordan OVOs".[286] Moreover, his style and dress sense have caused GQ magazine to describe him as "[one of] the most stylish men alive".[287]
Controversies[]
Legal issues[]
In 2012, singer Ericka Lee filed a lawsuit against Drake for the usage of her voice on "Marvins Room". Claiming to have provided the female vocals, Lee also alleged she was owed songwriting credits and royalties.[288] Despite Drake's legal team countering by claiming that Lee simply requested a credit in the liner notes of the album, the matter was resolved in February 2013, with both parties agreeing to an out-of-court settlement.[289] In 2014, Drake was sued for $300,000 for sampling "Jimmy Smith Rap", a 1982 single by jazz musician, Jimmy Smith. The suit was filed by Smith's estate, who stated Drake never asked for permission when sampling it for the intro on "Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2", claiming Smith himself would have disagreed as he disliked hip hop.[290][291] Drake would win the lawsuit in 2017, with federal judge William Pauley ruling the content used was transformative, and there was no liability for copyright infringement.[292] Also in 2014, it emerged that Drake was sued by rapper Rappin' 4-Tay, claiming Drake misused his lyrics on when collaborating with YG on the song "Who Do You Love?". He sought $100,000 for mistreatment and artistic theft, which Drake paid to the rapper later that year.[293] In 2016, Drake caused a nightclub in Oklahoma City to close down, due to his usage of marijuana and other illegal drugs being prevalent at the club.[294]
In 2017, Drake was embroiled in another lawsuit, being sued by producer Detail (Noel Fisher) over an alleged assault in 2014. Fisher claimed Drake's bodyguard, Nessel "Chubbs" Beezer, punched him in the face and allegedly broke his jaw over musical and financial disputes. Fisher also says the injuries caused him to be hospitalized for days and had to undergo several surgeries, following which he sued for damages related to medical bills and physical and emotional suffering.[295] The case, which was set to undergo trial in May 2018, was eventually dismissed by Superior Court Judge Elaine Lu, after Fisher failed to show up for a final status conference, and ruled Beezer solely acted in self-defense.[296]
Feuds[]
Drake and Chris Brown were allegedly involved in a physical altercation in June 2012, when Drake and his entourage threw glass bottles at Brown in a SoHo nightclub in Manhattan, New York City. Chris Brown tweeted about the incident and released a song criticizing Drake weeks later.[297][298][299] Despite no response from Drake, he and Brown both appeared in a comedic skit for the 2014 ESPY Awards, and rehearsed the skit together prior to the televised airing, virtually ending the dispute.[300]
In December 2014, Drake was involved in another altercation, being punched by Diddy outside the LIV nightclub in Miami, Florida. The altercation was reported to be over Drake's usage of the instrumental for "0 to 100 / The Catch Up", allegedly produced by Boi-1da for Diddy, before Drake appropriated the track for his own use. Drake was later rushed to the ER after aggravating an old arm injury during the dispute.[301] Drake was also involved in a feud with Tyga, stemming from Tyga's negative comments towards him during an interview with Vibe magazine.[302] Drake would later respond on "6 God" and "6PM in New York", which has been interpreted as directly involved in Tyga's abrupt removal from Young Money Entertainment.[303]
Further controversy arose in July 2015, when it was alleged by Meek Mill that Drake had used ghostwriters during recording sessions for "RICO", one of the lead singles off of Mill's second studio album. This proceeded further allegations that Drake did not help in promotion of the album, due to Mill discovering the ghostwriter, widely believed to be Quentin Miller.[304] Despite Miller collaborating with Drake and receiving past credits, Mill assured that Miller had written Drake's verse for "R.I.C.O.". Soon after, Funkmaster Flex aired reference tracks in support of Mill's claims, notably for "R.I.C.O.", "10 Bands", and "Know Yourself". This prompted Drake to respond with two diss tracks, titled "Charged Up"[305] and "Back to Back",[306] in the space of four days. Mill would later respond with "Wanna Know",[307] before removing it from SoundCloud weeks later.[308] Despite subliminal disses[309][310][311] from either artist,[312] the feud has not been officially reignited. Drake would further seek to denounce Funkmaster Flex during his Madison Square Garden shows on the Summer Sixteen Tour.[313][314] Following Meek Mill's sentencing of two to four years for probation violation, Drake stated "Free Meek Mill" at a concert in Australia, and ended their rivalry on "Family Feud".[315] Pusha T would also use the same rationale to criticize Drake on "Infrared" in 2018,[316] prompting Drake to respond with the "Duppy Freestyle" diss track on May 25.[317] Pusha T would directly respond to the track through "The Story of Adidon" on May 29, which presented several claims, including an accusation of Drake fathering a secret child.[318] The pair are considered to have been in a rivalry since 2012, with Drake yet to respond to "The Story of Adidon".[319]
In 2016, Drake was embroiled in a feud with Joe Budden, stemming from Budden's derogatory comments when reviewing Views. Drake would allegedly respond to Budden through "4PM in Calabasas", prompting Budden to respond with two diss tracks in the space of five days, echoing the same sentiment Drake deployed during his feud with Meek Mill. Drake would later appear on "No Shopping" alongside French Montana, directly referencing Budden throughout the song. However, French Montana claimed that Drake's verse was recorded before the release of Budden's diss tracks. Despite Budden releasing two further songs in reference to Drake,[320] he has yet to officially respond to Budden.[321] In the same year, Drake mocked Kid Cudi for his mental health, drug use and suicidal urges on "Two Birds, One Stone" after Cudi launched an expletive-filled rant on the artist on Twitter.[322] Cudi later checked into a rehabilitation facility following the release of the song, and continued to disparage Drake in further tweets.[323]
In mid-2018, Drake was embroiled in a feud with long-time collaborator, Kanye West.[324] In an appearance on the talk show The Shop in October, Drake recounted several business meetings with West, who voiced his desire to "be Quincy Jones" and work with him, in order to replicate the producer-artist relationship between Jones and Michael Jackson.[325]West requested Drake play and inform him of upcoming releases, which was agreed to as Drake "felt a genuine vibe" from West, and after West gifted him the beat to "Lift Yourself", which inspired Drake to begin writing to the instrumental.[326] West then requested Drake to travel to Wyoming to continue working, and arrived a day after close friend 40. 40 said West was working on an album; contradictory to his previous aim of just wanting to "give [Drake] beats". Drake responded by saying West stated he would release in late 2018, and they should continue on.[327] However, upon his arrival in Wyoming, Drake "[spent] the majority of time working on [West's] music", only exploring his own after playing the producer the song "March 14", which addresses Drake's relationship with newborn son and co-parent.[328] This prompted a conversation with West regarding his personal issues, after which, news of his son would be exposed by Pusha T.[329] West would also release "Lift Yourself", and produce "Infrared"; actions that greatly displeased Drake. This prompted him to denounce West in several songs and live performances.[330][331] West would retaliate in a series of tweets in late 2018.[332]
Drake has purported to have been in reported feuds with DMX, Kendrick Lamar,[333] Common,[334] The Weeknd,[335] XXXTentacion, Jay-Z, Tory Lanez,[336] and Ludacris,[337]although the latter three have been reported to be resolved.[338][339][340]
Business ventures[]
Endorsements[]
Prior to venturing into business, Drake garnered several endorsement deals with various companies, notably gaining one with Sprite following his mention of drinking purple drank, a concoction that contains Sprite as a key ingredient.[341][342] In the aftermath of his highly publicized feud with Meek Mill, Drake was also endorsed by fast food restaurants Burger King and Whataburger.[343] Business magazine Forbes commented his endorsement deals and business partnerships "combined heavily" for Drake's reported pre-tax earnings at $94 million between June 2016 to June 2017, being one of the highest-paid celebrities during that period.[344]
OVO Sound[]
Main article: OVO Sound
The logo of Drake's OVO Sound imprint.
During the composition of Nothing Was the Same, Drake started his own record label in late 2012 with producer Noah "40" Shebib, and business partner, Oliver El-Khatib. Drake sought for an avenue to release his own music, as well helping in the nurturing of other artists, while Shebib and El-Khatib yearned to start a label with a distinct sound, prompting the trio to team up to form OVO Sound.[345] The name is an abbreviation derived from the October's Very Own moniker Drake used to publish his earlier projects. The label is currently distributed by Warner Bros. Records.
Drake, 40 and PartyNextDoor were the label's inaugural artists. The label houses artists including Drake, PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, OB O'Brien, Roy Woods, dvsn, Plaza, and Kash Doll,[346] as well as producers including 40, Boi-1da, T-Minus, Mike Zombie, Nineteen85, and Future the Prince. OVO Sound has released six albums, with two certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Toronto Raptors[]
Main article: Toronto Raptors
On September 30, 2013, Drake was announced as the new "global ambassador" for the Toronto Raptors, thereby joining the executive committee of the NBA franchise, in conjunction with the announcement of the 2016 NBA All-Star Game being awarded to the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.[347][348][349] This would also be the setting where Drake was given The Key to the City.[350] In the role, it was announced that Drake would help to promote and serve as a host of festivities, beginning with the All-Star Game. He would also provide consulting services to rebrand the team, helping to redesign its image and clothing line in commemoration of the franchise's 20th anniversary.[351][352] When attending the press conference hosted by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment CEO, Tim Leiweke,[352] to formally announce Drake's hiring by the franchise, Drake stated, "obviously, I won't be able to be in the building every day but I am extremely dedicated to it. I do take it very seriously as a new job and a new chapter in my life."[353][354] He began by hosting an annual "Drake Night" segment with the organization, which began in 2013.[355]
Apple Music[]
Main article: Apple Music
Following the launch of Apple Music, a music and video streaming service developed by Apple Inc., the company announced Drake as the figurehead for the platform at their Worldwide Developers Conference in 2015, with the artist also penning an exclusivity deal with the service worth a reported $19 million.[356] This saw all future solo releases by Drake becoming available first on Apple Music, before seeing roll out to other streaming services and music retailers.[357] Drake had also developed the OVO Sound Radio station on Beats 1, which is utilized as the primary avenue for debuting singles and projects, with the station overseeing over 300 million unique users when it debuted More Life.[358]Drake's partnership with Apple Music has largely been credited for the platform's sharp success, as it attained 10 million subscribers after six months, as well as giving birth to exclusivity from artists, with many independent and signed artists, such as Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, also brokering exclusivity deals with streaming services.[359] Through signing with the company, Drake was one of the artists, alongside Pharrell and Katy Perry, to exclusively own an Apple Watch before the smartwatch saw public release.[360]
Virginia Black[]
Two months prior to the release of Views, Drake announced the development of Virginia Black, a bourbon-based whiskey.[361] This would be his second foray into selling foodstuffs, previously partnering with celebrity chef Susur Lee to open Fring's Restaurant in Toronto.[362] The beverage was created and also distributed alongside Proximo Spirits, as well as with Brent Hocking, a spirits producer who founded DeLeón Tequila in 2008.[363] The company described the partnership as "fruitful [as they] share a passion for style, music, and the pursuit of taste [on] a quest to redefine whiskey."[364]
The product was launched in June 2016, and contained two, three and four-year old Bourbon whiskies. The company sold over 4,000 bottles in the first week domestically.[365] The brand was also promoted and marketed through Drake's music and various tours, such as being part of the "Virginia Black VIP Lounge" additional package available for purchase during the Summer Sixteen Tour. Virginia Black shipped a further 30,000 units when rollout was extended to select international markets in late 2016.[366] The company later aired commercials with Dennis Graham which featured the tagline of "The Realest Dude Ever" (in reference toward "The Most Interesting Man in the World" tagline employed by Dos Equis) after extending the sale of the drink to various European countries in 2017.[210]
Personal life[]
Drake has lived in Hidden Hills, California,[367] since 2012.[368][369] He also owns a property in Toronto, which was built from the ground-up in 2017.[370][371] Drake also lives in a Toronto condo adjacent to the CN Tower.[372]
Drake's paternal uncles are bass guitarist Larry Graham and musician Teenie Hodges.[373][374] Graham achieved both critical and commercial success as a member of the band Sly and the Family Stone,[375] while Hodges featured as the lead guitarist and songwriter for Al Green, and contributed heavily on much of his work in the 1970s, including the hits "Take Me to the River", "Love and Happiness", and "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)".[376][377]
Drake dated singer Rihanna off-and-on from 2009 to 2016.[378] He has mentioned the relationship in every one of his studio albums,[379] and when presenting Rihanna with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award in 2016, he said "she's a woman I've been in love with since I was 22 years old."[380] On becoming a single parent, Drake mused on the talk show The Shop: As life takes shape and teaches you your own lessons, I end up in this situation where I don't have the fairy tale, like, 'Oh, Drake started a family with Rihanna and this is like so perfect.' It looks so good on paper. By the way, I wanted that too at one time.[381] Drake is a father to one son named Adonis, who was born on October 11, 2017,[382][383] to French artist and former adult actress[384][385] Sophie Brussaux.[384][386] Brussaux's pregnancy was the subject of several rumours after featuring in a TMZ article in early 2017,[387] before Adonis was mentioned by name during Drake's highly publicized feud with Pusha T.[388] Drake eventually confirmed his fatherhood on the album Scorpion in 2018.[389][390]
Discography[]
Main article: Drake discography
Studio albums
- Thank Me Later (2010)
- Take Care (2011)
- Nothing Was the Same (2013)
- Views (2016)
- Scorpion (2018)
Tours[]
Headlining[]
- Away from Home Tour (2010)
- Club Paradise Tour (2012)
- Would You Like a Tour? (2013–2014)
- Jungle Tour (2015; six date promotional tour)
- Boy Meets World Tour (2017)
- Assassination Vacation Tour (2019)
Co-headlining[]
- America's Most Wanted Tour (with Young Money) (2009)
- Drake vs. Lil Wayne (with Lil Wayne) (2014)
- Summer Sixteen Tour (with Future) (2016)
- Aubrey & the Three Migos Tour (with Migos) (2018)
Filmography[]
Film[]
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Charlie Bartlett | A/V Jones | Minor role |
| 2008 | Mookie's Law | Chet Walters | Short film |
| 2011 | Breakaway[391][392] | Himself | Cameo |
| 2012 | Ice Age: Continental Drift | Ethan | Voice role |
| 2013 | Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues | Ron Burgundy fan | Cameo |
| 2014 | Think Like a Man Too | Himself | Cameo |
| 2017 | The Carter Effect | Himself | Documentary, also executive producer |
Television[]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Blue Murder | Joey Tamarin | Episode: "Out-of-Towners: Part 1" |
| 2001–2007 | Degrassi: The Next Generation | Jimmy Brooks | 145 episodes |
| 2002 | Soul Food | Fredrick | Episode: "From Dreams to Nightmares" |
| 2002 | Conviction | Teen Fish | Television movie |
| 2005 | Best Friend's Date | Dater | Episode: "Season Finale" |
| 2005 | Instant Star | Himself | Episode: "Personality Crisis" |
| 2008 | The Border | PFC Gordon Harvey | Episode: "Stop Loss" |
| 2009 | Being Erica | Ken | Episode: "What I Am Is What I Am" |
| 2009 | Sophie | Ken | Episode: "An Outing with Sophie" |
| 2009 | Beyond the Break | Himself | Episode: "One 'Elle' of a Party" |
| 2010 | When I Was 17 | Himself | Episode: "Drake, Jennie Finch & Queen Latifah" |
| 2011 | Saturday Night Live | Himself (musical guest) | Episode: "Anna Faris/Drake" |
| 2012 | Punk'd | Himself | Episode: "Drake/Kim Kardashian" |
| 2014 | Saturday Night Live | Himself (host/musical guest) | Episode: "Drake"[393] |
| 2016 | Saturday Night Live | Himself (host/musical guest) | Episode: "Drake" |
| 2018 | The Shop | Himself | Episode 2 |
| 2019 | Euphoria | Executive producer |
Awards and nominations[]
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Drake
Drake is the highest-certified digital singles artist ever in the United States, having moved 142 million units.[31][394] He has had seven songs being certified triple platinum in the US for combined sales plus streaming units[395] as of June 2018, with "Over",[396] "Too Good",[397] "Passionfruit",[398] "Nice for What",[399] "Marvin's Room",[400] "Find Your Love",[401] and "Energy".[402] He has also had three exceed 4 million in equivalent units, with "Take Care", "Headlines",[403][404] and "Best I Ever Had".[405] Three have reached quintuple platinum, with "Jumpman",[406] "Started from the Bottom",[407] and "The Motto".[408] "Hold On, We're Going Home" marked his first single to accumulate over six million units,[409] while "Forever" became his second in 2018.[410] Two of his singles have reached septuple platinum, which "Hotline Bling"[411] and "One Dance",[412] while his highest-certified single is "God's Plan", which was certified octuple platinum, having moved 8 million units, in under a year.[413] Drake's five solo studio albums, all of which have gone multi-platinum, have received numerous awards and generally positive reviews.[414] Scorpion, his fifth solo album, became his fifth consecutive number one album in the U.S.[415]
As of 2019, Drake has won a total of 4 Grammy Awards from 42 nominations.[416] He has also won 2 MTV Video Music Awards, and has been ranked by Complex at number one on their "Best Rapper Alive Every Year Since 1979" list, awarding Drake the accolade in 2011, 2012, and 2015.[417] Billboard editor Ernest Baker stated "Drake managed to rule hip-hop in 2014", adding "the best rapper in 2014 didn't need a new album or hit single to prove his dominance".[418] Drake was listed fourth on the Billboard year-end chart for Top Artists of 2015,[419] third on the same chart in 2016[420] and was named the IFPI Global Recording Artist of 2016.[421] In 2017, he surpassed Adele's record for most wins at the Billboard Music Awards in one night, winning 13 awards from 22 nominations.[203]
Pitchfork ranked Nothing Was the Same as the 41st best album of the decade "so far"—between 2010 and 2014,[422] and have ranked him in the fifth position in the publication's list of the "Top 10 Music Artists" since 2010.[423][424]
Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn (born November 20, 1983), known professionally as Future, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Wilburn first became involved in music as part of the Dungeon Familycollective, where he was nicknamed "the Future". After amassing a series of mixtapes between 2010 and 2011, Future signed a major record label deal with Epic Records and Rocko's A1 Recordings, which helped launch Future's own label imprint, Freebandz. He subsequently released his debut album, Pluto, in April 2012 to positive reviews. Future's second album, Honest, was released in April 2014, surpassing his debut on the album charts.
Between late 2014 and early 2015, he released a trio of mixtapes to critical praise: Monster (2014), Beast Mode (2015), and 56 Nights(2015). His next releases, DS2 (2015), What a Time to Be Alive (2015, in collaboration with Drake), Evol (2016), Future (2017) and Hndrxx (2017) all debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200. The latter two made him the first artist since 2014 to debut two albums in consecutive weeks atop of that chart. Future has also released several singles certified gold or higher by the RIAA, including "Turn On the Lights", "Move That Dope", "Fuck Up Some Commas", "Where Ya At", "Jumpman", "Low Life" and "Mask Off".
Contents[]
- 1Life and career
- 2Musical style
- 3Personal life
- 4Discography
- 5Tours
- 6Awards and nominations
- 7References
- 8External links
Life and career[]
1983–2010: Early life and career beginnings[]
Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn[7] was born on November 20, 1983[7][8] in Atlanta, Georgia.[9][10][11] He began using his stage name while performing as one of the members of the musical collective The Dungeon Family, where he was nicknamed "The Future". His first cousin, record producer, and Dungeon Family member Rico Wade, encouraged him to sharpen his writing skills and pursue a career as a rapper. He attended Columbia High School. Future voices his praise of Wade's musical influence and instruction, calling him the "mastermind" behind his sound.[11] He soon came under the wing of Atlanta's own Rocko who signed him to his label A-1 Recordings. Since then his work ethic has driven him to his success.[12] From 2010 to early 2011, Future released a series of mixtapes including 1000, Dirty Sprite and True Story.[12][13] The latter included the single "Tony Montana", in reference to the Scarface film.[13][14] During that time, Future was also partnering with rapper Gucci Mane on their collaborative album Free Bricks, and co-wrote YC's single "Racks".[15][16] He gained popularity after his songs were played by DJ Esco at Magic City,[17] a strip club in Atlanta deemed "largely responsible for launching the careers of artists."[18]
2011–2014: Pluto and Honest[]
Main articles: Pluto (Future album), Pluto 3D, Honest (Future album), and Monster (Future album)
Future signed a major label recording contract with Epic Records fellow American rapper Rocko's A1 Recordings, in September 2011, days before the release of his next mixtape, Streetz Calling.[19] The mixtape was described by XXL magazine as ranging from "simple and soundly executed boasts" to "futuristic drinking and drugging jams" to "tales of the grind".[16] A Pitchfork review remarked that on the mixtape Future comes "as close as anyone to perfecting this thread of ringtone pop, where singing and rapping are practically the same thing, and conversing 100% through Auto-Tune doesn't mean you still can't talk about how you used to sell drugs. It would almost feel antiquated if Future weren't amassing hits, or if he weren't bringing some subtle new dimensions to the micro-genre."[14]
Future performing in 2014
Though Future had told MTV that Streetz Calling would be his final mixtape prior to the release of his debut studio album, another mixtape, Astronaut Status, was released in January 2012. In December 2011, Future was featured on the cover of Issue #77 of The FADER.[20]Before his album being released in April 2012.[21][22] XXL's Troy Mathews wrote, "While Astronaut Status is up and down and never really hits the highs like 'Racks', 'Tony Montana', and 'Magic' that fans have come to expect from Future, it’s apparent that he’s poised to continue the buzz of 2011 humming right along into 2012."[23] Future was selected to the annual XXL Freshmen list in early 2012.[24] His debut album Pluto, originally planned for January, was eventually released on April 17.[25][26] It included remixes of "Tony Montana" featuring Drake and "Magic" featuring T.I..[27] According to Future, "'Magic' was the first record T.I. jumped on when he came outta jail. Like, he was out of jail a day and he jumped straight on the 'Magic' record without me even knowing about it."[27] The track became Future's first single to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[28] Other collaborators on the album include Trae Tha Truth, R. Kelly and Snoop Dogg [29] On October 8, 2012, Pusha T released "Pain" featuring Future, the first single from his upcoming debut album.
It was announced that Future will be repackaging his debut album Pluto on November 27, 2012 under the name Pluto 3D featuring 3 new songs and 2 remix songs including the remix for "Same Damn Time" featuring Diddy and Ludacris, as well as his newest street single "Neva End (Remix)" featuring Kelly Rowland.[30] In 2012, Future wrote, produced and was featured on "Loveeeeeee Song" taken from Barbadian singer Rihanna's seventh studio album Unapologetic.
On January 15, 2013, Future released the compilation mixtape F.B.G.: The Movie which features the artists signed to his Freebandz label: Young Scooter, Slice9, Casino, Mexico Rann and Maceo. It was certified platinum for having over 250,000 downloads on popular mixtape site DatPiff.[31] Future said of his second studio album Future Hendrix it will be a more substantive musical affair than his debut album and features R&B music along with his usual "street bangers". The album was to be released in 2013.[32] The album features Kanye West, Rihanna, Ciara, Drake, Kelly Rowland, Jeremih, Diplo, and André 3000, among others.[33]
The album's lead single, "Karate Chop" featuring Casino, premiered on January 25, 2013, and was sent to urban radio on January 29, 2013.[34] The song is produced by Metro Boomin. The official remix, which features Lil Wayne, was sent radio and was released on iTunes on February 19, 2013. On August 7, 2013, Future changed the title of his second album from Future Hendrix to Honest and announced that it would be released on November 26, 2013.[35] It was later revealed that the album would be pushed back to April 22, 2014, as it was said that Future has tour dates with Drake on Would You Like A Tour?.[36] In December 2013, it was announced that Future would make a guest appearance on Kat Dahlia's upcoming debut, My Garden.[37] Future released DS2 on July 16, 2015.
2015–2016: DS2, What a Time to Be Alive and Evol[]
Main articles: Beast Mode (Future album), 56 Nights, DS2, What a Time to Be Alive, Purple Reign (Future album), and Evol (Future album)
Future performing on the Summer Sixteen tour in 2016
On September 20, 2015, Future released a collaborative mixtape with Canadian rapper Drake, titled What a Time to Be Alive.[38][39] The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, Billboard R&B Charts, and Billboard Hot Rap Songs, marking the first time a rapper was able to score two number one albums in a year, in 11 years, since Jay Z back in 2004. The mixtape has sold over 334,000 copies in the U.S.[40] On January 17, 2016, Future released another mixtape, titled Purple Reign, with executive production from Metro Boomin and DJ Esco, as well as beat credits from Southside, Zaytoven and more.[41] On February 5, 2016, Future premiered his fourth studio album, EVOL, on DJ Khaled's debut episode of the Beats 1 radio show We The Best.[42] In 2016, Future became the fastest artist to chart three number-one albums on the Billboard 200 since Glee soundtrack albums in 2010.[43]
On June 29, 2016, he appeared in an issue of Rolling Stone.[44]
2017–2018: Future, Hndrxx and Wrld On Drugs[]
Main articles: Future (Future album), Hndrxx, and Wrld on Drugs
On Valentine's Day 2017, Future announced via Instagram that his self-titled fifth studio album would be released on February 17, 2017.[45]Exactly one week later, he would release his sixth studio album titled Hndrxx. Both albums went number one consecutively, which made Future the first artist to debut two albums at number one at the same time on the Billboard 200 and Canadian Albums Chart. He, along with Ed Sheeran, collaborated with pop musician Taylor Swift on the song "End Game" from her album Reputation.[46] The song peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was Future's eighth top 20 hit.[citation needed]
On January 11, 2018, Future collaborated alongside Kendrick Lamar, James Blake and Jay Rock for the song, "King's Dead", from the soundtrack album of the Marvel Studiossuperhero film Black Panther and Jay Rock's third studio album Redemption. At the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, the song earned two Grammy nominations, for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song, marking Future's first career Grammy nominations.[47]
Future curated the soundtrack for the movie Superfly (2018 film), which was released in June 2018.[48]
On October 19, 2018, Future released Wrld On Drugs, a collaborative mixtape with fellow American rapper Juice Wrld.[49] Wrld on Drugs debuted at number two on the US Billboard200 behind A Star Is Born by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, with 98,000 album-equivalent units, which included 8,000 pure album sales.[50] It became Future's tenth top-ten album in the United States, and Juice Wrld's second.[50]
2019: The Wizrd[]
On January 18, 2019, Future released his seventh studio album, Future Hndrxx Presents: The Wizrd. The album consists of 20 songs and was promoted by a film titled The Wizrd, released on January 11 on Apple Music.[51] The Wizrd received generally positive reviews from critics[52] and became Future's sixth US number-one album, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 with 125,000 album-equivalent units (including 15,000 pure album sales).[53] With the release of The Wizrd, several songs from the album charted on theBillboard Hot 100, leading to Future becoming the artist with the 10th most entries in Hot 100 history.[54]
At the 61st Annual Grammy Awards held on February 10, 2019, Future won his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for his collaboration alongside Kendrick Lamar, James Blake and Jay Rock for the song, "King's Dead", from the soundtrack album of the Marvel Studios superhero film Black Panther.[55]
Musical style[]
Future makes prevalent use of Auto-Tune in his songs, both rapping and singing with the effect. Pitchfork Media wrote that Future "miraculously shows that it's still possible for Auto-Tune to be an interesting artistic tool", stating that he "finds a multitude of ways for the software to accentuate and color emotion".[56] The LA Times wrote that "Future’s highly processed vocals suggest a man driven to bleary desperation by drugs or love or technology", stating that his music "comes closest to conjuring the numbing overstimulation of our time".[57] GQ stated that he "has managed to reboot the tired auto-tune sound and mash it into something entirely new", writing that he "combines it with a bizarro croon to synthesize how he feels, then [...] stretches and deteriorates his words until they’re less like words, more like raw energy and reactive emotions".[58] Critic Simon Reynolds wrote that "he's reinvented blues for the 21st century."[59]
Rapper T-Pain, who also uses that audio processor, criticized Future's unconventional use of it in 2014.[60] In response, Future stated in an interview that "when I first used Auto-Tune, I never used it to sing. I wasn’t using it the way T-Pain was. I used it to rap because it makes my voice sound grittier. Now everybody wants to rap in Auto-Tune. Future’s not everybody."[61] Future's music has been characterized as trap music.[62]
Personal life[]
Wilburn currently has five children with five different women: Jessica Smith, Brittni Mealy, India J, singer Ciara, and Joie Chavis.[63] He was engaged to Ciara in October 2013. Their son, Future Zahir Wilburn, was born on May 19, 2014.[64] Ciara ended the engagement in August 2014 due to his infidelity.[65] His fifth child, Hendrix, was born on Christmas in 2018.[66]
As of 2016, Wilburn is being sued by both Jessica Smith and Ciara. Smith is suing him for failing to pay child support, and stated that their son "suffers from emotional and behavioral issues stemming from Future's neglect as a father".[67] Ciara is suing him for defamation, slander, and libel.[68] In October 2016, a judge said that Future's string of tweets bashing Ciara did not relate to the $15 million she was asking for.[69]
Prior to his music career in 2004, Wilburn was arrested for theft by receiving stolen property and contempt of court.[70]
Discography[]
Main article: Future discography
Studio albums[]
Collaborative mixtapes[]
- Beast Mode (with Zaytoven) (2015)
- What a Time to Be Alive (with Drake) (2015)
- Super Slimey (with Young Thug) (2017)
- Beast Mode 2 (with Zaytoven) (2018)
- Wrld on Drugs (with Juice Wrld) (2018)
Tours[]
Co-headlining[]
- Summer Sixteen Tour (with Drake) (2016)[71]
Awards and nominations[]
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Future
American Music Awards[edit][]
Created by Dick Clark in 1973, the American Music Awards is an annual music awards ceremony and one of several major annual American music awards shows. Future has received two nominations.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Future | Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist | Nominated | [2] |
| What a Time to Be Alive(with Drake) | Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album | Nominated | [2] |
BET Awards[edit][]
The BET Awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other individuals in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Future | Best New Artist | Nominated | [3] |
| 2013 | Best Male Hip-Hop Artist | Nominated | [4] | |
| 2014 | Nominated | [5] | ||
| 2016 | Nominated | [6] | ||
| "Where Ya At" (with Drake) | Best Collaboration | Nominated | ||
| Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice | Nominated | |||
| Future and Drake | Best Group | Won | ||
| 2017 | Future | Best Male Hip-Hop Artist | Nominated | [7] |
BET Hip Hop Awards[edit][]
The BET Hip Hop Awards are an annual awards show, airing on BET, showcasing hip hop performers, producers and music video directors.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "Racks"
(with YC Worldwide) |
Best Club Banger | Nominated | |
| 2012 | "Same Damn Time" | Nominated | ||
| 2013 | "Bugatti" | Nominated | [8] | |
| Best Featured Verse | Nominated | |||
| Best Collabo, Duo or Group | Nominated | |||
| 2014 | "Move That Dope" | Nominated | [9] | |
| Best Club Banger | Won | |||
| Best Hip Hop Video | Nominated | |||
| People's Champ Award | Nominated | |||
| Honest | Album of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Future | MVP of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2015 | Nominated | [10] | ||
| "Fuck Up Some Commas" | Best Club Banger | Nominated | ||
| People's Champ Award | Nominated | |||
| 56 Nights | Best Mixtape | Won | ||
| Beast Mode | Nominated | |||
| Monster | Nominated | |||
| 2016 | Purple Reign | Nominated | [11] | |
| Future | MVP of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Best Live Performer | Nominated | |||
| Hustler of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Made-You-Look Award | Nominated | |||
| "I Got the Keys" | Best Hip Hop Video | Nominated | ||
| Best Collabo, Duo or Group | Nominated | |||
| "Jumpman"
(with Drake) |
Nominated | |||
| DS2 | Album of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2017 | Mask Off | Best Hip Hop Video | Nominated | [12] |
| Single of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Future | Album of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Future | Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style) | Nominated |
Billboard Music Awards[edit][]
The Billboard Music Award is an honor given by Billboard, a publication and music popularity chart covering the music business. Future has received two nominations.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | What a Time to Be Alive(with Drake) | Top Rap Album | Nominated | [13] |
| Future | Top Rap Artist | Nominated | ||
| 2017 | Nominated | [14] | ||
| Top Male Artist | Nominated | |||
| Top Rap Tour | Nominated |
Grammy Awards[edit][]
The Grammy Awards are annual awards presented by The Recording Academy to recognize outstanding achievement in the mainly English-language music industry.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Views(as a featured artist) | Album of the Year | Nominated | [15] |
| 2019 | "King's Dead" (with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, and James Blake) | Best Rap Song | Nominated | [16] |
| Best Rap Performance | Won |
iHeartRadio Music Awards[edit][]
iHeartRadio Music Awards recognizes the music that was heard throughout the year across iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and its digital music platform.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Future | Hip-Hop Artist of the Year | Nominated | [17] |
| 2017 | Nominated | [18] |
Much Music Video Awards[edit][]
The Much Music Video Awards are annual awards presented by the Canadian TV channel Much to honour the year's best music videos.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | "DnF" (with P Reign and Drake) | Best Hip Hop Video | Won | [19] |
MTV Awards[edit][]
MTV Video Music Awards[edit][]
The MTV Video Music Awards were established in 1984 by MTV to celebrate the top music videos of the year. Future has been nominated one time.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | "Mask Off" | Best Editing | Nominated | [20] |
Teen Choice Awards[edit][]
First held by Fox in 1999 to celebrate the events of TV, music, and sports.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | "End Game"(Taylor Swift featuring Ed Sheeran, and Future) | Choice Collabration | Nominated |
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. (born September 27, 1982),[2] known professionally as Lil Wayne, is an American rapper, singer, record executive and actor. His career began in 1993, at the age of 11, when he was discovered by Bryan "Birdman" Williams and joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo The B.G.'z, alongside fellow New Orleans-based rapper B.G.. In 1996, Lil Wayne and B.G. joined the southern hip hop group Hot Boys, with Cash Money label-mates Juvenile and Turk. Hot Boys debuted with Get It How U Live!, that same year. Most of the group's success came with their platinum-selling album Guerrilla Warfare(1999) and the 1999 single "Bling Bling". For many years, he was the flagship artist of Cash Money Records, before ending his long-tenured deal with the company in June 2018.[3]
Lil Wayne's solo debut album Tha Block Is Hot (1999) was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His subsequent albums, Lights Out (2000) and 500 Degreez (2002), went on to be certified gold. Wayne reached higher popularity with his fourth album Tha Carter (2004), which was led by the single "Go D.J." and his appearance on Destiny's Child's Top 10 single "Soldier", that same year. The album was followed by Tha Carter II (2005), as well as several mixtapes and collaborations throughout 2006 and 2007. Wayne gained more prominence with his sixth album Tha Carter III (2008), which became his most successful album to date, with first-week sales of over one million copies in the United States. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Albumand includes the singles "Lollipop", "A Milli" and "Got Money".
Following the success of Tha Carter III, Wayne decided to record a rock-esque album titled Rebirth. The album, released in 2010, was certified gold by the RIAA, despite a generally negative critical response. In March 2010, Lil Wayne began serving an 8-month jail sentence in New York after being convicted of criminal possession of a weapon stemming from an incident in July 2007. Wayne's eighth album I Am Not a Human Being (2010), was released during his incarceration. His 2011 album and first following his release, Tha Carter IV, sold 964,000 copies in its first week of availability in the United States. It includes the singles "6 Foot 7 Foot", "How to Love" and "She Will".[4] On September 27, 2012, Lil Wayne passed Elvis Presley as the male with the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100chart, with 109 songs. The record has since been passed by other artists.[5] His twelfth studio album, Tha Carter V, was released in 2018 after multiple delays. It sold 480,000 copies in its first week and went on to be certified platinum. Lil Wayne has sold over 100 million records worldwide, including more than 15 million albums and 37 million digital tracks in the United States, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.[6][7][8] Lil Wayne also currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of his own label imprint, Young Money Entertainment.
Contents[]
- 1Early life
- 2Career
- 2.11996–99: Career beginnings and Hot Boys
- 2.21999–2004: Tha Block Is Hot, Lights Out, and 500 Degreez
- 2.32004–06: Tha Carter, Tha Carter II, and Like Father, Like Son
- 2.42006–07: Mixtapes and collaborations
- 2.52007–10: Tha Carter III, We Are Young Money, and Rebirth
- 2.62010–13: I Am Not a Human Being, Tha Carter IV, and I Am Not a Human Being II
- 2.72014–present: FWA and Tha Carter V
- 2.8Future projects
- 2.9Retirement
- 3Books
- 4Philanthropy
- 5Personal life
- 6Legal troubles
- 7Feuds
- 8Discography
- 9Filmography
- 10Awards and nominations
- 11See also
- 12References
- 13External links
Early life[]
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. was born on September 27, 1982, and grew up in the impoverished Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana.[9] His mother, a cook, gave birth to him when she was 19 years old. His parents divorced when he was 2, and his father permanently abandoned the family. Although Wayne and Birdman have a father-son relationship and Birdman calls Carter his son, Wayne's biological father and namesake (Dwayne Carter) is still alive. Lil Wayne has also spoken about his deceased stepfather, Reginald "Rabbit" McDonald, who he has said he considers his real father. Carter has a tattoo dedicated to Rabbit, who was murdered before Carter became a star.[10] Carter enrolled in the gifted program of Lafayette Elementary School and in the drama club of Eleanor McMain Secondary School.[11] Wayne attended McMain in the early 1990s for two years. He moved to the Marion Abramson Senior High School.[12]
In a CBS interview with Katie Couric, Wayne described why he goes by the name of "Wayne" instead of his given name, Dwayne. Carter explained, "I dropped the D because I'm a junior and my father is living and he's not in my life and he's never been in my life. So I don't want to be Dwayne, I'd rather be Wayne". Couric asked Wayne if his father knew of this and Wayne replied with a smile, "He knows now."[13]
He wrote his first rap song at age eight.[14] In the summer of 1991, he met Bryan Williams, rapper and owner of Cash Money Records. Carter recorded freestyle raps on Williams's answering machine, leading him to mentor the young Carter and include him in Cash Money-distributed songs. He also recorded his first ever collaboration album True Story with rapper B.G.. At the time, Carter was 11, and B.G. was 14, and was billed as "The B.G.'z".[15] When he was 12, he played the part of the Tin Man in his middle school drama club's production of The Wiz.[16] At age 12, he deliberately[17] shot himself with a 9 mm handgun, and off-duty police officer Robert Hoobler drove him to the hospital.[18] At McMain Magnet School, Carter was an honors student, but he dropped out at the age of 14 to focus on a musical career.[19]
Career[]
1996–99: Career beginnings and Hot Boys[]
In 1996, Carter joined the Hot Boys along with rappers Juvenile, B.G., and Turk. At age 15, Carter was the youngest member at the time. Hot Boys' debut album Get It How U Live!was released the same year, followed in 1999 by the group's major-label debut Guerrilla Warfare,[9] which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 5 on the Billboard 200.[20] During their career, the Hot Boys had two charting singles, "We on Fire" from Get It How U Live! and "I Need a Hot Girl" from Guerrilla Warfare.[21] Carter was also featured on Juvenile's single "Back That Azz Up", which reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks.[22] Let 'Em Burn, a compilation album of unreleased tracks recorded during 1999 and 2000, came out in 2003, several years after the group disbanded.[23] It reached No. 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 14 on the Billboard 200.[20]
1999–2004: Tha Block Is Hot, Lights Out, and 500 Degreez[]
Carter's debut solo album Tha Block Is Hot was released when he was 17 and featured significant contributions from the Hot Boys. It debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified platinum by the RIAA.[9] The album earned Carter a 1999 Source magazine nomination for "Best New Artist",[24] and also became a Top Ten hit.[9] The lead single was "Tha Block Is Hot". After the release of Tha Block is Hot, Carter was featured on the single "Bling Bling", with B.G., Juvenile, and Big Tymers. His verse appeared only on the radio version of the song, while on the album version he performed on the chorus.
His 2000 follow-up album Lights Out failed to attain the level of success achieved by his debut[9] but was certified gold by RIAA.[25] Critics noted the lack of coherent narratives in his verses as evidence that he had yet to mature to the level of his fellow Hot Boys.[26] The lead single was "Get Off the Corner", which was noticed for an improvement in its lyrical content and style. The second single, which received less attention, was "Shine" featuring the Hot Boys. Near the release of Lights Out, Lil Wayne was featured on the single, "Number One Stunna" with Big Tymers and Juvenile, which peaked at No. 24 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.
Lil Wayne's third album 500 Degreez, released in 2002, followed the format of his previous two, with significant contributions from the Hot Boys and Mannie Fresh. While being certified gold like its predecessor,[25] it also failed to match the success of his debut.[9] The title was a reference to the recently estranged Hot Boys member Juvenile's recording, 400 Degreez.[27] The lead single was "Way of Life" which failed to match the success of his previous singles. After the release of 500 Degreez, Wayne was featured on the single "Neva Get Enuf" by 3LW.[28]
2004–06: Tha Carter, Tha Carter II, and Like Father, Like Son[]
In the summer of 2004, Wayne's album Tha Carter was released, marking what critics considered advancement in his rapping style and lyrical themes.[29] In addition, the album's cover art featured the debut of Wayne's now-signature dreadlocks.[9] Tha Carter gained Wayne significant recognition, selling 878,000 copies in the United States, while the single "Go DJ" became a Top 5 Hit on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart.[30] After the release of Tha Carter, Lil Wayne was featured in Destiny's Child's single "Soldier" with T.I., which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.[31]
Tha Carter II, the follow-up to the original Tha Carter album, was released in December 2005, this time without production by longtime Cash Money Records producer Mannie Fresh, who had since left the label. Tha Carter II sold more than 238,000 copies in its first week of release, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and went on to sell 2,000,000 copies worldwide. The lead single "Fireman" became a hit in the US, peaking at 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Other singles included "Grown Man" with Currensy, "Hustler Musik", and "Shooter" with R&B singer Robin Thicke. Lil Wayne also appeared on a remix of Bobby Valentino's "Tell Me", which rose to No. 13 on the U.S. R&B Charts. In 2005, Lil Wayne was named president of Cash Money, and in the same year he founded Young Money Entertainment as an imprint of Cash Money.[32] However, as of late 2007, Lil Wayne reported that he has stepped down from the management of both labels and has handed management of Young Money over to Cortez Bryant.[33]
In 2006, Lil Wayne collaborated with rapper Birdman for the album Like Father, Like Son, whose first single "Stuntin' Like My Daddy", reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2006–07: Mixtapes and collaborations[]
Lil Wayne performing at Voodoo Music Experience in 2008.
Instead of a follow-up solo album, Lil Wayne reached his audience through a plethora of mixtapes and guest appearances on a variety of pop and hip-hop singles.[9] Of his many mixtapes, Dedication 2 and Da Drought 3 received the most media exposure and critical review. Dedication 2, released in 2006, paired Lil Wayne with DJ Drama and contained the acclaimed socially conscious track "Georgia Bush", in which Lil Wayne critiqued former US president George W. Bush's response to the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the city of New Orleans. Da Drought 3 was released the following year and was available for free legal download. It contained Lil Wayne rapping over a variety of beats from recent hits by other musicians. A number of prominent hip-hop magazines such as XXL[34] and Vibe[19] covered the mixtape. Christian Hoard of Rolling Stone magazine considered the mixtapes Da Drought 3 and The Drought Is Over 2 (The Carter 3 Sessions) "among the best albums of 2007."[11]
Despite no album release for two years, Lil Wayne appeared in numerous singles as a featured performer, including "Gimme That" by Chris Brown, "Make It Rain" by Fat Joe, "You" by Lloyd, and "We Takin' Over" by DJ Khaled (also featuring Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Fat Joe, and Birdman), "Duffle Bag Boy" by Playaz Circle, "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" by Wyclef Jean (also featuring Akon), and the remix to "I'm So Hood" by DJ Khaled (also featuring T-Pain, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Fat Joe, Birdman, and Rick Ross). All these singles charted within the top 20 spots on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Rap Tracks, and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. On Birdman's 2007 album 5 * Stunna, Lil Wayne appeared on the singles "100 Million" and "I Run This" among several other tracks. Wayne also appeared on tracks from albums Getback by Little Brother, American Gangster by Jay-Z, and Graduation by Kanye West and Insomniac by Enrique Iglesias. "Make it Rain", a Scott Storch production that peaked at number 13 on the Hot 100 and number two on the Hot Rap Tracks chart,[35] was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for 2008.[36]
Vibe magazine ranked a list of 77 of Lil Wayne's songs from 2007 and ranked his verse in DJ Khaled's "We Takin Over" as his best of 2007, with "Dough Is What I Got" (a freestyle over the beat of Jay-Z's "Show Me What You Got") from Da Drought 3 the second song.[19] At the end of 2007, an MTV poll selected Lil Wayne as "Hottest MC in the Game",[37] The New Yorker magazine ranked him "Rapper of the Year",[15] and GQ magazine named him "Workaholic of the Year".[38] In 2008 he was named "Best MC" by Rolling Stone.[11]Another article, built around Lil Wayne's 2007 mixtape work, cites his creative practice as an example of post performance creative practice.[39]
2007–10: Tha Carter III, We Are Young Money, and Rebirth[]
Lil Wayne performing in concert at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada, January 2009
In 2007, Lil Wayne stated that he would reunite with Hot Boys, with plans to release an album after B.G.'s solo album Too Hood to Be Hollywood was completed.[40] Tha Carter III was originally scheduled to be released in 2007, though it was delayed after several recordings were leaked and distributed through mixtapes, including "The Drought Is Over Pt. 2" and "The Drought Is Over Pt. 4". Lil Wayne initially planned to release The Leak, a separate album with leaked songs and four additional tracks, on December 18, 2007, with Tha Carter III delayed to March 18, 2008.[41] Instead, The Leak became an EP with five songs and was released digitally on December 25, 2007.[42]
Tha Carter III was released on June 10, 2008, with first-week sales of over 1 million copies, the first to do so since 50 Cent's The Massacre(2005).[43] The first single "Lollipop", featuring Static Major, became the rapper's most successful song at the time, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming his first top 10 single as a solo artist and his first number one on the chart. The third single "Got Money", featuring T-Pain, peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 100. The album went on to win four Grammy Awards, including best rap album and best rap song, which he won for "Lollipop".[44] On July 14, 2008, the Recording Industry Association of America certified Tha Carter III two times platinum.[45] In October 2008, Lil Wayne announced plans to MTV News to re-release the album with new tracks, including a duet with Ludacris and remixes of "A Milli".[46]
Lil Wayne also appeared on R&B singles "Girls Around the World" by Lloyd, "Love In This Club, Part II" by Usher, "Official Girl" by Cassie, "I'm So Paid" by Akon, "Turnin' Me On" by Keri Hilson, and "Can't Believe It" by T-Pain; rap singles "My Life" by The Game, "Shawty Say" by David Banner, "Swagga Like Us" by T.I., "Cutty Buddy" by Mike Jones, All My Life (In the Ghetto) by Jay Rock and the remix to "Certified" by Glasses Malone; and pop single "Let It Rock" by new Cash Money artist Kevin Rudolf.
In 2008, Lil Wayne performed at the Voodoo Experience in October in New Orleans, which was described by Jonathan Cohen of Billboard as his biggest hometown headlining set of his career.[47] He also performed at the Virgin Mobile Music Fest with Kanye West, where they performed the remix of "Lollipop" and lip-synced to Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You".[48] Lil Wayne also performed at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awardswith Kid Rock ("All Summer Long"), Leona Lewis ("DontGetIt (Misunderstood)") and T-Pain ("Got Money") and performed "Lollipop" and "Got Money" on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live.[49] He later performed at the homecoming rally at Vanderbilt University[50] and the 2008 BET Hip Hop Awards, where he received 12 nominations.[51] He won eight awards at the BET Hip Hop Awards, one of which included the "MVP" title.[52] After M.I.A. dropped out of performing on the I Am Music Tour due to her pregnancy, Jay-Zperformed "Mr. Carter" with Lil Wayne at select shows.[53]
Following Tha Carter III's achievement of selling over 3 million copies, becoming 2008's best-selling record, Wayne re-signed with Cash Money Records for a multi-album deal.[54]On November 11, 2008, Wayne became the first hip-hop act to perform at the Country Music Association Awards, playing "All Summer Long" alongside Kid Rock, in which Wayne inaudibly strummed guitar strings alongside the guitarist in Kid Rock's band.[55] Shortly after, Wayne was nominated for eight Grammys – the most for any artist nominated that year.[56] He was then named the first MTV Man of the Year at the end of 2008.[57] He won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for "A Milli", Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for his appearance in T.I.'s single "Swagga Like Us", and Best Rap Song for "Lollipop". Tha Carter III won the award for Best Rap Album.[44] MTV News listed Lil Wayne number two on their 2009 list of the Hottest MCs In The Game.[58]
On January 6, 2009, Lil Wayne was a guest debater against Skip Bayless on the "1st & 10" segment of ESPN First Take.[59] On February 10, 2009, he appeared on ESPN's Around the Horn and beat out veterans Woody Paige, Jay Mariotti and fellow New Orleanian Michael Smith to win that show's episode.[60] Prior to the 2009 Grammy Awards, Wayne was featured in an interview with Katie Couric.[13] On February 7, 2009, he presented the Top Ten List on CBS's Late Show with David Letterman.[61] On April 24, 2009, he appeared on The View, discussing his GED and addictions.[62] In September 2009, Wayne was profiled in an episode of VH1's Behind the Music[63] and was a presenter of the 2009 MTV Movie Awards.[64] In film, Wayne produced and composed music for and starred in the direct-to-video film Hurricane Season. A documentary of Lil Wayne titled The Carter was released at the Sundance Film Festival.[65]
On December 23, 2009, Wayne released a collaboration album with Young Money, We Are Young Money, with its lead single being "Every Girl".[66] The second single was "BedRock", featuring Lloyd, with the third being "Roger That". On May 24, 2010, the album was certified gold by the RIAA with over 500,000 copies sold.[67] Wayne is featured on the song, "Revolver", with Madonna for her greatest hits album, Celebration (2009). He was also featured on a Weezer song, "Can't Stop Partying", on Raditude (2009).[68] In late 2008, Wayne announced plans to reissue Tha Carter III with leftover recordings, and was to be titled Rebirth. Originally scheduled to be released on April 7, 2009 before being delayed several times, Rebirth instead became his sixth solo album, released on April 7, 2009.[69]
To support its release and that of We Are Young Money, he was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone[70] and headlined the 'Young Money Presents: America's Most Wanted Music Festival', a United States and Canada–only concert tour which began on July 29, 2009. "Prom Queen", the first official single, debuted on January 27, 2009 immediately after a live Internet broadcast on Ustream[71] of his concert in San Diego.[72] It peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. On December 3, 2009, the second single, "On Fire", produced by Cool & Dre[73] "On Fire" peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. "Drop the World", which features Eminem, was the third single from the album.[73]
2010–13: I Am Not a Human Being, Tha Carter IV, and I Am Not a Human Being II[]
In an interview on MTV's Mixtape Monday, Wayne asserted the possibility of Tha Carter IV,[74] later announced that it would be released in late 2009 before the holiday season.[75]Birdman had previously stated that Tha Carter IV would be packaged with Rebirth as a double disc album.[76] However, Wayne denied this idea saying that "Tha Carter IV deserves Tha Carter IV", adding that We Are Young Money may be packaged with Rebirth.[77][78] However, both albums were released separately.
Originally thought to be an EP, Lil Wayne released his tenth album, I Am Not a Human Being, on his 28th birthday, September 27, 2010. The album has sold over 953,000 copies in the U.S.[79] and has spawned successful single "Right Above It", which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tha Carter IV was later delayed into 2011, after Lil Wayne began recording from scratch after his release from prison.[80] He described his first song since his release as "a 2010 version of A Milli on steroids." The album's lead single, "6 Foot 7 Foot" featuring Cory Gunz, was released on December 15, 2010, and made available for digital download on iTunes on December 16, 2010. The song is produced by Bangladesh, who also produced "A Milli".[81]
On March 8, 2011, Lil Wayne released another song, "We Back Soon", produced by StreetRunner, though it was not included on the official track listing of Tha Carter IV.[82] The second single, "John", was released on March 24, 2011, which features Rick Ross and is produced by Polow Da Don.[83] The album's artwork was unveiled on April 20, 2011. The album was originally scheduled to be released on May 16, 2011,[84] but Mack Maine had confirmed its delay until June 21. On May 26, 2011, the third single, "How to Love", was released. A song called "Dear Anne (Stan Part 2)" was released in June. Lil Wayne said the song was a throwaway track from Tha Carter III and was originally supposed to be on Tha Carter IV, but decided not to put it on there because of its age. Lil Wayne said that he liked the beat, but not the lyrics, and was thinking about revamping the song.
Lil Wayne in 2011
In July 2011, Lil Wayne confirmed in an interview with MTV that Tha Carter IV was finished, and was released on August 29, 2011. For preparation for Tha Carter IV, Lil Wayne released a mixtape, Sorry 4 the Wait, with all the beats coming from other artist's songs, similar to his "No Ceilings" mixtape. Tha Carter IV debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 964,000 copies, making it Lil Wayne's third chart-topping album of his career. On January 8, 2012, according to Nielsen SoundScan was elected the seventh artist (second male artist) all-time best-selling tracks digital with 36,788,000 million to the end of 2011.
In October 2011, it was reported that Lil Wayne was working on sequels to I Am Not a Human Being and Rebirth.[85] In January 2012, Birdman announced that he and Wayne had finished recording Like Father, Like Son 2.[86] On November 22, 2012, he announced that Tha Carter V would be his final album.[87] After numerous delays, I Am Not a Human Being II was released on March 26, 2013 debuting at #2 on the Billboard 200 selling 217,000 copies in its first week;[88] "My Homies Still", "Love Me", and "No Worries" were released as singles prior to its release. The album was met with generally mixed reviews, with most critics noticing the declining quality of his releases. Lil Wayne toured North America with 2 Chainz and T.I. on the second America's Most Wanted Festival.[89] On May 3, 2013, Pepsi dropped Lil Wayne, who was a spokesperson for Mountain Dew, due to offensive lyrics about civil-rights icon Emmett Till.[90] On September 1, 2013, Lil Wayne released the fifth instalment of the "Dedication" mixtape series, with Dedication 5. The mixtape featured 29 tracks, with guest appearances from The Weeknd, Chance The Rapper, Jae Millz, Birdman, T.I., Vado, Kidd Kidd, and 2 Chainz among other members of Young Money.[91]
2014–present: FWA and Tha Carter V[]
On February 10, 2014, Lil Wayne's Young Money signee Drake, tweeted "CARTER V".[92][93] On October 18, 2013, Cash Money Records Vice President of Promotion Mel Smith, tweeted: "Happy Friday!! New YMCMB music coming soon!! Carter 5."[94] Nearly four months later, in an interview with The Griffin, released on February 14, 2014, Smith spoke on the upcoming album: "We're very close to dropping the album. It's going to be a huge surprise to everyone, it's an incredible album … I can't release the date because he wants to surprise people, he wants his true fan base to get excited, but he's worked extremely hard on it and you won't be disappointed."[94] On February 15, 2014, during the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities at Sprite's NBA All-Star concert at the House of Blues in New Orleans, Lil Wayne appeared as a special guest during Drake's set and performed various hits. Wayne and Drake then broke the news that Tha Carter V is set to be released on May 5, 2014.[95][96] However, on March 27, 2014, Wayne's manager Cortez Bryant, would announce the album had been delayed. [97][98] Wayne then serviced Tha Carter V's first single "Believe Me", which features vocals from Drake, to mainstream urban radio in the United States on May 6, 2014.[99] Three more singles, "Krazy", "Grindin'" (featuring Drake) and "Start a Fire" (featuring Christina Milian), were also released for the album.
On December 4, 2014, just five days before the album was due to be released again, Wayne issued a statement saying the album would not be released on its expected release date, due to his displeasure with Cash Money Records label-boss Birdman, refusing to release the album although it had been completed. Wayne also expressed his feelings by stating he felt both he and his creativity were being held "prisoner".[100][101]
On January 20, 2015, Wayne self-released Sorry 4 the Wait 2, a sequel to his 2011 mixtape, to compensate for the continued delay of Tha Carter V.[102][103] Upon Sorry for the Wait 2s release, it was noted Wayne disses Birdman and Cash Money Records, several times throughout the mixtape.[104][105][106] Birdman was reported to be upset with this.[107] In late January 2015, Lil Wayne sued Birdman and Cash Money Records for $51 million.[108][109] In February 2015, due to Tha Carter Vs delay, Wayne announced a Free Weezy Album, would be released prior to the fifth installment in his popular series.[110] In June 2015, Wayne joined Jay-Z's TIDAL, as an artist owner, kicking off the partnership by exclusively releasing a single on the service titled "Glory."[111] He's also announced plans on his own TIDAL X concert series.[112] On July 4, 2015, Wayne released Free Weezy Album, exclusively through TIDAL, under Young Money and Republic Records.[113]
Lil Wayne and Birdman supposedly accorded after being seen at Drake's NYE Party, at Miami's Club Liv, and in studio.[114] On January 27, 2016 when rapper 2 Chainz released his "Felt Like Cappin" EP Lil Wayne is featured on the lead single titled "Back On That Bullshit".[115] On March 4, 2016, 2 Chainz released his third studio album, ColleGrove. The album was initially a collaborative effort between 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne, but due to his record label issues, only Chainz was credited as the primary artist. In 2017, Lil Wayne announced that he has signed with Roc Nation.[116] Later, Lil Wayne revealed that there was no official paperwork that he signed to the label. On August 8, 2017, he released the song "Like a Man" with sound engineer Onhel.[117] On June 7, 2018 it was announced that Lil Wayne had been released from Cash Money Records and will be releasing Tha Carter V via Universal Records.[118][119]
Tha Carter V was finally released on September 27, 2018. Tha Carter V debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 with 480,000 album-equivalent units, including 140,000 pure album sales. It is the second-largest streaming week for an album behind Drake's Scorpion with 433 million streams. It is also Lil Wayne's fourth US number-one album.[120]
Future projects[]
"I Can't Feel My Face" redirects here. For the song by The Weeknd, see Can't Feel My Face.
Lil Wayne At Beacon Theatre in 2007
Lil Wayne has announced several possible upcoming projects, including a collaborative album entitled I Can't Feel My Face with Harlem-based rapper Juelz Santana, that has been in production for several years.[121][122] On June 19, 2008, Lil Wayne and T-Pain formed a duo called T-Wayne[123] with plans to release an album, titled He Raps, He Sings;[124] however, those plans have died down due to much of the material recorded for the album being leaked.[125] T-Pain released T-Wayne in 2017. According to an interview with Drake, in the December 2011 issue of XXL, plans for an upcoming album with Lil Wayne had been scrapped for the time being because of the Jay-Z and Kanye West collaboration Watch the Throne (2011).[126][127]
In late 2011, it was announced by Mack Maine, that Lil Wayne and Juelz Santana had gone back to work on their collaborative album I Can't Feel My Face, which had been delayed for a few years due to "label politics".[128] In April 2012, on the premiere of MTV's Hip Hop POV, Wayne sat down with Amanda Seales and spoke briefly about an album he put together titled Devol (loved, backwards), an album full of "love songs" that he wrote during his imprisonment at Rikers Island. In May 2013 he has confirmed the album will still be released.[129][130][131]
Lil Wayne's ongoing litigation with Cash Money has prevented numerous completed projects from seeing light of day, in November 2016 it was revealed the next project he's releasing is titled "Funeral".[132]
Retirement[]
On March 29, 2011, in an interview with Hot 97's Angie Martinez, Lil Wayne announced that he would retire at age 35; saying "I have four kids", and that "I would feel selfish still going to the studio when it's such a vital point in their lives."[133] He said in November 2012 that Tha Carter V will be his last album as he wanted to go into other interests.[134]
In March 2014, Lil Wayne reconfirmed at SXSW that Tha Carter V will be his last album during his keynote with interviewer Elliot Wilson.[135]
In September 2016, in regards to his contract dispute with Cash Money, he indicated a possible retirement on Twitter saying "I AM NOW DEFENSELESS and mentally DEFEATED" and then said, "I leave gracefully and thankful I luh my fanz but I'm done." Many rappers responded with respect and encouragement.[136]
Books[]
He wrote a memoir of his experience in Rikers Island called Gone Til' November: A Journal of Rikers Island that was released October 11, 2016.[137]
Philanthropy[]
On February 19, 2008, Lil Wayne and Cortez Bryant revisited their alma mater McMain Secondary School to get students to design an invitation to the gala introducing Lil Wayne's nonprofit One Family Foundation.[138]
Personal life[]
Relationships and children[]
Lil Wayne has four children. His first child, daughter Reginae, was born when he was 16,[139] to his high school sweetheart Antonia "Toya" Carter (née Johnson). They married on Valentine's Day 2004 and divorced in 2006.[140] Internet rumors started circulating in August 2008 that Wayne's daughter had died in a car crash, which however he quickly cleared up as false saying "Please allow me to dispel any rumors or speculations and report that my daughter is alive, healthy and surrounded by family who cares and loves her dearly. The rumors are completely false and unfounded; neither Reginae nor any other member of my family has been involved in any car accident."[141]
His second child, Dwayne III, was born on October 22, 2008, at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati[142] to radio broadcaster Sarah Vivan.[143][144] His third child, Cameron,[145] was born to actress Lauren London on September 9, 2009.[146] His fourth child, Neal, was born on November 30, 2009, to singer Nivea.[147] Trina also became pregnant with Wayne's child, but later suffered a miscarriage.[148]
In July 2014, it was rumored he was dating singer Christina Milian whom he attended the ESPY Awards with.[149] They later confirmed their relationship in mid-2015[150] after which they received criticism from their interconnected exes, singer Nivea[151] and songwriter The-Dream.[152] They split at the end of 2015[153][154] after collaborating on various singles, videos, and concert dates.
Beliefs and interests[]
In an interview with Blender magazine, Lil Wayne revealed one of his favorite bands from childhood to be rock group Nirvana, and cites them as a major influence in his music.[155]
Wayne in 2006
Wayne got his first tattoo at age 14 of his dad's name and his second was "Cash Money" across his stomach.[156][157] His tattoos have grown to include a Jay-Z verse on his leg, "I Am Music" on his forehead and teardrops on his cheeks among many others. His most recent one is "Baked" on his forehead stylized as the Baker Skateboards logo.[158]
Lil Wayne identifies as a Roman Catholic[159] and reads the Bible regularly.[160][161] While playing in Newark Symphony Hall, Lil Wayne professed his belief "in God and His son, Jesus."[160] During his 2011 tour in Australia with Eminem, before beginning his bracket he proclaimed his belief in God.[162]
After earning his GED, Wayne enrolled at the University of Houston in January 2005. He dropped out in the same year due to his conflicting schedule.[163] He also revealed on The View that he switched to the University of Phoenix and majored in psychology taking online courses.[62] An article in Urb magazine in March 2007 asserted that Wayne had been earning high grades at Houston.[164]
On September 24, 2008, Lil Wayne published his first blog for ESPN in their issue, ESPN The Magazine. Wayne revealed he was a fan of tennis, the Green Bay Packers, the Boston Bruins, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Red Sox. To commemorate the Packers' making it to Super Bowl XLV, he spoofed Wiz Khalifa's hit song "Black and Yellow" (which were the colors of the Packers' opponents, the Pittsburgh Steelers) in a song titled "Green and Yellow".[165] Wayne has continued writing for ESPN, notably reporting at the ESPN Super Bowl party.[166] Lil Wayne made his debut on ESPN's daily sports round table show Around The Horn on February 10, 2009.[167] Lil Wayne now currently sings the intro song "No Mercy" for the Fox Sports 1 sports debate show Undisputed.
Wayne received criticism after a video released by TMZ showed him apparently stepping on the American flag. Wayne later explained that "It was never my intention to desecrate the flag of the United States", and that he was shooting a video for a song on his upcoming album, "God Bless Amerika." He claims the purpose of the flag was to "show that 'behind the American Flag was the Hoods of America'."[168]
In late 2016, Wayne made statements critical of the Black Lives Matter movement, saying "I don't feel connected to a damn thing that ain't got nothin' to do with me. If you do, you crazy as shit", and adding that his status as a rich African American with white fans is evidence that black people are valued in modern America.[169]
Health issues[]
On October 25, 2012, Lil Wayne's private jet, bound for Los Angeles, made an emergency landing in Texas due to an in-flight medical episode. Lil Wayne was transferred to a local hospital upon arrival.[170] TMZ and other media sources claimed that Lil Wayne had suffered a seizure aboard the plane.[171] His publicist denied this, claiming that he was in fact treated for "a severe migraine and dehydration."[172]
The following day, while flying from Texas to Los Angeles, Lil Wayne's private jet was reportedly again forced to make an emergency landing, this time in Louisiana, after Lil Wayne suffered a second seizure and required further hospitalization.[172][173] His representative claimed that the reports of Lil Wayne's condition had been exaggerated, and that he was resting at his Louisiana home.[174] In a November 2012 interview with MTV, Lil Wayne revealed that he was taking seizure medication, on doctors' orders, due to the aforementioned incidents.[175]
On March 14, 2013, TMZ reported that Lil Wayne had been treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on the evening of March 12, after suffering seizures while on a music video set with Young Money rapper Nicki Minaj. He was reportedly released in the early hours of March 13.[176] On March 15, TMZ published a second story, claiming that hours after his release on March 13, Lil Wayne was found unconscious after experiencing further seizures, and was brought back to Cedars-Sinai, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.[177][178][179] The article alleged the latest seizures were found to be linked to high amounts of codeine in Lil Wayne's system, possibly due to binging on purple drank after his initial hospital release.[178][180][181] Multiple celebrities, including Drake and Birdman, were photographed on March 15 and 16 visiting Lil Wayne at Cedars-Sinai.[180]
Several members of Young Money Entertainment, including president Mack Maine, criticized media reports on Lil Wayne's hospitalization, particularly those of TMZ, alleging that they exaggerated the severity of his condition and falsely implied that he was on his deathbed (such as by claiming that he was in a medically induced coma),[182] triggering what the Washington Post called "the most overheated celebrity deathwatch in recent years."[183] In separate interviews on March 18, Mack Maine and Birdman disputed TMZ's reports, and stated that in fact there were not multiple seizures or multiple hospital visits. They explained that after Lil Wayne began seizing on the way to the music video shoot on March 12, an ambulance was called and he was transported to the hospital, where he was admitted and remained continuously thereafter.[184] They also refuted the claims that Lil Wayne's seizures are drug-induced, noting that they are an ongoing problem for which doctors have been unable to identify a cause.[185]
Lil Wayne was released from the hospital late on March 18, following a six-day stay.[186] Lil Wayne addressed his condition via a vlog, on March 21 saying he was more than good.[187] In a March 28 interview with DJ Felli Fel of Power 106 in Los Angeles, Wayne said that he suffers from epilepsy, a neurological condition which is noted by seizures. He would say "This isn't my first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh seizure. I've had a bunch of seizures. Y'all just never hear about them. But this time, it got real bad because I had three of them in a row."[188]
He had two seizures in June 2016, during a cross-country flight from Wisconsin to California, and landed in Omaha, Nebraska.[189] His plane was only two minutes in air when the second seizure occurred and was forced to land in Omaha once again. Less than a month later, he had another seizure, supposedly due to not taking his epilepsy medication.[190]
Lil Wayne canceled a Las Vegas show on September 3, 2017, having had a seizure in a Chicago hospital earlier that day, where he was brought after being found unconscious in a hotel room.[191]
Legal troubles[]
Arrests and incarceration[]
On July 22, 2007, Lil Wayne was arrested in New York City following a performance at the Beacon Theatre; the New York City Police Department discovered Lil Wayne and another man smoking marijuana near a tour bus. After taking Lil Wayne into custody, police discovered a .40 caliber pistol near his person. The gun, which was registered to his manager, was in a bag located near the rapper.[192] He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and marijuana.[193][194]
On October 22, 2009, Lil Wayne pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He was due for sentencing in February 2010 and was expected to receive a one-year county jail sentence,[195] but on February 9, 2010, Lil Wayne's attorney announced that the sentencing was delayed until March 2 due to dental surgery,[196] which was performed on February 16. The surgery included eight root canals, the replacement of several tooth implants, as well as the addition of a few new implants and work on his remaining original teeth.[197] On March 2, 2010, sentencing was postponed again when the courthouse reported a fire in the basement.[198]
On March 8, 2010, Lil Wayne was given a one-year sentence, which he served in Rikers Island. His lawyer said the rapper expected to be held in protective custody, separated from other prisoners.[199] In May 2010, Wayne was found by Rikers Island correctional staff to be in possession of contraband (an MP3 player, charger, and headphones).[200] In April 2010, Lil Wayne's friends created a website called Weezy Thanx You, which publishes letters written by Wayne while incarcerated.[161][201] In the first letter, titled "Gone 'til November", the rapper said he was staying in good spirits thinking about his children and spending his time working out regularly and reading the Bible every day.[161] Wayne was released from Rikers Island Jail on November 4, 2010 after serving eight months of his year-long sentence.[202]
Following a performance at Qwest Arena in Boise, Idaho, Lil Wayne was arrested October 5, 2007 on felony fugitive charges after Georgia authorities accused the rapper of possessing a controlled substance.[203] The incident was later described as a "mix-up" and the fugitive charges were dropped.[204]
On January 23, 2008, Lil Wayne was arrested alongside two others. His tour bus was stopped by Border Patrol agents near Yuma, Arizona. A K-9 Unit recovered 105 grams (3.7 oz) of marijuana, almost 29 grams (1.0 oz) of cocaine, 41 grams (1.4 oz) of ecstasy, and $22,000 in cash. Lil Wayne was charged with four felonies: possession of narcotic drug for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, misconduct involving weapons and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was granted permission to travel outside of the state and remain out of custody on the $10,185 bond he posted.[205]
On May 6, 2008, Wayne returned to court in Arizona to plead not guilty to the charges.[206] A bench warrant was issued on March 17, 2010 when Lil Wayne did not show for a final trial management conference.[207][208] However, the rapper was already incarcerated, serving a one-year sentence in Rikers Island on weapons charges. On June 22, 2010 Wayne pleaded guilty to the charges. As part of the plea deal he was able to serve 36 months of probation, which he was sentenced to on June 30, 2010.[209][210]
On December 18, 2009, Wayne and 11 others were detained at the Falfurrias, Texas border patrol checkpoint after an unknown amount of marijuana was found on two of his tour buses.[211]
Lawsuits[]
On July 24, 2008, Abkco Music Inc filed a lawsuit against Lil Wayne for copyright infringement and unfair competition, specifically referring to Tha Carter III's track "Playing with Fire".[212] In the lawsuit, Abkco claims that the song was obviously derived from The Rolling Stones' "Play with Fire", to which Abkco owns the rights.[212][213] Subsequently, "Playing with Fire" was removed from the track list of Tha Carter III on all online music stores and replaced with the David Banner produced track, "Pussy Monster".[214][215][216]
In February 2009, production company RMF Productions filed a $1.3 million lawsuit against Wayne, following a $100,000 advance payment for three shows, all of which were cancelled by the artist.[217]
In October 2009, Lil Wayne, Birdman, Cash Money Records, and various music distribution outlets were sued for copyright infringement by Thomas Marasciullo, who claims his voice was used without permission. The rappers asked him to record some "Italian-styled spoken word recordings" in 2006. The lyrics were allegedly used on "Respect" and other tracks from the rappers' collaboration album Like Father, Like Son and Birdman's 5 * Stunna.[218]
In March 2011, producer Deezle (Darius Harrison) sued Wayne and his parent labels Cash Money Records over unpaid royalties from Tha Carter III.[219]
In May 2011, producer Bangladesh also filed a lawsuit against Weezy & Co. over unpaid royalties as well.[220]
In early June 2011, another producer named David Kirkwood filed a lawsuit against Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records on claims that the labels have failed to pay him over $1.5 million in royalties and production services for his work on the album, also including his songwriting on "Love Me or Hate Me", a bonus song featured only on the deluxe edition of the album.[221]
Also in June 2011, Dallas producers Play-N-Skillz filed a lawsuit against him, claiming Wayne owes them at least $1 million in unpaid royalties for "Got Money" from his album Tha Carter III. The single has sold over 2 million copies since being released.[222]
In July 2011, Done Deal Enterprises, a production company based in Georgia, filed suit against Wayne, Universal Music Group, Cash Money Records and Young Money Entertainment, claiming copyright infringement. The lawsuit alleges Wayne stole the song "BedRock", featured on the compilation album We Are Young Money, and seeks damages of $15 million.[223]
Feuds[]
Juvenile[]
Lil Wayne began feuding with former Hot Boys member and Cash Money Records labelmate Juvenile in 2002, after Juvenile took offense to Lil Wayne naming his second studio album 500 Degreez, a diss aimed towards Juvenile whose last album was named 400 Degreez. Juvenile responded with a diss track on his 2002 album 600 Degreez, titled "A Hoe". In the song, Juvenile questions Lil Wayne's sexuality, and claims he's a fake gangster. The two squashed their beef for a short period in 2004, with Wayne and Birdman appearing in the music video for Juvenile and Soulja Slim's song, Slow Motion. Lil Wayne later paid tribute to the Hot Boys with a song called "I Miss My Dawgs" on 2004's Tha Carter. Juvenile responded by calling the song "fake", and criticised Wayne for releasing a tribute song and later promoting the album on BET and having "nothing good to say about them". The two eventually reconciled once again, and Juvenile re-signed with Cash Money Records in 2014.[224][225]
Young Buck[]
Young Buck released a song featuring Tony Yayo called "Off Parole" which insulted Lil Wayne. Young Buck said that Lil Wayne could not be angry, because Young Buck spoke the truth. Young Buck also said "You think you got a problem with Juve and B.G.; you'll have a true problem with me", referring to the Cash Money-Juvenile/B.G feud.[226][227] One of the reasons 50 Cent stated he was dismissing Young Buck was what he called "inconsistent behavior" which included appearing on stage with Lil Wayne, then seemingly dissing him on records with G-Unit.[228] After he was dismissed, Young Buck appeared in the music video "My Life" by The Game, which featured Lil Wayne in the vocals.[229] As of 2009 Buck and Wayne have squashed their beef and also linked up to record a track "Up's and Down's" for Young Buck's Back On My Buck Shit mixtape.
Pusha T[]
Tension between Wayne and American rapper, Pusha T, had been going on for years, beginning soon after Clipse and Birdman worked on "What Happened to That Boy", the latter's 2002 single. In 2006, Wayne felt the Clipse song "Mr. Me Too" was directed at him which caused more tension between the two.[230] In 2012 after much speculation that Pusha T was subliminally dissing Canadian rapper and Wayne's Young Money signee Drake in several songs, the speculation heightened after the release of Pusha T's "Exodus 23:1" song. Lil Wayne quickly responded on online social networking service Twitter and later released a diss track titled "Goulish". In the first verse Wayne raps "Fuck Pusha T and anybody that love him / His head up his ass, I'mma have to head-butt him".[231] Pusha T has called Wayne's diss track "horrible" and said he felt it didn't deserve a response. Both men have downplayed the feud, with Wayne saying he's over it.[232][233] However, in late November, Pusha T dissed Wayne and Birdman on a new Ludacris song titled "Tell Me What They Mad For".[234] However, once the feud between Lil Wayne and Birdman arose, Pusha T sent out a tweet encouraging Lil Wayne to sign to G.O.O.D. Music, which also insulted Birdman for his hand-rubbing habit.[235]
Jay-Z[]
In a 2009 interview with Tropical TV, Birdman disputed the MTV poll that voted Jay-Z "The Hottest MC in the Game", stating that Lil Wayne was a better rapper and made more money.[236] In early 2011, when Jay-Z and Kanye West's single "H•A•M" was released, Jay-Z took shots at Birdman, saying "Really, you got Baby money" and "[you] ain't got my lady's money!".[237] On August 24, 2011, a song called "It's Good" by Lil Wayne (featuring Drake and Jadakiss) was leaked online and included Lil Wayne responding "Talkin' 'bout baby money? I gotcha baby money. Kidnap your bitch, get that, How much you love your lady? money".[238][239] Jadakiss later absolved himself of involvement in any brewing beef on his official Twitter feed.[240][241]
Discography[]
Main articles: Lil Wayne albums discography, singles, and videography
See also: Hot Boys discography and Young Money discography
Lil Wayne's general marketing logo, used since 2010
Studio albums[]
- Tha Block Is Hot (1999)
- Lights Out (2000)
- 500 Degreez (2002)
- Tha Carter (2004)
- Tha Carter II (2005)
- Tha Carter III (2008)
- Rebirth (2010)
- I Am Not a Human Being (2010)
- Tha Carter IV (2011)
- I Am Not a Human Being II (2013)
- Free Weezy Album (2015)
- Tha Carter V (2018)
Filmography[]
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Baller Blockin' | Iceberg Shorty | |
| 2007 | Who's Your Caddy? | Himself | |
| 2009 | Hurricane Season | Lamont | |
| 2010 | Freaknik: The Movie | Trap Jesus | Voice role |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2004 | MTV Cribs | Himself | September 22, 2004 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The L-Bow Room | Himself | October 21, 2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn | Himself | October 29, 2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004 2008 2010 |
Saturday Night Live | Himself, musical guest | Season 30, Episode 8: "Robert De Niro/Destiny's Child"
Season 24, Episode 1: "Michael Phelps/Lil Wayne" Season 36, Episode 10: "Jeff Bridges/Eminem & Lil Wayne" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2005 | The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | Himself | Season 13, Episode 84 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wild 'n Out | Himself, musical guest | Season 1, Episode 7: "Omarion" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007 | The Boondocks | Jericho's son | Season 2, Episode 9: "Invasion of the Katrinians" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2009 | Late Show with David Letterman | Himself | Season 16, Episode 85 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011 | America's Best Dance Crew | Himself | Season 6, Episode 1: "Lil Wayne Challenge" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The World According to Paris | Himself | Season 1, Episode 8: "Every Day Is My Birthday" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2012 | Loiter Squad | Himself | Season 1, Episode 7: "Episode 7" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016–present | Skip and Shannon: Undisputed | Himself, musical guest | Theme song performer Episodes 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta | Himself |
Season 1, Episode 1: "Lil' Trouble in the A"
American Music Awards[edit][]The American Music Awards is an annual award ceremony created by Dick Clark in 1974. Lil Wayne received six nominations
BET Awards[edit][]
BET Hip Hop Awards[edit][]
Billboard Music Awards[edit][]
BMI Awards[edit][]
Grammy Awards[edit][]The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Lil Wayne has won five from twenty-six nominations.
Hollywood Music In Media Awards[edit][]
iHeartRadio Music Awards[edit][]
International Dance Music Awards[edit][]
Juno Awards[edit][]
MOBO Awards[edit][]The MOBO Awards is an annual awards ceremony established in 1996 by Kanya King to recognize music artist on any race. Lil Wayne received one award from two nominations.
MTV Video Music Award[edit][]
MTV Europe Music Award[edit][]
MTV2 Sucker Free Summit Awards[edit][]
MuchMusic Video Awards[edit][]
NAACP Image Awards[edit][]
Ozone Awards[edit][]
People's Choice Awards[edit][]
Soul Train Music Awards[edit][]
Source Awards[edit][]
Teen Choice Awards[edit][]
Vibe Music Awards[edit][]
World Music Awards[edit][]
Other accolades[edit][] |