From chart-topping tracks to viral memes, Drake’s name sits at the apex of the hip-hop landscape. But just how does his financial kingdom stack up? Does he wear a crown of platinum, or are there richer kings in the rap game? Buckle up, because this article will dive deep into Drake’s empire, dissecting his music mogul magic, savvy business ventures, and extravagant lifestyle to understand the true value of his wealth.
Who is Drake?
Aubrey Drake Graham, known to the world simply as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. A cultural icon who rose to fame through acting on “Degrassi” before dominating the music scene, he’s amassed a Grammy-laden career with chart-topping hits like Hotling Bling and Take Care. Beyond music, he’s a savvy businessman with his own label (OVO Sound), ventures like his whiskey brand (Virginia Black), and a luxurious lifestyle complete with a custom Boeing 767 nicknamed “Air Drake.” He’s not just a rap star, he’s a global brand, and his influence stretches far beyond the confines of hip-hop.
What is Drake net worth in 2024?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Drake’s 2024 net worth is generally estimated to be around 250 million USD. This puts him comfortably among the top earners in the world of hip-hop, although not quite in billionaire territory yet. His vast wealth stems from multiple sources, including music, acting, endorsements, business ventures, and investments.
Is Drake richer than Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Eminem?
Drake is not richer than Jay-Z and Kanye West. He is believed to be as rich as Eminem and wealthier than Kendrick Lamar. Here’s how they compare:
Jay-Z: He has an estimated net worth of 2.5 billion USD, making him the richest rapper alive and a bona fide hip-hop mogul with interests in music, alcohol, art, and venture capital.
Kanye West: Kanye West’s net worth is estimated at 400 million USD. This figure is lower than in his previous years, as some companies and brands had cut ties with him following his recent controversies.
Eminem: Like Drake, Eminem has an estimated net worth of 250 million USD in 2023, placing him comfortably among the wealthiest rappers globally. His consistent record sales and touring income ensure sustained financial success.
Kendrick Lamar: Drake has a significantly higher net worth compared to Kendrick Lamar. As of May 2024, Lamar is reportedly worth around 75 million USD, which means Drake has roughly 175 million USD more than Lamar.
While Drake is undoubtedly affluent, he hasn’t yet reached the level of the diversified business empires of Jay-Z and Kanye West. But with his continuous business ventures and consistent musical success, it’s likely that his net worth will go up in the coming years. Continue reading below for a breakdown of Drake’s multiple income streams.
Drake as an actor: It all started in Degrassi: The Next Generation
Drake’s acting career might not be his primary focus these days, but it has still played a significant role in his life and contributed to his overall wealth. Here’s a breakdown:
Early days on Degrassi
He landed the role of Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation in 2001. This was his big break into the entertainment industry, providing him with steady income and launching his public image. While exact salary figures aren’t available, acting on Degrassi likely wasn’t a major source of his current wealth.
Post-Degrassi acting career
Following his main cast role in Degrassi: The Nex Generation (2001-2008), Drake voiced the role of Ethan in Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012) and made cameo appearances in the movies Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2014) and Think Like a Man Too (2014). He also guest starred in several Canadian TV shows like The Border, Being Erica, and Sophie, among many others.
Drake a movie and TV producer
Drake has produced a few movies and TV series since 2017. These include the 2017 documentary film The Carter Effect, which covers the impact of Vince Carter in Canada when he was still playing for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association. Other documentaries he produced are the 2022 movie Black Ice and the upcoming film For Khadija.
Drake also serves as an executive producer on the TV shows Euphoria and Top Boy. He is also named as one of the producers of the upcoming TV series Saint X and Chillin Island.
Drake as a rapper: His humble beginning at Young Money Entertainment
While still attending high school, Drake was already writing raps and aspiring for a career in the music industry. He started honing his rapping skills in high school, and by 2006, he released his first mixtape, Room for Improvement. Despite being self-produced and distributed, it generated buzz within the Toronto hip-hop scene.
In 2009, Lil Wayne, head of Young Money Entertainment (YM), discovered Drake’s potential through his mixtapes, particularly So Far Gone. Impressed by his unique sound and undeniable talent, Wayne signed him to his record label YM, a decision that proved to be mutually beneficial.
Drake wasted no time capitalizing on the opportunity. His debut studio album, Thank Me Later, released in 2010, became a massive success, topping the Billboard 200 and spawning hits like Best I Ever Had and Hold On, We’re Going Home. The following two years saw Drake deliver consistent chart-toppers like Take Care and Take Care: The Motto, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
While Drake remained affiliated with Young Money Entertainment, he later co-founded his own label, OVO Sound, in 2012. This creative independence allowed him to explore various musical avenues and build his own brand. Despite venturing out, Drake maintained his connection with YM, collaborating with labelmates like Nicki Minaj and Tyga. He also actively supported the label’s growth, featuring on Young Money projects and participating in tours.
Drake’s rapping career is undoubtedly the engine driving his massive net worth. Here’s a breakdown of its key elements and estimated earnings:
Album Sales and Streaming:
- Top-selling artist: Drake is one of the best-selling musicians of all time. His albums, like Take Care and Certified Lover Boy, have achieved multi-platinum status, generating millions through physical sales and digital downloads.
- Streaming kingpin: With billions of streams across platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, Drake rakes in substantial streaming royalties. He consistently holds the record for the most streamed artist in a single week, further boosting his income.
- Estimates: Specific figures can vary, but some reports suggest Drake’s album sales and streaming alone could bring in upwards of 50 million USD annually.
Live Performances:
- Touring powerhouse: Drake’s tours are massive undertakings, selling out stadiums worldwide. His 2016 Summer Sixteen Tour earned an estimated 84 million USD. Meanwhile, The Aubrey & the Three Migos Tour, which Drake co-headlined with the hip-hop trio Migos in 2018, was a record-breaker, becoming the first rap tour to gross over 100 million USD. The total reported earnings are around $103.1 million. More recently, a single concert by Drake in Washington D.C. in 2023 reportedly brought in 5 million USD, showcasing his drawing power.
- High-demand performer: Festivals and private events pay top dollar to secure Drake’s headlining presence. These lucrative one-off performances add significantly to his touring income.
- Estimates: Based on reported numbers, Drake’s touring revenue could easily exceed 60 million USD in a good year.
Collaborations and Features:
- Guest verses: Top artists line up to have Drake on their tracks, often paying hefty fees for his vocals and star power. These features add up over time, generating additional income.
- Songwriting credits: When Drake participates in songwriting for other artists, he earns royalties on those tracks, providing another revenue stream.
- Estimates: While difficult to quantify precisely, collaborations and features likely contribute several million dollars to Drake’s annual income.
As a musician, Drake has won 193 awards, including five Grammy Awards from 51 nominations, and 29 awards from 81 nominations at the Billboard Music Awards, including Artist of the Decade.
Drake’s business ventures
Drake has cleverly transformed himself from a successful rapper into a diversified entrepreneur, building a vast empire that contributes significantly to his wealth. Here’s a closer look at his key ventures and estimated earnings.
Fashion and Lifestyle
October’s Very Own (OVO:) Drake’s signature brand. Clothing, accessories, lifestyle products all bear the OVO owl logo. Its estimated annual revenue is 50 million+ USD.
Nocta collaboration with Nike: High-end athleisure line. Revenue figures haven’t been disclosed, but expected to be significant given both brands’ popularity.
Beverages and Spirits
Virginia Black Whiskey: Drake’s luxury bourbon brand. Exact earnings unknown, but whiskey sales within his target demographic can be lucrative.
Investments and Real Estate
Strategic investor: Holdings in companies like Theranos (though now liquidated) and Uber. Specific amount invested or returns is unknown, but showcases his interest in diverse markets.
Real estate mogul: Luxurious properties in Toronto, Los Angeles, and Hidden Hills. These investments appreciate in value and provide rental income.
Other Ventures
DreamCrew Production: His production company for music videos, documentaries, and more. Profitability likely varies depending on projects.
Better World fragrance house: A collection of luxury perfumes and colognes. Launched recently, so revenue information is scarce.
Earnings Potential
While specific figures for each venture are often confidential, a rough estimate suggests Drake’s business ventures could bring in upwards of 100 million USD per year.
Drake’s endorsement deals
Drake’s endorsement game is nothing to scoff at. He’s a master of leveraging his influence and star power to land lucrative deals with major brands, adding a significant chunk to his already impressive net worth. Here’s a breakdown of some of his notable endorsements and estimated earnings:
- Nike: A long-running partnership, including the exclusive Nocta clothing line. Earnings estimates range from 10 million to 50 million USD depending on the deal specifics.
- Apple: Featuring Beats by Dre in his music and performances, Drake likely commands a hefty sum. Estimates suggest earning potential of 10 million USD per year.
- Sprite: This classic partnership involves commercials and music video integration. Amounts paid haven’t been confirmed, but could be in the multi-million dollar range.
- Manscaped: The recent personal care endorsement deal signifies his diverse appeal and could bring in several million dollars.
- Other deals: Smaller partnerships with Clarks shoes, Dodge Ram trucks, and BioSteel could add up to millions more to his endorsement income.
Drake’s private jet and other assets
Drake’s extravagant lifestyle and penchant for luxury are no secret. His music speaks volumes about champagne wishes and caviar dreams, and his possessions reflect this gilded reality. Here’s a glimpse into his most talked-about assets:
Air Drake: A Boeing 767 Palace in the Sky
- Custom-designed Boeing 767-200: Nicknamed “Air Drake,” this private jet is anything but ordinary. It reportedly cost him a cool 185 million USD and has been extensively remodeled to suit his opulent tastes.
- Interior fit for a king: Features a master bedroom with a king-size bed, living room with a pool table, massage room, cinema, and even a custom-designed gambling area. Every detail is personalized, from the owl logos to murals depicting his albums and Toronto landmarks.
- Environmental concerns: Owning a private jet generates significant carbon emissions, attracting criticism. Drake defends it by arguing it’s often empty and used for essential business travel.
Drake’s car collection
Drake is known for his impressive and expensive car collection. Here’s a glimpse into some of his prized possessions
Luxury and Performance
- Bugatti Veyron (Black Edition): This pinnacle of hypercars boasts a price tag exceeding 2 million USD and delivers mind-bending acceleration
- Devel Sixteen: This monstrous machine by Devel Motors is rumored to be part of Drake’s collection, with a starting price of over 2 million USD. Its powerful engine promises earth-shattering performance.
Ultra-Luxury
- Rolls-Royce Phantom (Mansory Bushukan): This custom Rolls-Royce is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, likely costing around 700,000 USD
- Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman: This ultra-luxurious limousine offers unparalleled comfort and exclusivity, with a price tag exceeding 600,000 USD
Other Notable Cars
- Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: A classic supercar with a current value of around 368,000 USD
- Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster: This head-turning Italian exotic is estimated to cost around $350,000
- Bentley Mulsanne: A luxurious and powerful sedan valued at around 250,000 USD
- McLaren 675LT: A high-performance, track-focused machine worth approximately 350,000 USD
- Rolls-Royce Dawn: Another luxurious Rolls-Royce in Drake’s collection, estimated to cost around 345,000 USD