Drake, the renowned artist, is presently affiliated with his own label, OVO (October’s Very Own) Sound, under the umbrella of Warner Bros Records. Prior to this, he had established associations with several prominent record labels, including Cash Money, Young Money, Republic, and Universal.
Drake’s latest release, Certified Lover Boy, showcases his music under his very own record label, OVO Sound. Established in 2012, OVO Sound initially introduced artists such as PartyNextDoor and 40. However, during that period, Drake was still bound by his contract with Universal Music Group. In 2018, Drake’s final album with Universal, Scorpion, marked the culmination of his contractual obligations with the label. Consequently, Drake transitioned into the status of a free agent, and it came as no surprise when he decided to align with his own record label. As the owner of OVO Sound, Drake holds complete ownership over the masters of Certified Lover Boy, as well as any forthcoming albums released under the label.
Drake’s Current Record Label: Unveiling His Musical Affiliation
Drake has undergone a remarkable evolution in his record label affiliations. Currently, he is the head of his own label, OVO (October’s Very Own) Sound, which operates in partnership with Warner Bros Records. However, before establishing OVO Sound, Drake had notable stints with several prominent labels.
During his earlier career, Drake was signed to Cash Money and Young Money, imprint labels associated with Universal Music Group. These affiliations allowed him to establish a strong presence within the industry and pave the way for his future endeavors.
As time progressed, Drake’s career flourished, leading him to sign with Republic Records. This partnership further bolstered his success and provided a platform for his musical releases. Nonetheless, Drake’s entrepreneurial spirit and desire for creative independence eventually led him to launch his own record label, OVO Sound, in 2012.
Initially, OVO Sound introduced artists like PartyNextDoor and 40, while Drake himself remained under contract with Universal Music Group. It was in 2018 that Drake’s contract with Universal concluded with the release of his album “Scorpion,” making him a free agent in the industry. With this newfound freedom, it came as no surprise that he chose to prioritize his own label, OVO Sound.
Under OVO Sound, Drake exercises complete ownership of his music, including his latest album “Certified Lover Boy” and any future releases. This allows him to retain control over his creative direction and the masters of his work, further solidifying his position as a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur.
A Glimpse into Drake’s Remarkable Journey
His journey into the spotlight began with his role as Jimmy Brooks in the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation, where he captivated audiences from 2001 to 2008.
In 2006, Drake made his foray into the music scene by releasing his first mixtape titled “Room for Improvement.” Building on this early success, he followed up with his second mixtape, “So Far Gone,” in 2009, which gained significant recognition and laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Subsequently, he signed with Young Money Entertainment, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Throughout his musical journey, Drake has navigated through various record labels, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in the industry. His impressive discography boasts numerous chart-topping singles, including the likes of “God’s Plan,” “In My Feelings,” and “Hotline Bling,” which have catapulted him to global stardom. Furthermore, he has lent his talents to collaborations with numerous artists, further solidifying his influence and impact in the music world.
Drake’s Venture into Label Ownership
The origins of OVO Sound can be traced back to 2006, when Drake made his debut by releasing his first official mixtape, “Room for Improvement.” During this period, Drake operated under the unofficial label “All Things Fresh,” setting the groundwork for his future endeavors.
As Drake’s career soared, he prominently incorporated references to OVO (October’s Very Own) throughout his music. On stage and in his songs, he consistently showcased the label’s name and actively promoted OVO merchandise, solidifying its presence in the music scene.
After the resounding success of Drake’s third studio album, “Nothing Was the Same,” the official establishment of OVO Sound took place in 2012. This venture was a collaborative effort between Drake, Noah “40” Shebib, and Oliver El-Khatib. According to Billboard, Drake and Warner Records joined forces, signing a partnership agreement to elevate OVO Sound’s reach and impact.
It is worth noting that Rick Ross, another prominent artist, also owns a record company. While Ross is signed to Epic Records as a solo artist, his label, Maybach Music Group, operates under Atlantic Records, which was previously a partner of Warner Records.
Drake’s Transition: From Republic Records to OVO
In 2009, Drake made a significant move by signing as a solo artist to Republic Records through Young Money and Cash Money, marking a pivotal moment in his career. His association with Young Money/Cash Money culminated with the release of his project “Scorpion” in 2018, which served as his final endeavor under their umbrella.
Simultaneously, Drake’s music found a home under the distribution of OVO Sound, a label he established in 2012. Through a partnership with Warner, OVO Sound became the platform through which Drake’s musical creations reached the world.
Upon the founding of OVO Sound, Drake, alongside collaborator 40, brought talented individuals into the fold, including T-Minus, Mike Zombie, and Boi-1da, who served as in-house producers. Notably, these producers were the only ones from outside Canada to be part of the label’s creative team.
In April 2013, Drake was on the cusp of signing his label’s inaugural artist, PartyNextDoor, a deal he officially announced shortly thereafter. Furthermore, in August 2013, Drake revealed that he had signed Canadian music group Majid Jordan to OVO, further expanding the label’s roster.
The growth of OVO Sound saw the addition of notable artists to its roster. In 2014, OB O’Brien and iLoveMakonnen inked deals with the label. Notably, iLoveMakonnen became the first non-Canadian act to join the label, following in the footsteps of Mike Zombie, the label’s first non-Canadian signee. However, in April 2016, iLoveMakonnen departed from OVO Sound to pursue his solo career, finding a new home with Warner.
OVO Sound continued to foster talent and expand its repertoire. In particular, Canadian rapper Roy Woods found a place within the label, signing in due course. Additionally, the R&B duo Dvsn, comprising Daniel Daley and Nineteen85, became part of the OVO Sound family. Both Dvsn and Roy Woods released EPs and studio albums in 2015 and 2016, respectively, showcasing their artistry under the label’s guidance.
In a more recent development, Canadian rapper Smiley was welcomed to the OVO Sound roster in 2021, signifying the label’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging talent and strengthening its presence within the Canadian music scene.
Drake’s Signings with Young Money & OVO
Drake’s musical journey led him to enter into significant agreements with both Young Money and OVO, resulting in a unique arrangement that allowed him to navigate multiple labels.
OVO, which Drake founded, operates as an independent label but benefits from distribution through Warner Bros Records. This strategic partnership ensures that Drake’s music reaches a wide audience and enjoys the support of a major record label.
On the other hand, Young Money functions as a division of Cash Money Records, which in turn is under the umbrella of Universal Music Group (UMG), the largest music corporation globally. Universal Music Group handles the distribution of Young Money’s releases through its subsidiary, Republic Records (previously known as Universal Republic).
Therefore, in essence, Drake’s affiliations include being signed to Warner Bros Records through OVO and having ties to Universal Music Group through Young Money.
It is important to recognize that non-independent record labels, including those mentioned above, often operate within a hierarchical structure where profits flow predominantly to the top. A small number of major labels, such as EMI, Warner Bros, Sony, and Universal, exercise significant control over mainstream music and its sound.
The music industry’s current landscape raises concerns about the treatment of artists and the prioritization of monetary gains over their well-being. Many artists find themselves trapped in contracts where corporations possess substantial control over their creative output. This unfortunate reality has led to a toxic environment that has negatively impacted artists’ mental health, leading some to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Signing a record contract, once seen as a gateway to success, can often feel dehumanizing, reducing artists to mere commodities with limited shelf lives.
The state of affairs in mainstream music highlights the need for change and a more artist-centric approach. It is crucial to advocate for fair treatment and support musicians in regaining control of their creative endeavors, allowing them to flourish and thrive in an industry that should celebrate their artistry.
Drake’s Current Label Affiliation: Breaking Free from Young Money and Cash Money
In the realm of label associations, Drake has severed ties with both Young Money and Cash Money, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory. Addressing the swirling rumors about his label status, Drake clarified the situation.
Young Money and Cash Money, renowned for signing prominent rappers like Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Tyga, and Drake, have played a pivotal role in shaping the hip-hop landscape.
However, in 2018, Lil Wayne departed from Cash Money after reaching a settlement in a lawsuit. Following suit, Drake made a similar move in 2019, bidding adieu to Cash Money.
These departures signify Drake’s desire for artistic independence and creative control, as he seeks new avenues to further his musical endeavors.
While the Young Money and Cash Money chapters of Drake’s career have concluded, his journey as an artist continues to evolve, paving the way for exciting opportunities and ventures on the horizon.
Label Release: Drake & 21 Savage’s “Her Loss” Album
The highly anticipated collaborative album “Her Loss” by Drake and 21 Savage has finally arrived, released under the joint efforts of OVO Sound and Republic Records.
This remarkable project showcases the seamless musical chemistry between the two artists and includes an exciting feature from Travis Scott. “Her Loss” made an immediate impact, debuting at the pinnacle of both the Canadian Albums chart and the US Billboard 200 chart.
Following their successful previous collaborations, the track “Jimmy Cooks” emerged as a standout hit from Drake’s seventh studio album, aptly titled “Honestly, Nevermind”.
The release of “Her Loss” encountered a slight delay as unforeseen circumstances arose. OVO producer 40 contracted COVID-19 during the crucial stages of mixing and mastering, prompting a one-week postponement to ensure the album’s impeccable quality.
With the album now available for fans to enjoy, “Her Loss” promises to captivate listeners with its compelling melodies, lyrical prowess, and infectious beats, solidifying Drake and 21 Savage’s status as dynamic forces in the music industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Drake’s dedication to his own label, OVO Sound, continues to drive his artistic pursuits. Anticipate exciting endeavors from him and his label in the near future.
For the latest updates on Drake’s journey, make sure to stay connected by following the official Drake Twitter Page and subscribing to the Drake YouTube Channel. Stay tuned to catch all the latest news, events, and releases from the renowned artist.