Long before he dominated global music charts as a rap superstar, Aubrey “Drake” Graham was winning over Canadian television audiences as Jimmy Brooks, a basketball player whose life changes dramatically after being paralyzed in a school shooting on the hit teen drama “Degrassi: The Next Generation.”
Cast at the tender age of 14 in 2001, Drake spent seven formative years on the show, earning approximately $40,000 annually while developing the performance skills and public persona that would later serve his music career.
The role earned Drake a Young Artist Award in 2002 for best ensemble and helped him build a strong cult following in Canada. Despite his early success, Drake’s personal life presented challenges. Following his parents’ divorce when he was five, he was primarily raised by his mother in modest conditions in Toronto’s Forest Hill neighborhood.
His education was complicated by bullying related to his racial and religious background, and he eventually dropped out of school due to acting commitments, only earning his high school diploma in 2012 at age 25.
Around age 17, while still portraying Jimmy Brooks, Drake began seriously pursuing music, writing lyrics and studying hip-hop styles. He released early mixtapes “Room for Improvement” and “Comeback Season” before leaving Degrassi in 2009 to focus on his music career.
The character of Jimmy mirrored aspects of Drake’s own personality, showcasing his humor and charm while also allowing him to develop performance skills that would transfer to his music career. Drake’s diverse background as both African American and Jewish provided him with unique cultural perspectives that would later influence his musical identity and lyrics.
His shift from Canadian television actor to global music sensation accelerated when he signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment in 2009, receiving a $2 million advance.
The foundation built during his Degrassi years proved invaluable, as Drake leveraged his acting experience and industry connections to quickly establish credibility in the music world.
The emotional depth and authenticity he developed through his acting roles became hallmarks of his musical style, helping him stand out in a competitive industry. During his transition, Drake focused on personal branding by carefully crafting an image that balanced his acting past with his musical future. After leaving Degrassi, Drake initially faced career uncertainty and considered pursuing conventional employment before his music career took off.
His early understanding of diverse income streams would later help him build an empire through sync deals for his music in film and television, merchandising, and strategic brand partnerships.
