Historically, Canada hadn’t produced many rap stars big enough to be seen on American radars, with the exception of a few flashes from artists such as Maestro Fresh Wes and Dream Warriors. But everything changed when Toronto’s Aubrey Drake Graham, most well known by his stage name as Drake, debuted with the platinum-certified Thank Me Later in 2010 and exploded into the hip-hop scene.
Numerous mixtapes he put out on Lil Wayne’s label and a part he had in Degrassi: The Next Generation a few years earlier were major factors in that. Since that time, Drake hasn’t turned back and has released albums that have topped the charts, making him one of the best-selling musicians of the last ten years in terms of album sales. Here’s a peek at his work’s performance as measured by current certifications, streaming activity, and physical sales collected by Chartmasters.
Views (2016)-9.2 Million Copies
Views, Drake’s album, is a love letter to Toronto. On the city’s CN Tower, which formerly held the record for the highest freestanding building in the world, he is shown on the cover. Critics said that some of Drake’s most recent works featured too much self-reflection. Even so, the “Ka-ching!” choruses that reverberated throughout Drake’s most commercially successful album couldn’t be drowned out by those analytical praises.
Take Care (2011)-8.1 Million Copies
He had more time to consider harder music options because of the delay. Critics admired how he made an effort to accept his place as a well-known rapper. Additionally helpful were Nicki Minaj and Rihanna’s involvement. The first time Drake songs debuted in the top 10 was with “Take Care.”
Thank Me Later (2010)-4.4 Million Copies
In 2010, droning synths, operatic samples, and a vintage beatbox worked overtime on Drake’s debut album. Even without a police blotter to give him any street cred, he managed to win over the public as hits like “Over” and “Miss Me” made it into the top 20 of the sales charts. His self-deprecation, a surprising contrast to most of his peers’ bluster, was probably comforting.
Scorpion (2018)-4.1 Million Copies
Scorpion produced multiple number-one singles, including “God’s Plan” and “Nice For What,” and was certified platinum the day before it was released. Critics had conflicting opinions about it; however, they did praise his still-sharp rap side. On the other hand, there were some highlights in the R&B music, but much of it was too sluggish to be regarded seriously.
If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late (2015)-4 Million Copies
Drake’s 17-song compilation resembles a synthesis of the issues he had with Cash Money and his mentor Lil Wayne. If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late has a serious mood and isn’t really dance-friendly. But it works because of his cross-genre sampling, which this time focuses more on R&B beats.