Who Discovered Drake? The Story Behind His Rise to Fame

Drake is one of the biggest names in hip-hop and pop music today, but before he became a global superstar, someone had to recognize his talent and give him his first big break. So, who discovered Drake?

The journey to his stardom involved a combination of early co-signs, networking, and the right mentor at the right time. Let’s explore how Drake went from an aspiring artist to one of the most successful rappers of all time.

Drake’s Early Career: From Acting to Rapping

Before his music career took off, Aubrey Drake Graham was known for playing Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation. But while acting paid the bills, his passion was always hip-hop. In the mid-2000s, he started releasing music independently and building a buzz online.

Jas Prince: The First Key Co-Sign

Drake’s big break came when Jas Prince, son of legendary Rap-A-Lot Records founder J. Prince, discovered his music on MySpace in the mid-2000s. Jas Prince was impressed by Drake’s talent and unique sound and decided to introduce him to Lil Wayne.

Lil Wayne & Young Money: The Game-Changer

Jas Prince played a crucial role in getting Drake’s music into the right hands. He persistently shared Drake’s songs with Lil Wayne, who was at the peak of his career at the time. After hearing Drake’s track Brand New, Lil Wayne was impressed and invited him to join the Tha Carter III tour in 2008.

Drake Signs with Young Money

After spending time with Lil Wayne and Young Money Entertainment, Drake officially signed to Young Money/Cash Money Records in 2009. That same year, he released his breakthrough mixtape, So Far Gone, featuring hit singles like Best I Ever Had and Successful.

How Lil Wayne & Jas Prince Changed Drake’s Career

Without Jas Prince’s belief in his music and Lil Wayne’s co-sign, Drake’s rise might have been much slower. Their influence led to:

• Major label deals: Drake signed a joint venture with Young Money, Cash Money, and Republic Records.
• Global exposure: Working with Lil Wayne gave him a massive platform.
• Hit collaborations: Features with Young Money artists solidified his spot in the industry.

Summary

So, who discovered Drake? The answer is Jas Prince, who introduced him to Lil Wayne, and Lil Wayne, who gave him his first major opportunity. Their support launched Drake into the mainstream, and he has since become one of the best-selling artists of all time.