The life of the Canadian rapper Abraham Drake Graham, better known as Drake, changed after the release of his album 'So Far Gone' in 2009.
His song 'Best I Ever Had' gave him two Grammy nominations and the beginning of a successful career.
Since then, Drake has earned international fame for not just his own music, but his collaborations with other artists. He's also been in the headlines for fathering a child with a former adult film star.
But fans still have plenty of love for Drake regardless, though curiously, he seems far more beloved in the UK versus his home country of Canada. The question is, why?
Big Hits In The UK, Small Hits In Canada
Although Canada is full of talented artists, sometimes their popularity is much bigger in other countries than their own.
The 'Certified Lover Boy' rapper has had multiple achievements in his hometown, Toronto, but the UK's love for the rapper is incomparable.
His British audience seems to consider the artist a UK rapper for the extensive British vocabulary implemented on his songs.
And based on sales, all of Drake's albums have hit number one in both countries, even though he made fans wait a full three years for his sixth studio album.
According to Capital Xtra, Drake has had six #1's in the United Kingdom with his top songs 'Toosie Slide', 'In My Feelings', 'Nice For What', 'God's Plan', 'One Dance' and 'What's My Name' (with Rihanna).
In comparison, his first number song to hit number one in his home country, Canada, was with hit record 'One Dance.'
'Views' was released on 29 April 2016 and debuted at #1 in the United Kingdom and so did in Canada. However, some songs from the album were bigger hits in some places than others.
For example, 'Controlla' debuted at #76 a week after the release of his album and then peaked at #34 for Canadian iTunes.
Compared to British iTunes, on which the song debuted at #32 and peaked the following week at #20.
Of course, not everyone has been thrilled with Drake's album track record. In fact, some fans even suggested Drake was "washed up" after his last album.
However some groups feel about the rapper, though, it's clear he's still not slowing down in the music industry.
He Turned The O2 Into The O3
Before the Coronavirus pandemic began and halted all artists' concerts and world tours, Drake was having a blast in his 'Assassination Vacation Tour' tour in London in 2019.
His popularity is so vast that had to do a seven-date residency in the 20,000 capacity arena in the capital city of the United Kingdom.
Selling out all the tickets, he had the London arena change the o2 into the o3 sign for the entire week since his single titled 'God's Plan' says: "And you know me, turn the o2 into the o3, dog."
During one of his shows, he surprised the audience by bringing J-Hus to the stage. The artist had recently been released from prison and it was his first appearance to the public after being freed.
Drake's popularity in the country was once again proved by the amount of enthusiasm from the British fans and how nine out of 13 shows from The Assassination Vacation Tour were based in the UK.
London Goes Wild For Drake
Without anyone noticing that it was the singer, Drizzy was captured filming a visual video for 'Non Stop' on a double-decker in London back in 2018.
As soon as his fans noticed that it was the singer who was on top of the iconic red bus, the City of London was trying to chase the superstar. The video was exclusively shot for Apple Music.
'Champagne Papi' is immersed into the black British culture and wants to embrace a new sound, which is UK rap. He collaborated with South London rapper Dave for his song 'Wanna Know' and co-signed British artists like Giggs, Jorja Smith, Skepta and Sampha for his album 'More Life.'
Regardless of his popularity abroad, Drake will always have a special love for Toronto and the whole of Canada. He doesn't forget to dedicate a few lines of his songs for his hometown and appreciates his Canadian fans' love.
At the 2019's Grammys, just as he criticized the awards' lack of black artists' nominations and recognition, Drake ended his speech by sharing his happiness for winning the award and for being considered a hero of his hometown.
He will always be proud of where he is from, but he can't complain about how his popularity has spread across the globe.