Aubrey Drake Graham: 7 Shocking Secrets Behind Drake's Full Name And Identity
The name "Drake" has become synonymous with global hip-hop dominance, record-breaking streams, and a cultural impact that spans over a decade. However, for millions of fans, the man behind the moniker remains a mystery, especially his full, legal name. As of this current date in December 2025, the Canadian superstar continues to make headlines, not just for his music but for the intriguing duality of his identity—the chart-topping "Drake" versus the personal "Aubrey." This deep dive will finally settle the question of his birth name and explore the fascinating biographical and business entities tied to one of the world's most successful artists.
The rapper's official birth name is not a secret, but its significance to his career and personal life is often overlooked. It is a name that links his Hollywood beginnings to his Memphis-born father and his Jewish-Canadian mother. Understanding the full name, Aubrey Drake Graham, is the first step in unlocking the complete story of the artist known as "Champagne Papi" and the head of the OVO empire.
The Complete Biography and Full Name Profile
The journey from a child actor on a Canadian teen drama to a multi-Grammy-winning rapper is one of the most compelling stories in modern music. Here is the complete biographical profile of the man known globally as Drake.
- Full Name: Aubrey Drake Graham
- Stage Name: Drake (Drizzy, Champagne Papi, 6 God)
- Date of Birth: October 24, 1986
- Age (as of 2025): 39
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Parents: Dennis Graham (Father, Musician/Drummer) and Sandi Graham (Mother, Former Teacher/Florist)
- Son: Adonis Graham (Born October 11, 2017) with Sophie Brussaux
- Early Career: Actor, notably as Jimmy Brooks on *Degrassi: The Next Generation*
- Record Label: OVO Sound (October's Very Own), co-founded with Noah "40" Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib
- Notable Albums: *Take Care*, *Views*, *Scorpion*, *Certified Lover Boy*, *Her Loss* (with 21 Savage)
- Upcoming Project (2025): Ninth studio album, *Iceman*
The name itself, Aubrey Drake Graham, is a direct reflection of his family history and the cultural crossroads where he was raised in Toronto’s affluent Forest Hill neighborhood.
Why Did He Drop "Aubrey" and Choose "Drake"?
The most common question surrounding the rapper's identity is the deliberate choice to use his middle name, Drake, as his professional moniker. The decision was made early in his transition from actor to rapper, marking a clear break from his television persona.
The Middle Name That Became a Brand
The name "Drake" is not a made-up rap alias; it is his given middle name. According to his father, Dennis Graham, the name Aubrey Drake Graham was a compromise between his parents. His mother, Sandi Graham, who is Jewish, was reportedly keen on the name Aubrey, while his father's side of the family contributed the name Drake.
- The Duality of Identity: In the music world, the name "Aubrey" is often associated with the sensitive, introspective side of his personality, which he often explores in his R&B-infused tracks and deep cuts. Conversely, "Drake" represents the dominant, boastful, and hip-hop side—the "6 God" persona.
- A Strategic Move: Dropping the first name was a strategic move to establish a new, singular identity in the music industry, distancing himself from his acting career as Jimmy Brooks on *Degrassi*. A single, punchier name like Drake is often more memorable and marketable in the competitive rap landscape.
- Personal Preference: In a candid interview, Drake explained that he simply preferred his middle name. While he is sensitive about his first name, Aubrey, he uses it selectively, often in album art, deep cuts, and within the OVO (October's Very Own) brand, which is a nod to his birth month.
This name choice highlights the complex, dual nature of his artistry: the emotional singer and the hardened rapper.
The Graham Family Legacy and The OVO Empire
To understand the depth of Aubrey Drake Graham's identity, one must look at the entities and people who shaped him. His family and his business ventures are deeply intertwined with his name and brand, providing the topical authority needed to cover this subject.
The Influence of Dennis and Sandi Graham
Drake's parents, Dennis Graham and Sandi Graham (born Sandra Gayle Graham), divorced when he was five years old, and he was primarily raised by his mother in Toronto.
- Dennis Graham: His father is a professional drummer who worked with country legend Jerry Lee Lewis. Dennis's Memphis, Tennessee roots and musical background heavily influenced Drake’s early exposure to music, especially R&B and soul.
- Sandi Graham: His mother, a former English teacher and florist, is often credited in his music for her dedication and support, with her name "Sandi" being a recurring, heartfelt theme in his lyrics.
The OVO Sound Roster and The 2025 Landscape
The OVO Sound record label, short for October's Very Own, is a massive entity in the music business, co-founded by Drake, producer Noah "40" Shebib, and manager Oliver El-Khatib. The label’s success is a testament to Drake's business acumen, further solidifying his status beyond just a rapper. The current roster includes a diverse group of artists, such as PARTYNEXTDOOR, DVSN, Majid Jordan, Roy Woods, Popcaan, Baka Not Nice, Smiley, and Naomi Sharon.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, the focus is squarely on Drake's ninth studio album, tentatively titled *Iceman*. This anticipated release follows his February 2025 collaborative project, *Some Sexy Songs 4 U*, with OVO artist PartyNextDoor, demonstrating his continued commitment to the label and his own prolific output. The moniker Aubrey Drake Graham now stands not only for a musical artist but for a powerful media and business mogul.
The Revelation of Adonis Graham
Another key entity tied to Drake's full name is his son, Adonis Graham. The public revelation of his son's existence in 2018 was a major news event, detailed in the song "Emotionless" from the album *Scorpion*. Adonis's full name is Adonis Mahbed Graham.
The relationship with Adonis's mother, French artist and former model Sophie Brussaux, was the subject of much media attention. The fact that Drake chose to give his son the Graham surname, continuing the family lineage, further underscores the importance of his full name and heritage.
From the sensitive "Aubrey" often heard in his private life and early career, to the global brand "Drake" that sells out arenas and dominates streaming charts, the full name Aubrey Drake Graham serves as the foundation for a career built on musical versatility, strategic branding, and a deep connection to his family's legacy.
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