Who Owns Drake and What His Net Worth Means for His Empire
Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, remains the primary owner of his personal brand and most of his business ventures. His estimated net worth is around $250 million according to Forbes, built from music royalties, touring, endorsements, and ownership stakes in multiple companies. Drake controls his master recordings through his own label and publishing entities, which give him ongoing income from streaming, sales, and licensing. He also earns from equity in private and public companies tied to spirits, cannabis, and digital platforms, making him one of the most diversified artist-owners in the music industry.
The structure of Drake's ownership is layered, with separate legal entities holding rights to different parts of his brand. His music catalog and publishing are managed by OVO Sound and associated rights companies, while his equity stakes sit in holding vehicles and investment firms. This setup gives him control over branding, approvals, and long-term value capture, while limiting personal liability across his ventures. The model mirrors how modern artist-entrepreneurs build wealth beyond music by owning the underlying assets rather than relying solely on labels and distributors.
OVO Sound, Music Rights, and Label Ownership
OVO Sound and Drake's Role as Co-Founder
Drake co-founded OVO Sound with producer Noah "40" Shebib, and he retains significant ownership and creative control over the label's operations and releases. OVO Sound is the primary vehicle for Drake's own music and for signing and developing other artists, with all major decisions routed through his leadership. The label's catalog includes Drake's albums and singles, which generate revenue from streaming platforms, physical sales, and sync licensing for film, TV, and advertising. OVO Sound's ownership structure is tied to Drake's broader brand ecosystem, reinforcing his control over the OVO identity and its commercial extensions.
Behind the label, Drake's publishing rights are administered by companies that collect royalties whenever his songs are played on radio, streaming services, or live broadcasts. He owns or controls a large share of his masters and publishing through these entities, which is a key reason his music continues to generate income long after release. This ownership model contrasts with traditional artist-label deals where labels often hold masters and a larger share of revenue, limiting the artist's long-term equity in their own work.
Business Investments, Brands, and Equity Stakes
Virginia Black Whiskey and Spirits Ownership
Drake is a co-owner of Virginia Black Whiskey, a premium bourbon brand that he helped build through marketing and cultural positioning. The brand's ownership structure includes Drake alongside its founders and investment partners, with Drake's role focused on brand visibility and strategic direction. Virginia Black has grown rapidly in the spirits market, leveraging Drake's influence to reach new audiences and expand distribution across North America. The brand's success adds a tangible, high-value asset to Drake's portfolio of owned businesses.
Beyond spirits, Drake has invested in and partnered with companies in cannabis, technology, and digital media, often taking equity stakes rather than flat fees. These investments give him upside participation in the growth of those businesses, aligning his personal wealth with the performance of the companies he backs. His ownership approach favors brands and platforms where he can add cultural relevance and audience access, increasing the likelihood of strong returns on his capital.
References
Forbes profile on Drake and his business interests: Forbes Drake Profile. Virginia Black Whiskey brand and ownership details: Virginia Black Whiskey.