Drake is a powerhouse in the rap industry but is also widely known outside of it as a singer, songwriter, actor and entrepreneur. He started his career as an actor in the teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation, but left the show to make music. He released his first album Thank Me Later in 2010, and it instantly became a success, debuting at number 1 of the Billboard Top 200. Drake has released five studio albums so far, broke several Billboard records, and has been nominated for the Grammy Awards 42 times, winning it four times.
As a music star of such impeccable track record, it isn’t strange to learn that Drake is also a dedicated philanthropist. There has been a considerable number of instances when he went above and beyond for those in need, whether by hosting or appearing at fundraising events or by helping directly through donations.
In 2014, Drake took part in a multi-platform ESPY Day program, a fundraising event benefiting the collaboration of The V Foundation for Cancer Research and Stand Up To Cancer. Drake was the host of the ESPYS, which raised funds to improve the efforts to create new ways of battling cancer.
However, Drake has done a lot of good outside of the cancer charity department as well, particularly in raising funds for disaster relief. After Hurricane Harvey hit, Drake donated $200,000 towards the relief efforts, stating: “To the brave men and women that have assisted in aid, relief, and rescue, your actions are truly heroic. My good friend J.J. Watt started a fundraising effort through Youcaring, and I’ve donated $200,000 towards it.”
Drake is an active supporter of THORN, Ashton Kutcher’s foundation that aims to put an end to child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of children. The foundation develops technology for law enforcement to use to find the perpetrators of trafficking and help the victims.
Another example of Drake’s efforts to help those in need was when he donated the entire video budget of 996,631 dollars for his song God’s Plan to different organizations and individuals in Miami. He has given to the firefighters, a woman’s shelter, group of students at Miami Senior High School, and shoppers in a supermarket, among other people. Some of these donations ended in the hands of young people who were worried about being able to finance their education, some of them bought new cars, but all of them got their hopes for a better life renewed, as well as their faith that generosity and philanthropy are still alive and well.
Not many stars experience the kind of instant success that Drake has had career-wise, but with him being so passionate about giving back to the community and doing good things will surely help ensure the longevity of his career. As one of the agents of positive change in our society, Drake is undoubtedly a force of good which sets an excellent example for his numerous fans.
