Drake is the hip-hop performing name of actor Aubrey Graham, who is known to TV audiences in Canada and the United States for his eight seasons on Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001-09). Graham grew up in Toronto and Memphis, Tennessee, and started working in television in his teens. Jimmy in Degrassi was one of the more likable characters, though he was naturally dogged by dramatic teen conflict (he was paralyzed by gunshot in the show's fourth season). Graham began releasing his own mixed tapes as Drake in the late 2000s, and his 2009 release, So Far Gone, earned him a tour and led to his 2010 major label debut, Thank Me Later. Drake has recorded with a collection of Toronto-based artists called All Things Fresh, and has collaborated with other hip-hop stars, including Lil Wayne and Dr. Dre.

Extra credit: Drake is Graham's middle name.