What Record Label Is Drake Signed To? Complete Label History Revealed
Drake is currently signed to multiple record labels, with Republic Records and OVO Sound being his primary label affiliations. OVO Sound is Drake's own record label, which he founded in 2012 in partnership with Warner Records. Through this arrangement, he maintains significant creative control over his music while benefiting from major label distribution.
The artist's relationship with Republic Records began in 2018 when Universal Music Group reorganized its labels. Before this, Drake was signed to Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records, both of which operated under Universal Music Group's umbrella.
What makes Drake's label situation unique is his ownership of OVO Sound. This Toronto-based record label serves as both his creative hub and a platform for developing new artists. The label's name stands for "October's Very Own," referencing Drake's October birth month and his Toronto roots.
Here's a clear breakdown of Drake's current label structure:
• Primary Label: Republic Records • Secondary Label: OVO Sound (his own imprint) • Distribution: Universal Music Group • Partnership: Warner Records (for OVO Sound)
This multi-layered label arrangement has proven highly successful for Drake, allowing him to maintain artistic independence while leveraging the resources of major record labels. Under this structure, he has released numerous chart-topping albums and singles, including "Certified Lover Boy" and "For All The Dogs."
The partnership has been particularly beneficial for Drake's commercial success, combining his creative vision through OVO Sound with Republic Records' powerful distribution network and marketing capabilities. This setup has helped establish him as one of the most commercially successful artists in music history.
I can confirm that this label arrangement continues to be active as of 2024, though like many aspects of the music industry, these relationships can evolve over time. Drake's business acumen in maintaining both independent creative control and major label support has become a model for other artists in the industry.