Drake

Drake in 2011, photo by kathclick/bigstock.com

Birth Name: Aubrey Drake Graham

Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Date of Birth: October 24, 1986

Ethnicity:
*African-American (father)
*Ashkenazi Jewish (mother)

Drake, also known by his birth name Aubrey Drake Graham, or as Champagne Papi, Drizzy, and 6 God, is a Canadian actor, rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur. Beginning as an actor, he starred as Jimmy Brooks on the show Degrassi: The Next Generation, and appeared in the films Charlie Bartlett and Ice Age: Continental Drift. He later released a popular mixtape, and has since had a successful musical career. His songs include “Best I Ever Had,” “Find Your Love,” “Take Care,” “Started from the Bottom,” “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” “Hotline Bling,” “Summer Sixteen,” “One Dance,” “God’s Plan,” “Nice for What,” “In My Feelings,” “Nonstop,” “Toosie Slide,” “Laugh Now Cry Later,” “What’s Next,” “Way 2 Sexy,” “Girls Want Girls,” “Jimmy Cooks,” and “Search & Rescue.” Drake founded the production company DreamCrew, and the fragrance house Better World; heads the OVO fashion label, co-founded the OVO Sound record label, and the bourbon whiskey Virginia Black; has collaborated with Nike, and is a part owner of Italian football club A.C. Milan.

Drake’s American father, Dennis Graham, a musician/drummer, is African-American. Drake’s Canadian mother, Sandi (Sher), a teacher and florist, is Ashkenazi Jewish, of Latvian Jewish and Russian Jewish descent. Drake was raised Jewish; he attended a Jewish day school and was Bar Mitzvah. Drake is a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S.

Drake has a son with French artist Sophie Brussaux.

On his father’s side, Drake is related to American musicians Teenie Hodges (born Mabon Lewis Hodges), a rhythm and lead guitarist and songwriter, and Larry Graham, a bass guitar player.

Drake’s father Dennis Graham in 2014, credit: Santiago Interiano / PRPhotos.com

Drake’s maternal grandfather was Reuben “Ruby” Sher (the son of Morris Sher and Julia Novick). Reuben was born in Toronto, to Latvian Jewish parents, from Riga. Julia was the daughter of Vichna Novick.

Drake’s maternal grandmother was Evelyn Etta Brontman (the daughter of Avraham/Abraham Brontman/Brantman and Lena/Leah/Lina Zlatka Osherenko/Osheronko/Usherenko). Evelyn was born in Toronto, to Russian Jewish/Polish Jewish parents. Abraham was the son of Israel Brantman and Rachel/Rachil Goldin. Lena was the daughter of Abram/Abie/Avrum Osherenko/Osheronko/Usherenko and Gitel/Gertie/Gitlya/Gittel Weinerman/Veynerman.

Drake with his mother Sandi Graham in 2010, photo Credit: Robin Wong / PR Photos

A DNA test taken by Drake’s father whose results Drake displayed on his Instagram page stated that Drake’s father’s genetic ancestry includes:

*30% Nigeria
*28% Cameroon, Congo & Western Bantu Peoples
*11% Ivory Coast & Ghana
*8% England & Northwestern Europe

Sources: Genealogy of Drake (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Drake’s maternal great-grandparents, Morris Sher and Julia Novick, on the 1911 Canadian Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Drake’s maternal grandmother, Evelyn Etta (Brontman) Sher – http://www.legacy.com

Marriage records of Drake’s maternal great-grandparents, Avraham/Abraham Brontman/Brantman and Lena/Leah/Lina Zlatka Osherenko/Osheronko/Usherenko – https://www.familysearch.org
https://www.familysearch.org