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
EDIT .. drake is lebonese !
I never knew Drake was mix. I thought he was puerto rican.
ha ha ha puerto rican?
i taugth he was jamiacan
Wow thats interesting because if you study Puerto Ricans they too have some ties to African Heritage! In one of Drakes songs he made reference to Creole! I’m creole and in my opinion he could pass for Creole! lol! Drake looks like members of my family easily! I keep telling you folks African-Americans are the most diverse of all of you. Almost all African Americans have a Drake look alike in their family! I keep encouraging people to do your research you will learn alot! That way before you make your comments you will be informed as to what you are talking about!
Sexy a$$ mix!
i duno wat u ppl tawkin bout bt drake is 1 fine as black jew Ever
Almost half of the half-white/black celebrities in America are either half Jewish or half Italian. Jews and Blacks used to have a close relationship with each other back in the day. In fact, the NAACP was first created by Jews. Jews and Blacks could relate because of the Holocaust and slavery. I’m sure they’re some prejudice Jews (and blacks), but it’s very minimal. Albert Einstein was a strong Civil Rights supporter.
To Ann
your words(Jews and Blacks could relate because of the Holocaust and slavery)
Actually it had very little to do with that.In those camps,they had large population of black Jews.They were around each other living. both groups were treated pretty bad by whites.Alot of the African Jews were sent here as slaves.I mean there were a number of reasons.Same thing with the Irish,who until they got their white card got along with black people off and on etc
The fact that they weren’t seen as white was another thing. So yes it has a lot to do with that. Both were oppressed. :/ It’s being able to relate.
I agree I am Jewish and Black! My grandmother is Jewish and loves black people, she also goes to NAACP meetings! And always relates the Holocaust to Black struggles! I love my mix it is unique and very diverse!