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
Judaism isn’t a race its a religion. I guess its listed that way to avoid saying he’s white. god forbid someone that has any white blood lay claim to it.
Are you people serious?! You’re on the biggest resource in the world that being the Internet and THIS question exists?! Firstly who doesn’t know the one drop rule as far as being black. In THIS country he’s black end of story even if he’s biracial. But he’s clearly black and canadian and he’s never hidden that fact. Quit acting brand new. As far as the Lebanon Dons. Gzus Kryst people. If you know he’s from Canada you HAVE to know or should’ve at least researched this. There is a province in Canada called Lebanon. C’mon man!
Drake a lebanese? LMFAO he’s mulatto, white mother with black father. And more black than white. Ronnie Brown, it depends of your features and skin color.
Oi Ronnie, what’s wrong with being black?? You seem to have some kinda problem… If your half black why the fuck are you ashamed??! Well it should be da black community dat should be ashamed of u, u asshole.
Drake is my inspiration no matter the color,name,whatever i’m a HUGE FAN..62-YOU DRRAKKEEE.!!