The Coming of Drake

If you haven't heard of this Canadian rapper, you will soon because he is making big moves in the rap industry. Aubrey Drake Graham, who goes by his middle name alone, has made a name for himself in the music industry and has not even released an album yet. Yet he is known to many fans all across the country and rolls with some of rap and hip hops most notable personalities such as Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Dr. Dre.

Many people may recognize Graham from the work that he did when he appeared on the teen show Degrassi: The Next Generation. He played Jimmy Brooks, who was a rich and athletic basketball player. Since the show Graham as been working on building his music career. In 2006 he released his first mixtape Room for Improvement. Then is 2007 he dropped his sophomore mixtape entitled Comeback Season and in 2008 Heartbreak Drake. This year he released his latest mixtape So Far Gone.

Even though the up and coming rapper is not signed to a record label, he is scheduled to release his first album sometime this year. The album entitled Thank Me Later is said to be a different sound for Graham compared to his mixtapes. Even though there is little information known about the album Graham has expressed that he would like for rappers Kayne West, Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne to be on the album.

"Everybody is looking for this one joint with me and Jay, so that needs to happen. My goal at this point is to keep making that organic music," Graham told Shaheem Reid of MTV earlier this month.

Earlier this week Graham went to work on his first offical music video for his single "Best I've Ever Had." Directing the video is none other than Kanye West; it is being filmed in Brooklyn at a high school. Making appearances in the video is Trey Songz, Fabulous, Amber Rose (who plays his love interest), and Common.

Graham may have a lot going on with his music career, but this is not stopping him from working with some big name artist. Graham is working with rapper Jay-Z on his newest album Blueprint 3, which is set to be released in September. It has been said that a single featuring Graham will be released this summer. Graham is also working with artist Mary J. Blige, the two worked on a collaboration which will be also be released as a single.

Aside from his music career, Graham also has been linked to singer Rihanna. Lately the rapper has been rumored to be the singers new boo. They have been spotted together in various locations in NYC and supposedly locking lips. Even though the rumors have not been confirmed that Graham and Rihanna are together, it seems that things may be getting serious.

Graham may have a lot going on, but there are no signs of him stopping. With his mixtapes, album, and collaborations there is no doubt that big things will be coming from him soon.