Tag: Drake

  • The Weeknd’s Net Worth in 2023

    The Weeknd’s Net Worth in 2023

    The Weeknd’s Net Worth is $300 Million

    Selling records like hotcakes, headlining massive festivals, packing out tours, and racking up huge numbers in online streaming—all in a day’s work for the Weeknd, who has taken the music world—and fashion world and investing world—by storm. About 10 years in, and he is sitting on a cool $300 million—up from $100 million in 2022.

    But the Weeknd is more than just numbers, impressive though they are. The Weeknd’s journey tells the tale of an artist who’s paved his own way to the big time. He’s evolved from an elusive mixtape-making enigma dropping beats in the dead of night to a powerhouse shaping the world of pop music.

    You can’t help but be in awe of the Weeknd’s ultra-quick ascension to the music industry’s A-list. He’s strategically played his cards right not only in music but in business too, multiplying his money and cementing his place in the global entertainment world.

    NameAbel Makkonen Tesfaye
    ProfessionSinger, Songwriter, Record Producer
    Net Worth$300 Million
    BirthplaceScarborough, Ontario, Canada
    BirthdayFebruary 16, 1990 (Aquarius)
    NationalityCanadian
    Height5 ft. 8 in. (173 cm)
    Relationship statusSingle

    Journey Towards Stardom: From Toronto to Global Limelight

    Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, or as we know him, the Weeknd, was born and raised in Toronto (Scarborough, specifically), by a couple of women who came all the way from Ethiopia. Such was his conviction that Abel quit school and said bye to his home in the 11th grade to chase his music dreams.

    But what started as teenage rebellion turned into something almost unimaginable when the Weeknd started freestyling with music. He dished out songs about almost everything—partying, feeling out of place, you name it. Then, he bumped into Jeremy Rose, a musician and producer, and together they worked on some of his first hits. Tunes like “The Morning”, “Loft Music”, and “What You Need” popped up on YouTube in 2010.

    Those online clips caught the attention of fellow Torontonian Drake—that’s when the Weeknd’s career really took off. With Drake‘s support behind him, the Weeknd dropped a mixtape called House of Balloons that was free for all in March 2011. The release drew critical acclaim, even scoring a nomination for Canada’s Polaris Music Prize, which judges a release on musical merit rather than sales.

    After riding that high, the Weeknd dropped a couple more mixtapes—Thursday and Echoes of Silence—which only made his fans want more. His first public performance was in a Toronto club back in July 2011. But the big turning point arrived in 2013 when Abel won the Juno Award—Canada’s equivalent of the Grammy—for the Breakthrough Artist of the Year. It was the start of a wild ride that shot the Weeknd into a whole new league of success and helped shape today’s pop scene.

    Tuning Into Fortune: Revenues from His Primary Career

    In 2019, Forbes listed the Weeknd at #87 on their Celebrity 100 list with earnings of $40 million that year. Impressive, but definitely not the peak of his financial success. Flashback to 2017 and his bank account was looking extra chunky with $92 million. A big chunk of that came from his epic “Starboy: Legend of the Fall” world tour, which raked in over $80 million.

    But hey, it’s not just about the Bordens (er, Canada’s equivalent of the Benjamins). The Weeknd’s made some serious waves in the music world. With multiple chart busters, like his six #1 singles and another eight cracking the top 10 on the Hot 100 list in the States, he certainly knows how to make a hit. Plus, he’s nabbed the #1 spot on Billboard‘s albums chart with four of his albums. His killer tracks have turned him into a global sensation and game-changer in the pop scene.

    The Midas Touch: Alternative Revenue Streams

    The Weeknd is not just a music maestro. He’s got a head for business, too, raking in serious dough from more than just his Billboard hits. He has invested wisely and aligned himself with some top-of-the-line brands so that his music career represents only a small slice of his monetary pie.

    And about those other slices? The Weeknd has put money into a bunch of companies like Pomelo, Koia, Songfinch, MoonPay, Pearpop, Forward, and OverActive Media Group. The tech world has piqued his interest and he’s investing in the virtual reality land investor, Everyrealm. He’s even hopped onto the crypto train, joining the board of NFT platform, Autograph. Diverse? Yep. Strategic? Definitely. Extra income? You bet.

    The Weeknd’s smart moves don’t stop at investments. He has secured some awesome partnerships. He’s strutted with Puma and sipped with Bacardi. Recently, he took his “After Hours Til Dawn” tour to another level with Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. This cool collab churned out exclusive NFTs and branded merchandise, and also bumped up the Weeknd’s XO Humanitarian Fund.

    As if all this wasn’t enough, he’s making bank by monetizing his songs too. He did a lucrative royalty deal for his hit “Acquainted” – granting people rights to use it in return for a steady payout.

    Living the Dream: The Weeknd’s Fabulous Lifestyle and Big-Hearted Giving

    The Weeknd’s life is the stuff dreams are made of. His successful music career has certainly filled his pocket, and he needs no suggestions on how to spend what he finds in his pocket. Our man loves everything from jaw-dropping real estate to shiny super-cars and seriously cool artwork.

    Back in 2017, he splurged on an $18.2-million estate in Hidden Hills, California. He then sold it off to Madonna in 2021, but not before snapping a couple of cool shots for us to drool over. His real estate adventures don’t end there, though. Recently, he dished out $70 million for a mansion in Bel-Air. Proof positive he’s got a thing for fancy living.

    And when the Weeknd isn’t buying plush pads, he is adding to his insane car collection. Some of his favorites? A McLaren P1, a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, and a Mercedes-Benz AMG GTC. He’s clearly got a need for speed and a love for luxurious rides.

    He’s also got an eye for art and has some amazing pieces by artists like Hajime Sorayama, Takashi Murakami, and Keith Haring decorating his space.

    Even though he’s living large with all these cool things, he also makes time to give back. Over the years, he’s been generous, donating to good causes that touch his heart. For instance, he sent $1 million to help out during the conflicts in Ethiopia. And during his North American stadium tour, he turned it into an epic charity drive, raising $5 million for the World Food Program USA. (The Independent).

    A Glimpse Behind the Stardom: The Weeknd’s Personal Life

    Abel Makkonen Tesfaye was born February 16, 1990, in our chilly neighbor to the north: Toronto, Canada. His dad, Makkonen, abandoned the family while Abel was at an early age, leaving the responsibility of raising a child to Abel’s mom and grandmother. Oh, and fun fact, he grew up speaking Amharic, the Ethiopian language, having emigrated from Ethiopia.

    Now let’s get to the juicy bit: his love life. He and supermodel Bella Hadid were a thing from 2015 to 2019. They kicked things off when he asked her to pose for one of his album covers. Even though they took a couple of breaks here and there, they were still one of the hottest celebrity couples going.

    And while he is currently not in a relationship (as of writing), a catch like the Weeknd won’t stay on the singles market long. As for children, Abel’s not a dad (if he is, he’s doing a phenomenal job of keeping it a secret). But don’t write him off just yet. He’s shared in interviews that he’s looking forward to starting a family in the future. In fact, he even said that having kids would be a huge source of inspiration for him.

    Trials Amid Triumphs: Major Events Involving The Weeknd

    Wind back to 2015. The Weeknd was partying away in Las Vegas when he threw a punch at a cop. The rush of blood to the head stemmed from an incident in which Abel tried to break up an argument that was getting a little messy. The fallout? No jail, thank goodness! But he did get a bit of a reality check. He was on the hook for 50 hours of community service, a $1,000 to a fund for wounded officers, some anger management sessions, and an alcohol evaluation. The incident inspired him to clean up his act and rise above the drama.

    Fast forward to 2021, and the Weeknd was in hot water over his track “Call Out My Name”. Music makers Epikker, a.k.a. Suniel Fox and Henry Strange, alleged that the Weeknd ripped off parts from their 2015 tune “Vibeking”. Though the issue flared, it eventually cooled and both parties reached a settlement in March 2023. No telling what the terms were, but it sure did bring that old chestnut of music production and copyright laws back into the spotlight.

  • Drake’s Net Worth in 2023: From TV Star to Rap Superstar and Mega-Millionaire

    Drake’s Net Worth in 2023: From TV Star to Rap Superstar and Mega-Millionaire

    Drake is Worth $280 Million

    Remember that cute kid from “Degrassi: The Next Generation”? That’s Drake, or should we say, Aubrey Drake Graham, who has gone from playing wheelchair-bound Jimmy to being a rap god and generating a whopping $280 million net worth. Our favorite Canadian (sorry, Justin Bieber!), born in Toronto on October 24, 1986, is the genuine article and it’s that vibe that’s got him fans all over the globe.

    Drizzy’s taken the best of both worlds – singing and rapping – and made it his signature style. Add in lyrics that will have you both pumped and feeling introspective and you’ve got a die-hard fanbase that can’t get enough. Awards? Check. Records broken? You bet. Boss moves in the business world? Count on it. Lavish lifestyle? You know it!

    So, how did Aubrey turn those TV pastures into a multi-million-dollar rap kingdom? And what is the king spending those millions on? We’re about to dive into the life and times of the 6 God and unveil the details on his incredible journey to global stardom.

    ProfessionRap Artist, Actor
    Net Worth$280 Million
    BirthdayOctober 24, 1986 (Scorpio)
    NationalityCanadian
    Height6 ft (183 cm)
    Relationship statusSingle

    How Drake Went from TV Actor to Hip-Hop Superstar: Early Career and Initial Breakthrough

    Aubrey Drake Graham was born in 1986 to parents Dennis and Sandi Graham, who split when he was just five years old. Young Drake mostly grew up with his mom in the Forest Hill area of Toronto. His musician father, who maintains a somewhat turbulent relationship with his son, is nevertheless a minor celebrity with his own online presence, even becoming the subject of a song by Canadian rock group the Arkells.

    Before Drake became a rap mogul, he cut his teeth as a young actor on the Canadian TV drama series “Degrassi: The Next Generation”. But it seems he always wanted to exchange the camera for a mic as his head was always turned towards music and, in particular, rap. So, taking cues from the likes of Jay-Z, Drake began exploring the music scene in the early 2000s. While his first mixtape, Room for Improvement (2006), grabbed the attention of the hip-hop community, it was his second mixtape that really got big names like Lil Wayne interested and led to Drake joining the “Tha Carter III” tour.

    His 2009 mixtape, So Far Gone, built on the hype of the first two, rocketing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning gold certification from the RIAA. The accomplishment earned him a spot on Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment label in June 2009. His first studio album, Thank Me Later, also blew up, hitting No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts in the U.S. and Canada and attaining the platinum certification from the RIAA. Today, Drake’s not just an artist – he’s a music industry powerhouse. Whether he’s going solo or collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry, he shatters records and grows bigger and bigger.

    Views Around the World: Drake’s Revenue From Music & Touring

    While the cover of his Views album depicts Drake sitting atop Toronto’s CN Tower, he may as well be sitting on top of the world. He has sold over 150 million records worldwide with hits like “One Dance”, “God’s Plan”, and “In My Feelings”. But album sales only represent a portion of his wealth. Tours are where he really rakes in the cash. Take the “Aubrey & The Three Migos” tour, which scored a pretty $79 million in 2018. Or the “Summer Sixteen” tour with Future, which brought in an unbelievable $84 million in 2016.

    And he’s not just dominating music charts — fans can’t get enough of his music on such streaming platforms as Spotify and Apple Music. In fact, back in 2016, he partnered up with Apple Music for a cool $19 million. Drake agreed to making Views an exclusive release on the platform and in return, the man secured his own Apple Music radio show.

    Drake Diversifies: Other Revenue Streams

    When he’s not ruling over the music industry, Drake is ruling the board room, with his money tied up in so many lucrative ventures. First, there is his OVO clothing line. Around since 2012, it’s making moves, teaming up with big names like Air Jordan (Drake’s OVO Jordans are among the rarest and most-wanted kicks out there), Canada Goose, and the Toronto Raptors. But his interest in the fashion industry doesn’t end there: he’s got his Certified Lover Boy merch line, partnering with Chrome Hearts, that exclusive NOCTA deal with Nike, and even a home fragrance line with Better World Fragrance House.

    Beyond fashion, he’s a trendsetter with his investment portfolio. He’s putting his bucks into up-and-coming sports athletes with his investment into Overtime, and has also invested in e-sports brand 100 Thieves and the Player’s Lounge, which incorporates betting into the world of e-sports. And if you weren’t convinced by his forward thinking, consider his plant-based chicken investment. He is backing Daring Foods, a company that just raised a cool $40 million in Series B funding.

    Drake partnered with Brent Hocking to launch Virginia Black Whiskey in 2016. Hocking is the founder of DeLeón tequila, which he sold to Diageo and Diddy in 2013. This venture was Drake’s first foray into the liquor business. Drake, who funded the venture, received an equity stake in Virginia Black.

    It’s clear that Drizzy’s killin’ it when it comes to earning dough outside his music career, taking inspiration from hip-hop entrepreneurial legends like Jay-Z, and is dead set on building an empire.

    Drake’s Swanky Life and Awesome Collection: Notable Possessions

    Not only does Drake know how to make money, he also knows how to spend it. Check out his jaw-dropping collection of everything from mansions to fly rides. He’s got it all. He just sold his party pad (aka The YOLO Estate) in Hidden Hills, California, for $12 million, but even that property is dwarfed by the huge 50,000-square-foot mansion in Toronto, Canada, that’s been nicknamed “The Embassy”. And it comes with everything you’d expect of a property Drake calls home: a full-size basketball court, indoor pool, recording studio, and a healthy mix of modern and traditional decor.

    Drizzy also loves his wheels and has got a collection that proves it. It includes a Bugatti Veyron, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet, and a bunch of Ferraris — not one Ferrari, a bunch. And when he’s not cruising in his cars, the man took to the seas aboard his custom 200-foot yacht in 2021. He also chartered a yacht for his friends in 2022 and paid a whopping $660,000 a week for the privilege.

    Drake owns a Boeing 767-200, named “Air Drake.” It is one of the largest private planes owned by an individual and was gifted to him by the Canadian cargo carrier, Cargojet. It can hold up to twenty thousand gallons of fuel, which adds up significant operating costs. Drake spent an impressive $100 million on renovations, including the fitting of leather armchairs, luxury bathrooms, and a full kitchen! It also features Drake’s signature OVO Owl painted on the fuselage.

    But don’t think the money only moves in one direction. Drake’s been known to give back, too. He has built a recording studio at a youth center in Toronto, donated to hurricane relief efforts in Houston and Miami, supported cancer research, and hooked up students with scholarships. And, ya know, that’s why we love him. He’s got the luxe life, but he’s also makin’ a difference with his cash.

    Drake’s Dating Game: His Personal Life and Loves

    Drake’s had a number of women in his life, including Rihanna, J.Lo, and Serena Williams, just to name a few. Plus, he’s sparked some juicy rumors with gals like Zoe Kravitz, Bella Hadid, and Kylie Jenner. Right now, though, it seems like he’s loving the single life — single DAD life, that is.

    In 2017, he became a father to his adorable son, Adonis, with the cool French artist Sophie Brussaux. At first, he kept the news of fatherhood under wraps but now he regularly shares pics of his son on Instagram and has even dropped a line or two about him in his songs. Throughout his career, Drake has made some real tight friends in the celeb world, frequently seen with the likes of Lil Wayne, RiRi, and Future. These BFFs helped push his career to the top, but they also seem there for him outside of the limelight, making Drake an all-around relatable and lovable guy.

    OMG, Astroworld!: Major Events

    Drake was a guest artist during Travis Scott’s performance at the Astroworld Festival in 2021, where eight people passed away, and many more got injured. Consequently, both artists were sued, being accused of hyping up the crowd, which caused that horrible crush that led to the tragedy. The incident shook the music world and forced it to question safety at concerts, artist responsibilities, and how to step up event planning so everyone can enjoy themselves without fear of injury. To his credit, Drizzy didn’t stay quiet. He expressed his sadness and shared his thoughts with everyone affected. He promised to pray for them and lend a hand however he could. Since the tragedy, Drake has worked towards making live shows safer for everyone.