Drake responds to Kendrick Lamar's diss track with lawsuit — the legal costs won't dent his fortune

The year 2024 saw one of the greatest rap feuds play out in public. In a series of diss tracks, grammy-winning rappers, Kendrick Lamar and Drake went after each other throwing all kinds of allegations. As the numbers and the reviews from the fans suggest Lamar bested Drake in the battle, and the latter took things to the court.

In an ongoing lawsuit, an LLC owned by Drake called Frozen Moments has alleged that Universal Music Group and Spotify worked together to inflate the streaming numbers of "Not Like Us" Lamar's diss track by using bots, according to The Guardian. The suit also accused the streaming platform of promoting the song in exchange for a lower licensing fee.  While the outcome of the case is yet to be decided, experts suggest it could have far-reaching implications. But, has all of this impacted Drake financially? Here's a look. 

Drake's musical journey began in 2006, inspired by icons like Jay-Z who achieved success as independent artists. He kicked off with mixtapes such as "Room for Improvement" and "Comeback Season," showcasing his talents and entrepreneurial spirit through his label, October's Very Own (OVO Records).

The mixtape "So Far Gone" marked a turning point, gaining significant popularity and triggering a bidding war among record labels. In 2009, Drake inked a deal with Young Money Entertainment, a collaboration with Cash Money and Universal Music.

His debut album, "Thank Me Later," made a splash, claiming the top spot on charts in both Canada and the US. Subsequent albums, notably the 6-times Platinum "Take Care," solidified Drake's status as a hip-hop powerhouse. Beyond music, Drake's influence extends to entrepreneurship, with his successful OVO brand and forays into film.

Collaborating with industry heavyweights like Kanye West and Jay-Z, Drake amassed over 180 major awards, including four Grammys, showcasing his impact on the music industry. His entrepreneurial ventures, including a clothing line and his involvement in movies, reflect a multifaceted career. Drake commands a significant presence in the business, grossing approximately $1 million per concert. 

Drake, the Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor, has not only dominated the music industry but has also built an impressive financial empire. With a net worth estimated at $250 million, he ranks among the wealthiest hip-hop artists globally as per Celebrity Net Worth. Drake continues to make waves in the music industry with his releases and collaborations. His latest singles and albums like "Certified Lover Boy" and "Rich Flex" have garnered significant attention and commercial success.

Aubrey Drake Graham, born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada, faced a challenging early life marked by his parents' divorce when he was five. Raised by his mother Sandra due to his father's incarceration on drug charges, Drake and his mom lived in modest circumstances in an affluent suburb.

Despite financial struggles, Drake discovered his passion for acting and singing during his time at Forest Hill Collegiate Institute and Vaughan Road Academy. Drake's journey took a significant turn at the age of 15 when a friend's father, an acting agent, helped him secure a role on the Canadian teen drama "Degrassi: The Next Generation." On the show, he portrayed Jimmy Brooks, a basketball star who becomes disabled after a classmate shoots him.

His earnings from "Degrassi" became crucial for his family as his mother battled illness and couldn't work. During this period, Drake earned $50,000 annually, providing a lifeline for their financial stability. 

Drake's impressive net worth is a result of various income sources that highlight his diverse career. The bulk of his earnings, around $120 million, comes from selling his albums and music. His electrifying concerts and tours contribute an additional $70 million, while endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and Apple bring in a solid $30 million. Not to be overlooked are his business ventures, such as the OVO Sound record label and a successful clothing line, which collectively add $25 million to his wealth. Acting roles and involvement in merchandise and a YouTube venture contribute a noteworthy $5 million and $10 million, respectively.

A pivotal moment in his financial journey was a long-term worldwide partnership with Universal Music Group, reportedly valued at $400 million. This comprehensive deal covers everything from recorded music to publishing, film, television, and brands. Drake's earnings before taxes, including this significant deal, have surpassed $430 million since gaining mainstream success. Breaking down his annual earnings, between June 2017 and June 2018, Drake amassed $45 million, followed by a staggering $95 million in 2017. In the subsequent years, he continued to maintain substantial income, earning $75 million from June 2018 to June 2019 and $50 million in the following 12-month period.

Before entering the music industry, Drake gained recognition as an actor on the hit TV show, "Degrassi: The Next Generation." But Insider reported that he was "kicked off" the show due to his hectic schedule. He later transitioned into films with appearances in movies like "Ice Age: Continental Drift" and "Think Like A Man Too." While his acting career has seen its ups and downs, it has contributed to his overall popularity and earnings. Beyond music and acting, he co-founded the OVO, a lifestyle brand, his record label, clothing line and music festival. In the business world, Drake's Virginia Black bourbon-based whiskey and collaborations with powerhouse brands like Nike and Air Jordan have expanded his influence. The launch of Air Jordan OVOs and the introduction of sublabels like Nocta demonstrate his impact on fashion and footwear. 

His keen eye for promising companies has proven to be lucrative. Drake's endorsement deals and partnerships with companies like Nike, Apple, Whataburger, Burger King, and Sprite have also contributed to his wealth, the exclusive deal with Apple Music was reportedly worth $19 million. He has also been associated with the Toronto Raptors as a global ambassador since 2013. The co-founding of DreamCrew production company in 2017 has led to the creation of acclaimed shows like Euphoria and Top Boy. 

Further diversifying, Drake invested in the gaming industry by acquiring ownership stakes in 100 Thieves in 2018. Additional ventures include collaborations with BAPE, scented candles with Revolve, and a unique collaboration with Mike Tyson in 2022, where special edition OVO owl silhouette branded jerseys were launched.