Does Drake Own a Record Label? Inside His Music Empire and Label Ownership
Yes, Drake does own a record label. He founded October's Very Own (OVO Sound) in 2012 alongside producer Noah "40" Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib. The label operates as a subsidiary of Warner Records and is based in Toronto, Canada.
OVO Sound serves as both a record label and a lifestyle brand, representing Drake's business ventures beyond music. The label has signed several notable artists, including PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, Roy Woods, and dvsn.
The creation of OVO Sound has allowed Drake to mentor and develop new talent while maintaining creative control over his own music releases. Through this label, he's able to release his music independently while still benefiting from major label distribution through Warner Records.
The label's success extends beyond music, with the OVO brand encompassing clothing, merchandise, and various collaborations with major companies. The owl logo, which has become synonymous with Drake's brand, appears on all OVO Sound releases and merchandise.
Some key achievements of OVO Sound include:
Multiple platinum-certified releases Successful artist development programs International brand recognition Strong presence in both music and fashion industries
Drake continues to actively manage and expand OVO Sound, using it as a platform to shape the music industry and support emerging artists. The label has become an important player in the Canadian music scene and continues to grow its influence globally.
Artists can submit their music to OVO Sound for consideration, though the label maintains a selective approach to signing new talent. This careful curation has helped maintain the label's reputation for quality music and artistic integrity.
OVO Sound releases are distributed globally through Warner Records, ensuring wide availability while maintaining the label's independent creative direction. This partnership has proven successful, allowing Drake to build a strong music empire while retaining artistic control.