Before Drake became a rapper, he was a member of the cast on the canadian teen TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation. The pre-Drake, 14 year old Aubrey Graham, played a basketball star named Jimmy Brooks for more than six years (2001 to 2008). Drake was on 145 episodes of Degrassi. Aubrey returned for several guest appearances in the following seasons and would occasionally rap on the show.
Drake was eventually kicked off the show because he was putting his focus into his music. “Back then, I’d spend a full day on set and then go to the studio to make music until 4 or 5 a.m. I’d sleep in my dressing room and then be in front of the cameras again by 9 a.m. Eventually, they realized I was juggling two professions and told me I had to choose,” Drake laughed. “I chose this life.” Drake told W magazine.
In 2017, Drake, posted a royalty check from Degrassi on his Instagram (@ChampagnePapi). Drake earned $8.25! “Degrassi money still coming in don’t sleeeeeeeep,” Drake captioned the photo.
Drake recently united with some of his former castmates from “Degrassi: The Next Generation” for his music video for ‘I’m Upset.’