Drake's Faith Journey: From Jewish Roots To Global Icon?

Rachel Breitenberg 15 May 2025

Does the spiritual background of a celebrity shape their art? For Aubrey Drake Graham, better known as Drake, his diverse upbringing is undeniably woven into the fabric of his music and public persona.

Drake's religious identity is a subject of considerable interest for many who follow his career. Born Aubrey Drake Graham on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada, the rapper's background is a blend of different faiths and cultural influences. His mother, Sandi Graham, born on January 28, 1960, raised him in Judaism, and he attended a Jewish day school, celebrating his Bar Mitzvah in his youth. Drake himself has openly acknowledged his Jewish heritage, most notably in his music video for "HYFR," where the opening credits explicitly state, "Drake is a Jew." His father, Dennis Graham, adds another layer to this tapestry, being of Catholic faith. This unique combination of Jewish and Catholic influences has undeniably played a significant role in shaping Drake's worldview and artistic expression.

Drake: Biographical and Professional Overview
Full Name	Aubrey Drake Graham
Stage Name	Drake
Date of Birth	October 24, 1986
Place of Birth	Toronto, Canada
Nationality	Canadian, American (Dual Citizenship)
Occupation	Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Entrepreneur
Years Active	2001present
Genres	Hip Hop, Pop, R&B, Trap
Labels	OVO Sound, Republic, Young Money, Cash Money
Family	Mother: Sandi Graham (Jewish) Father: Dennis Graham (Catholic)
Religious Background	Jewish (Raised), Catholic (Father), Diverse Spiritual Influences
Early Life & Education	Attended Jewish Day School, Bar Mitzvah
Parents' Divorce	Divorced when Drake was five years old
Citizenship	Dual citizen of Canada and the United States
Musical Influences	Father (Drummer for Jerry Lee Lewis), Musical Family
Breakthrough Role	Degrassi: The Next Generation (Actor)
Key Albums	So Far Gone (2009) Thank Me Later (2010) Take Care (2011) Nothing Was the Same (2013) If You're Reading This It's Too Late (2015) Views (2016) Scorpion (2018) Certified Lover Boy (2021) Honestly, Nevermind (2022) For All the Dogs (2023)
Business Ventures	OVO Sound Record Label, Virginia Black Whiskey, October's Very Own (OVO) Clothing Line
Awards & Recognition	Multiple Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Juno Awards, and more.
Philanthropy	Drake has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including donations to schools, community organizations, and scholarships.
Associated Acts	Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, The Weeknd, Future
Official Website	drakerelated.com