Drake's Record Label: Who Owns the Rights to His Music in 2024?
Drake is primarily signed to two record labels: OVO Sound and Republic Records. OVO Sound is his own record label that he founded in 2012 alongside producer Noah "40" Shebib and business partner Oliver El-Khatib. The label operates as a subsidiary of Warner Records.
The artist's relationship with Republic Records began through a distribution deal in 2009, when he first signed with Young Money Entertainment/Cash Money Records, which had a distribution partnership with Republic Records (then known as Universal Republic).
Currently, Drake releases his music through this dual arrangement: - OVO Sound (his own imprint) - Republic Records (major label partner)
Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records were instrumental in Drake's early career, but his current releases primarily go through OVO Sound and Republic Records. This arrangement gives Drake significant creative control while maintaining the distribution power of a major label.
The OVO Sound label has grown significantly under Drake's leadership, signing artists like PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, and dvsn. Through Republic Records, Drake's music receives worldwide distribution and marketing support, contributing to his position as one of the world's best-selling music artists.
This label structure has proven highly successful for Drake, allowing him to maintain artistic independence while accessing major label resources. His releases consistently achieve platinum status and break streaming records, demonstrating the effectiveness of this business arrangement.
I should note that while Drake's original Cash Money/Young Money deal was significant in launching his career, his current focus is primarily on releases through OVO Sound and Republic Records, though he maintains positive relationships with his former labels.