← Drake Decoded: How the International Star ‘Takes Care’ of Business

Drake-Degrassi-620×480

By Anslem Samuel | Published November 14, 2011 | Full size is 620 × 480 pixels

A CLASS ACT Before pursuing a career as a rapper under the name Drake, Aubrey Graham was known to Canadian audiences as “Wheelchair” Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation. From 2001-2008 Drake appeared in 138 episodes over the course of seven seasons and made a guest appearance in season eight. During his tenure on the show, Degrassi was a huge success. In season one it became the most watched domestic drama in Canada. By season two it became the most popular Canadian show for the three youngest age groups (viewers aged 2–12, 13–17 and 18–34). By season three it was again the most-watched all-Canadian drama series, and the most watched Canadian drama among adults 18–49. The episode where Drake’s character took a bullet in the back and became confined to a wheelchair after a school shooting brought in a then-season high of 930,000 viewers. Although numbers dipped considerably once Drake’s character graduated and was no longer on the show, Degrassi amassed over 50 awards during its run.

A CLASS ACT

Before pursuing a career as a rapper under the name Drake, Aubrey Graham…

(Image: Getty)