Drake has undeniably solidified his place as one of the most successful artists in the history of hip-hop. With a discography consisting of eighth studio albums, two compilation albums, and one EP, the Canadian has consistently showcased his versatility, musical prowess, and lyrical prowess.
Drake’s exceptional success in the music industry is exemplified by his remarkable first-week sales figures. From his debut album “Thank Me Later” to his latest release “Honestly, Nevermind,” Drake’s albums have garnered immense attention, with sales figures ranging from 200,000 to a staggering 1,000,000 units sold in their debut weeks.
Drake’s ability to achieve impressive first-week sales can be attributed to factors such as his popularity, understanding of the industry, strategic release timing, effective marketing campaigns, and his ability to connect with listeners through introspective lyrics. These elements have contributed to sustaining excitement and anticipation surrounding his music, fostering a devoted fanbase that eagerly supports his every release.
In this blog post, we rank all of Drake’s solo projects in order of first-week sales, starting from the lowest.
Album: Honestly, Nevermind
Release Date: 2022
Record Label: OVO Sound/ Republic Records
First Week Sales: 204,000
“Honestly, Nevermind” is Drake’s seventh studio album. The experimental album released on June 17, 2022, was met with mixed reviews due to its exploration of a dance-oriented sound. Despite being too different from his previous work, Honestly, Nevermind sold 204,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.
Album: Dark Lane Demo Tapes
Release Date: 2020
Record Label: OVO Sound/ Republic Records
First Week Sales: 223,000
“Dark Lane Demo Tapes” is a collection of unreleased songs and snippets that Drake had been working on for several years. The album features a variety of genres, including hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall. The project debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, behind Kenny Chesney’s album Here and Now.
Album: For All The Dogs
Release Date: 2023
Record Label: OVO Sound/ Republic Records
First Week Sales: 402,000
Drake’s eighth studio release, “For All The Dogs,” received a diverse range of reviews from both fans and hip-hop critics. Some critics pointed out its extended length and what they perceived as a relative lack of maturity in its content. Nevertheless, despite the mixed reception, the Canadian artist managed to secure his 13th No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart, as “For All The Dogs” debuted with impressive sales, moving 402,000 equivalent album units in its opening week.
Album: Thank Me Later
Release Date: 2010
Record Label: Cash Money/ Young Money Entertainment/ Aspire Music Group
First Week Sales: 447,000
“Thank Me Later” was Drake’s first major release after signing with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment label. The album was highly anticipated, and it exceeded expectations, selling over 447,000 copies in its first week. This made it the highest-selling debut album by a Canadian artist in history.
The album was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. “Thank Me Later” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, and it won the Juno Award for Rap Recording of the Year. The album helped to popularize a new style of rap that was more melodic and pop-oriented, and it is considered to be one of the most influential albums of the 2010s.
Album: More Life
Release Date: 2017
Record Label: OVO Sound/ Republic Records
First Week Sales: 505,000
“More Life” stands out as a unique project in Drake’s discography. Dubbed a “playlist,” rather than a traditional album, “More Life” showcases Drake’s exploration of various musical styles and genres, including hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and afrobeat.
It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 505,000 album-equivalent units sold in its first week. The album’s singles, “Passionfruit”, “Fake Love”, and “Free Smoke”, were all successful, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Album: IYRTITL
Release Date: 2015
Record Label: OVO Sound/ Republic Records
First Week Sales: 535,000
“IYRTITL” was released as a surprise drop in 2015. IYRTITL (short for If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late) showcased the Canadian’s raw and unfiltered approach to his music. The mixtape features hard-hitting beats, introspective lyrics, and an overall darker tone compared to his previous works.
With tracks like “Know Yourself” “Headlines,” and “Energy,” IYRTITL received critical acclaim for its cohesive sound and was a commercial success. It debuted atop the Billboard 200, breaking the record for the most first-week streams for an album by a male artist.
Album: Certified Lover Boy
Release Date: 2021
Record Label: OVO Sound/ Republic Records
First Week Sales: 603,000
“Certified Lover Boy” explores Drake’s experiences with love, lust, and heartbreak. The album, featuring collaborations with artists such as Jay-Z, Lil Baby, and Travis Scott, was a commercial success, becoming the best-selling album of 2021 in the United States. It was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in December 2021.
Album: Take Care
Release Date: 2011
Record Label: Cash Money/ Young Money Entertainment/ Aspire Music Group
First Week Sales: 631,000
“Take Care” is Drake’s third studio album. Released on November 15, 2011, the album stands as a seminal work in his discography and a defining moment in his career. With its introspective lyrics, atmospheric production, and emotive storytelling, “Take Care” showcased Drake’s vulnerability and growth as an artist. The album delves into themes of love, loss, fame, and self-discovery, resonating with listeners on a deep, personal level.
The album’s singles, “Headlines”, “Take Care”, “The Motto”, and “Make Me Proud”, were all successful.
Album: Nothing Was The Same
Release Date: 2011
Record Label: Cash Money/ Young Money Entertainment/ Aspire Music Group
First Week Sales: 658,000
“Nothing Was the Same” showcased Drake’s artistic growth and maturation. The project was a concept LP that explored his experiences with fame, relationships, and self-doubt.
Serving as his fourth studio album, “Nothing Was the Same” sold 658,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming Drake’s third consecutive number-one album. The album’s first-week sales were the highest for any album in 2013.
The album’s success was attributed to its strong critical reception, as well as its massive marketing campaign. Drake announced the album’s release date on Twitter just two weeks before it was released, and he also released a number of promotional singles and videos in the weeks leading up to the album’s release.
Album: Scorpion
Release Date: 2018
Record Label: OVO Sound/Republic Records
First Week Sales: 732,000
“Scorpion” is a double-disc album, with one side focusing on rap and the other showcasing Drake’s R&B influences. The album features a plethora of hit songs, including “God’s Plan,” “In My Feelings,” and “Nice for What,” which dominated charts and became cultural phenomena.
Scorpion was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200, behind 732,000 equivalent album units sold.
Album: Views
Release Date: 2016
Record Label: OVO Sound/Republic Records
First Week Sales: 1,040,000
“Views” stands as a significant milestone in his career and holds a distinct place in the hearts of fans. One unique aspect of the album is its profound connection to Drake’s hometown, Toronto, and the influence it had on the project. “Views” serves as an ode to the city, capturing its essence, culture, and experiences, while also reflecting Drake’s personal growth and introspection.
The album’s cover art featuring the iconic CN Tower against a moody sky became synonymous with the album and instantly recognizable. With its atmospheric production, introspective lyrics, and standout tracks like “Hotline Bling” and “One Dance,” “Views” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, with 1.04 million album-equivalent units sold in its first week. It was the largest first-week sale for an album in 2016, and it broke the record for the most first-week streams for an album in the United States.
