Drake

Drake has spent much of his musical career trying to put Toronto on the map (not literally, of course), and the fruits of his labour are now beginning to flourish. This year he released two mixtapes and reached the number two spot on the Billboard Top 100 with his hit song “Hotline Bling.” 

In February, he posted an Instagram photo with the words “If you’re reading this it’s too late,” to announce his surprise mixtape release. That post led to a social media wave of similar posters with different takes on the saying, and it even showed up on Ryerson University’s campus. Drake responded by showing up at the school’s orientation week concert with city councillor Norm Kelly. 

Kelly became known as one of the city’s biggest Drake fans after he stood up to rapper Meek Mill who tried (unsuccessfully) to bash Drake, claiming he doesn’t write his own lyrics. Drake responded with two “diss tracks” that put an end to the squabble. 

Another song that got Torontonians and the world chanting about the Six (a nickname coined by Drake) is “Know Yourself.” The song’s chorus features the line “I was running through the six with my woes.” Drake says he wanted to create a Toronto anthem the way Wiz Khalifa created a Pittsburgh anthem with the song “Black and Yellow.” Mission accomplished. 

When it comes to his friends, his influence has led to the Weeknd gaining huge success around the world, and he’s teamed up with chef Susur Lee on a new resto. 

Not to mention OVO Fest, which has become one of the most anticipated hip-hop festivals of the year, and his role as the Raptors’ ambassador. Toronto is definitely on the map now. It’s no wonder the city has accepted him as our “6 God” or at least that’s what the billboard above the Gardiner says.