The founder of Gallery Dept., Josué Thomas, discusses his Los Angeles roots, artist-first approach, and why ComplexCon's return to Los Angeles for its 10th anniversary hits close to home.
Oruny ChoiDrake
Aubrey Drake Graham first gained attention as an actor on the TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation before launching his music career with the 2009 mixtape So Far Gone. He was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He solidified his place in hip-hop with breakthrough albums like Take Care (2011), which won the Grammy for Best Rap Album, and Nothing Was the Same (2013). Known for hits such as “Started From the Bottom” and “Hotline Bling,” Drake helped popularize the atmospheric, moody sound associated with Toronto producers like Noah “40” Shebib, blending rap with R&B in a way that shaped the sound of the 2010s. Drake’s influence extends beyond music through collaborations with artists like Rihanna on “Work” (2016) and Future on the mixtape What a Time to Be Alive (2015). He launched the OVO Sound label in 2012 with 40 and Oliver El-Khatib, fostering Toronto’s music scene and expanding his entrepreneurial footprint. His 2018 album Scorpion broke streaming records on platforms like Spotify, underscoring his impact on hip-hop’s global reach and the evolution of rap’s melodic style.
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Dimas SanfiorenzoLatest Stories
Drake Sings Along to "Choosin' Texas" at Ella Langley's Sold-Out Arkansas Show
The rapper was spotted on the big screen jamming out and dancing at Langley's show.
Trey Alston17 minutes ago
Max B Picks Drake Over Kendrick Lamar: ‘I’m in the Clubs With It’
The Wave God says Drake should ignore the noise and focus on making music after the Kendrick battle.
Mark Elibert18 hours ago
Marc Lamont Hill Shuts Down Akademiks' Drake-Roc Nation Story: 'I Just Don't Care'
Hill rejected claims that Roc Nation ties or fear are behind his lack of interest in the story.
Mark Elibert2 days ago
Drake Teases 'Fear of Missing Out,' But What Is It?
In a post on Instagram, Drizzy shared a photo showing a CD case that reads, 'Fear of Missing Out.'
Joe Price2 days ago
The Game Seemingly Takes Aim at Kendrick Lamar on New Album: 'I'm the LA Monster'
With the arrival of 'The Documentary III,' the Compton rapper appears to have made it very clear which side of the Drake-K.Dot beef he stands on.
Joe Price2 days ago
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The Game's 'Documentary III' Arrives Tonight, Sides With Drake on New Teaser Track
The Compton rapper has surprised fans, announcing that his long-awaited sequel is dropping this evening.
Will Lavin3 days ago
Drake Opens New Music Venue in Canada’s Capital City
The music venue is named History, just like the Drake-backed venue of the same name in Toronto.
Joe Price3 days ago
Druski on Supporting Drake During Kendrick Lamar Feud: ‘That’s My Brother’
In a new GQ cover story, the comedian opens up about standing by Drake throughout the high-profile rap war and addresses a viral awards-show clip many read as a deliberate snub of Kendrick Lamar.
Mark Elibert4 days ago
Drake Calls Ella Langley a 'Goated Pen' and Fans Are Begging for a Collab
The comment came a day after Langley lip-synced Lil Wayne's verse on "HYFR" on TikTok.
Mark Elibert5 days ago
Charlamagne Asks Why Drake Chose Pinkchyu in 20-v-1: 'Why Are You Barking at the Hot Topic Chick?'
“Stuff like that just reminds me of how white Drake is," the radio personality said.
Trey Alston7 days ago
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Joe Budden Wants Drake to ‘Bait’ Jay-Z With Direct Diss: ‘Fire on That Old N***a’
Budden says it's time for Drake to “swing” and test whether Jay-Z's pen can still hold up.
Mark Elibert8 days ago
Wiz Khalifa Reacts to Drake Barking for Pinkchyu During 20 v. 1, Jokes He Would've Done the Same
Wiz watched the clip live on camera, called it funny, and pushed back on critics saying Drake lost his aura over the moment.
Mark Elibert9 days ago
Drake 20 v. 1 Winner Pinkchyu Says an Unnamed ‘Massive’ Musician Also Barked for Her
She won't reveal who the other musician is, except that they're "massive."
Trey Alston9 days ago
Drake Shares Timely Throwback Photo of Gothed-Out 'Degrassi' Character: 'This Sh*t Not New'
The timely Jimmy Brooks throwback comes after self-described "goth baddie" Pinkchyu won Drake's dating show-style streaming event.
Trace William Cowen10 days ago
Drake Will Buy Mom of 'Goth Baddie' Pinkchyu a House, Influencer Confirms
The goth influencer shared the exciting news with her mother after winning the '20 Women vs. Drake' stream.
Jaelani Turner-Williams11 days ago
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Drake Celebrates Family History With Throwback Photos: 'FOMO 2026'
Earlier this year, Drake's parents were featured on the cover art for 'Maid of Honour.'
Trace William Cowen11 days ago
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Drake's NELK-produced Kick speed dating special featured many women, most of whom are known for their OnlyFans work.
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