Noah Shebib
The producer who turned Toronto's nights into a global sound.
Noah James Shebib, known globally as 40, is a Canadian record producer, songwriter, and executive from Toronto who has shaped the sound of modern hip-hop. Best recognized for his extensive work with fellow Torontonian Drake, Shebib has been involved in every major project since 2008. His production style, characterized by downtempo and ambient textures, defines Drake's discography. Beyond Drake, he has produced for artists like Lil Wayne, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé. A co-founder of OVO Sound alongside Drake and Oliver El-Khatib, Shebib has secured two Grammy Awards from 20 nominations.
- Role
- Executive Producer, Songwriter, Co-Founder
- Affiliation
- OVO Sound (Co-founder)
- First Major Appearance
- So Far Gone (2008)
- Status
- Active
- Real Name
- Noah James Shebib
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Shebib's journey began not in the studio but as a child actor. He first appeared in the 1996 "Go Eat Worms" episode of Goosebumps and later held a consistent role on the Gemini Award-winning series Wind at My Back. His most prominent acting role was as one of the lead males in the critically acclaimed film The Virgin Suicides during his teen years, followed by smaller parts in The Last Don and Perfect Pie, which marked his retirement from acting. Before crafting beats, he DJ'd under the name DJ Chilly alongside MC Elite. He earned the nickname "40 Days & 40 Nights" early on because he would work in the studio all night without sleep. His transition to production involved working with local Toronto artists like Empire, Knamelis, and Saukrates before meeting Aubrey Graham (Drake) in 2005.
In Their Own Story
In 2005, Shebib met then-Degrassi star Aubrey Graham. Initially, Shebib served only as a recording and mixing engineer with no songwriting or production input. However, after just three days of work, he decided to build an exclusive relationship with Drake, proclaiming they were "going to take over the world together." His big break arrived in 2008 when he executive produced Drake's mixtape So Far Gone alongside Boi-1da. Shebib recorded and mixed every song on the project, producing key tracks like "The Calm," "Houstatlantavegas," "Bria's Interlude," and "Successful." He continued this dominance on Drake's debut album Thank Me Later and second album Take Care, co-producing almost every song on the latter while handling all recording and mixing duties. This collaboration extended through Drake's third album Nothing Was the Same, fourth studio album Views, and Scorpion.
Reader's Guide
Shebib's production is described as "sparse, ambient, slow-jam-like tracks dominated by brooding synths, minimalist piano or guitar parts, stripped-down, often muffled drums, and cinematic atmospheric treatments." A prime example is the song "Marvins Room," which he mixed to be "very dark and quiet and muddy" with vocals cutting through "like a razor" and heavy low end. His personal life has been marked by health challenges; in 2005 at age 22, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a condition also affecting his mother. He was a primary caregiver for his father, Donald Shebib, during the director's final weeks. In recognition of his contributions, York University awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) on October 12, 2022. Politically, he signed the Artists4Ceasefire letter in late 2023 regarding Gaza and supported Lebanon following the 2020 Beirut port explosion by releasing OVO merchandise with proceeds going to the Lebanese Red Cross.
Did You Know?
- Shebib was pregnant with his mother, Tedde Moore, during the production of the 1983 film A Christmas Story.
- He earned the nickname '40' because he would work in the studio throughout the night without sleep.
- His father, Donald Shebib, was a Canadian film director of Lebanese and Irish origin.
- Shebib worked exclusively as an engineer for three days with Drake before deciding to build a permanent creative partnership.
- He co-produced 'Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)' for Alicia Keys and 'Demonstrate' for JoJo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Noah Shebib?
Noah James Shebib, professionally known as 40, is a Toronto-based record producer and executive who has been integral to Drake's career since 2008. He co-founded the OVO Sound label and is responsible for crafting the atmospheric beats that define much of his friend's discography.
What is Noah Shebib's role in music?
As an executive producer, he crafts atmospheric soundscapes using slow beats and layered instruments that define the artist's signature vibe. He also manages business operations as a co-founder of OVO Sound alongside Drake and Oliver El-Khatib.
Is Noah Shebib still active?
Yes, 40 remains an active member of the industry with no indication of stepping away from his creative duties. He continues to produce new music and oversee projects under the OVO banner while maintaining his public profile.
Why is Noah Shebib considered important?
His production work helped turn Toronto's local hip-hop scene into a worldwide cultural force, resulting in high recognition and two wins at the Grammy Awards. Fans credit him with establishing the signature sound that propelled Drake to global superstardom.
Who has Noah Shebib produced besides Drake?
Beyond his partnership with Drake, he has crafted hits for high-profile artists such as Lil Wayne, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé. This demonstrates his ability to adapt his unique style across different genres and major pop records.
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