October's Very Own

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Lore & Background

The label's origins trace back to 2006 when Drake released his first official mixtape, Room for Improvement, under the unofficial moniker "All Things Fresh," which eventually evolved into "October's Very Own." The name gained prominence as Drake featured it throughout his music and stage performances. In April 2013, PartyNextDoor became the label's first recording artist, followed by the signing of Toronto duo Majid Jordan in August 2013. By 2014, OB O'Brien and iLoveMakonnen joined, with Makonnen becoming the first non-Canadian act after producer Mike Zombie. The roster expanded to include Roy Woods and R&B duo Dvsn in 2015 and 2016. A significant turning point occurred on January 20, 2023, when Dutch-Caribbean singer Naomi Sharon was signed as the first female artist. In-house producers like 40, Boi-1da, Nineteen85, Mike Zombie, and T-Minus have shaped the label's distinct sonic identity since its formal founding in 2009.

In Their Own Story

The journey from an unofficial mixtape imprint to a global independent powerhouse began with Drake, 40, and Oliver El-Khatib formally establishing OVO Sound in 2009. While Drake maintained his solo deal with Republic Records through Young Money until his 2018 release Scorpion, the label he built became a distinct entity distributing content for its signed artists via Warner Records initially. In April 2013, the first official signing of PartyNextDoor marked a new chapter, quickly followed by Majid Jordan and later iLoveMakonnen, who left in 2016 to pursue solo interests with Warner. The label weathered changes and expanded its reach, adding Smiley in 2021 and Naomi Sharon in 2023. A major structural shift happened on January 23, 2024, when Santa Anna Label Group announced an investment partnership to take over distribution alongside providing new A&R resources, cementing the label's status as a fully independent entity with strong industry backing.

Reader's Guide

Fans engaging with OVO can explore its history through its radio ventures. OVO Sound Radio launched on Beats 1 on July 11, 2015, hosted by Drake and Oliver El-Khatib, premiering hits like "Hotline Bling" before ending on October 27, 2018. On March 4, 2021, the duo debuted a new 24-hour station called "Sound 42" on SiriusXM, bringing back OVO Sound Radio. For music discovery, the label's roster includes artists such as PartyNextDoor, Roy Woods, and Dvsn, alongside producers like Nineteen85 and T-Minus. The brand also extends into fashion through OVO Clothing, launched in 2011 with collaborations involving Roots Canada and the Toronto Raptors. Shoppers can visit flagship stores opened in Toronto (December 6, 2014), Los Angeles, New York (December 2016), Chicago (August 2019), and Vancouver (December 2018).

Did You Know?

• The label's roots trace back to 2006 under the unofficial name "All Things Fresh."
• iLoveMakonnen was the first non-Canadian act signed to OVO Sound after producer Mike Zombie.
• Naomi Sharon became the first female artist on the label when she joined in January 2023.
• OVO Sound Radio ended its run on Beats 1 on October 27, 2018, before moving to SiriusXM as "Sound 42" in 2021.
• NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky modeled for the OVO Clothing Fall and Winter 2020 collection.