OVO Sound

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Lore & Background

The roots of OVO Sound trace back to 2006 when Drake's mixtape 'Room for Improvement' was released under the unofficial banner 'All Things Fresh,' which eventually evolved into October's Very Own. The label officially launched in 2012 following the success of Drake's second studio album, initially operating with a distribution partnership through Warner Records. In 2014, a separate five-year joint venture deal with Warner Music Group was reported, distinct from the initial 2012 distribution partnership. A major turning point occurred in 2012 when Drake and 40 began collaborating with producers like Boi-1da, but contrary to earlier claims, Boi-1da was never signed as an in-house producer, and T-Minus and Mike Zombie were never signed to OVO at all. The first recording artist, PartyNextDoor, was signed and revealed in April 2013. By August 2013, the Toronto duo Majid Jordan joined, followed by ILoveMakonnen in 2014, with Makonnen becoming the first non-Canadian act to sign as a recording artist before leaving in 2016. The roster expanded with Roy Woods and R&B duo Dvsn in 2015 and 2016 respectively. In 2023, Dutch-Caribbean singer Naomi Sharon was signed, marking the label's first female signee.

In Their Own Story

In April 2013, Drake revealed PartyNextDoor as the label's first official artist shortly after reports surfaced of his negotiations. By August that same year, the Toronto duo Majid Jordan was announced, followed in 2014 by OB O'Brien and ILoveMakonnen, who became the second non-Canadian signee after producer Mike Zombie. Makonnen departed in April 2016 to pursue solo interests with Warner. The label continued its momentum with Canadian rap artist Roy Woods and R&B duo Dvsn joining in 2015 and 2016; each act released an EP and a studio album respectively. In-house production has been driven by Noah "40" Shebib, Boi-1da, Nineteen85, Mike Zombie, and T-Minus. A significant shift occurred on January 23, 2024, when Santa Anna Label Group announced an investment partnership to take over distribution alongside providing new A&Rs. Prior to this, the label had operated independently since leaving Warner Music Group in 2022, after previously extending its deal with Warner in 2017.

Reader's Guide

OVO Sound serves as the primary vehicle for Drake's artists and in-house producers, distinct from his solo distribution history with Young Money/Cash Money. While Drake himself was signed to Republic Records through Young Money and Cash Money for nine years until his 2018 release 'Scorpion,' artists signed directly to OVO Sound have their content distributed through Warner (until 2022) and subsequently Santa Anna Label Group. The label operates with a specific focus on melodic hip-hop and R&B, evidenced by the signing of diverse acts like the dancehall-influenced Popcaan and Baka Not Nice alongside Canadian staples. For fans seeking new music, OVO Sound Radio offers a direct line to premieres; the show aired fortnightly on Beats 1 from July 11, 2015, to October 27, 2018, hosting hits like "Hotline Bling" and "One Dance." In March 2021, this evolved into 'Sound 42,' a 24-hour SiriusXM station. The label also celebrates its culture through OVO Fest, founded in 2010 with Drake, 40, and Oliver El-Khatib, which returned in 2022 after a pandemic hiatus and is scheduled for summer 2025.

Did You Know?

• Naomi Sharon became the first female artist signed to OVO Sound in 2023.
• The label's roots began in 2006 with Drake's mixtape 'Room for Improvement' under the name 'All Things Fresh'.
• ILoveMakonnen was the first non-Canadian recording artist to sign to OVO Sound.
• OVO Sound Radio debuted on July 11, 2015, and premiered platinum-selling singles like 'Hotline Bling' before ending in October 2018.
• In January 2024, Santa Anna Label Group announced an investment to take over distribution for OVO Sound alongside Warner Music Group's previous role.