Drake has disclosed an invoice indicating that he received a payment of $100 CDN for his performance as an opening act for Ice Cube at a concert in 2006
The invoice revealed that Drake, then 19, was paid a mere $100 CAD (approximately $72 USԀ) for his performance at the now-defunct Kool Haus venue in Toronto on August 19, 2006. The document, which included several redacted dollar amounts for other performers, highlighted the humble beginnings of the now-global superstar.
According to multiple reports and screenshots shared on social media, Drake later reposted the invoice and validated its authenticity. “This is for anybody getting 100 a show right now… keep going,” he reportedly wrote alongside the post, encouraging aspiring artists to persevere.
Drake, who often acknowledges his early career struggles, starred as Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation during the time of the concert. Despite his acting gig, he emphasized that the pay from Canadian television was modest. “A season of Canadian television is under a teacher’s salary, I’ll tell you that much. It’s definitely not something to go f—ing get,” he told Complex in 2001.
In a nod to his journey, Drake frequently shares throwbacks and reminisces about his past. In July, he posted a set of throwback pictures on Instagram, including a photo of himself in front of his old apartment door at 15 Fort York in Toronto, where he recorded much of his mixtape So Far Gone. The post also featured a young Jeff Bezos in his early Amazon office, with Drake captioning the photos, “Gotta start somewhere.” Bezos replied in the comments, quoting one of Drake’s famous lines, “Started from the bottom now we’re here.”
Drake’s story is a testament to his perseverance and dedication, serving as inspiration for many aspiring artists. Despite his modest beginnings, his journey from opening acts to global superstardom underscores the importance of persistence and hard work.
