OVO Sound

Founded in 2009 by Drake, 40, and Oliver El-Khatib; a Toronto-born label blending independent spirit with global distribution.

OVO Sound (October's Very Own) is a Canadian independent record label founded in 2009 by rapper Drake, producer Noah "40" Shebib, and manager Oliver El-Khatib. Originally operating as a subsidiary of Warner Music Group until 2022, the label transitioned to full independence before announcing a major partnership with Santa Anna Label Group in January 2024. The imprint has signed a diverse roster including PartyNextDoor, ILoveMakonnen, Majid Jordan, Roy Woods, Dvsn, and Naomi Sharon, becoming the first female artist on the label in 2023. Alongside its musical output, OVO Sound is supported by a dedicated team of in-house producers such as Boi-1da, Nineteen85, Mike Zombie, and T-Minus, all contributing to the label's distinct sonic identity.

Quick Facts

Founded

2009

Founder

Drake; 40; Oliver El-Khatib

Distributor

Warner Records (2012–2022)
Santa Anna Music Group (2024–present)
Republic Records (Drake releases; 2012–present)

Genre

Hip-hop
Toronto sound
trap
R&B
dancehall

Country

Canada

Location

Toronto, Ontario

Lore & Background

The roots of OVO Sound trace back to 2006, when Drake released his first official mixtape, Room for Improvement, under the unofficial banner "All Things Fresh," which eventually evolved into "October's Very Own." The label was officially founded in 2009 following the success of Drake's breakthrough mixtape, So Far Gone. In April 2013, PartyNextDoor became the first recording artist signed to the label. By August 2013, the Toronto duo Majid Jordan joined the roster. The label expanded its reach in 2014 with OB O'Brien and ILoveMakonnen, the latter being the first non-Canadian act after producer Mike Zombie. In-house producers Boi-1da, T-Minus, and Mike Zombie were signed upon the label's founding in 2012, establishing a core creative team that included Nineteen85 as part of the R&B duo Dvsn.

Reader's Guide

To navigate OVO Sound's ecosystem, one must understand its dual nature as both an independent label and a cultural brand. The label operates with a specific roster structure: current acts include PartyNextDoor, Roy Woods, Smiley (signed in 2021), Naomi Sharon (the first female artist signed in January 2023), and others like Popcaan and Baka Not Nice. Former signee ILoveMakonnen left in April 2016 to pursue solo interests with Warner. The creative engine is driven by in-house producers like 40, Boi-1da, Nineteen85, Mike Zombie, and T-Minus. Fans can experience the label's content through OVO Sound Radio, which premiered hits like "Hotline Bling" and "One Dance," or via the annual OVO Fest, founded in 2010 by Drake, 40, and Oliver El-Khatib. The festival returned in 2022 for an "October World Weekend" after a hiatus caused by the pandemic, with plans to return annually as of May 2025.

Did You Know?

OVO Sound Radio premiered chart-topping singles like "One Dance" during its run on Beats 1 from 2015 to 2018, though "Hotline Bling" had already been released in July 2015 before the show's October 2015 launch.
In November 2020, NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky modeled for the OVO Clothing Fall and Winter collection alongside former Olympian Ross Rebagliati.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded OVO Sound and what does the name mean?

OVO Sound is a Toronto-based record label established by Drake in 2012 to serve as his primary creative home and platform for signed talent. The acronym stands for "October's Very Own," referencing the month in which the rapper was born.

Which artists are officially part of the OVO Sound roster?

The imprint is known for launching select collaborators like PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, and Roy Woods who help define its signature style. These musicians work closely with Drake to produce music that blends hip-hop, R&B, and atmospheric pop elements.