Drake shares rare and never-before-seen personal childhood photos as he turns 40

Drake celebrated his 40th birthday on October 24 by sharing a heartfelt tribute to his younger self on social media. “I accept you for you,” the rapper wrote on Instagram alongside childhood photos, including one showing him sitting on a car hood while hugging a copy of the book 'My Teacher Fried My Brains.' At his 40th birthday party, the rapper joined the Backstreet Boys on stage to perform one of his favourite pop songs, 'I Want It That Way.'

In another rare throwback childhood photo, Drake was seen smiling while wearing a black cap, a white shirt and a red life jacket. Drake grew up in Toronto, spending his early years in a working-class home off Weston Road in the city's West End with his single mother, Sandra Graham. As he turned 40, the 'I Want It That Way' superfan got to live out his dream of becoming a bonus Backstreet Boy on Friday night, October 23, enthusiastically joining the group to sing their 1999 hit. The song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple on Top 40 radio and MTV’s TRL. Drake was 13 years old when the song was released. During the performance, Howie Dorough incorporated a line from Drake’s own hit 'Hold On, We’re Going Home' into the bridge.

A grainy, vintage photo shared on Drake's carousel showed him smiling alongside his mother, Sandra "Sandi" Graham, highlighting their close bond. Sandi raised Drake as a single parent after separating from his father, Dennis Graham, in 1991. The rapper has often paid tribute to his mother through his music, including songs like 'Look What You’ve Done' and 'You & The 6.' He has also featured her in his creative projects and regularly shares heartfelt tributes celebrating her influence on his life.

One of the edited throwback photos showed an overlay of Drake smiling with his father, Dennis Graham, in the background. Dennis was a drummer and songwriter who performed with music icon Jerry Lee Lewis before releasing his own R&B music, including the single 'Kinda Crazy.' Drake has also referenced his father in his music, including 'Forever.' In May 2026, he revealed on his album 'Iceman,' particularly the opening track 'Make Them Cry,' that Dennis had been battling lung cancer. The lyrics sparked concern among fans, but Dennis later clarified that follow-up medical checks showed the cancer had cleared.

Drake also shared another nostalgic childhood photo of himself holding a portable CD player, with his father, Dennis Graham, appearing in the background as an edited overlay. Despite past friction, their relationship has grown stronger over the years, with Dennis revealing that daily phone calls have helped them build an unbreakable bond. Drake has also discussed how his childhood experiences shaped his approach to fatherhood, explaining his desire to remain consistently present in his son Adonis’ life. Dennis has embraced his role as a grandfather, frequently expressing affection for Adonis, whom he has referred to as his "heart and buddy."