Drake Collaborations That Launched or Elevated Other Artists’ Careers
Drake isn’t just a superstar—he’s also a career maker. Over the years, his features have helped artists break into the mainstream, reach new audiences, and land their highest-charting hits
Drake is more than a chart-topping superstar. He has a unique talent for elevating other artists. Over his career, countless collaborators have reached new levels of success thanks to his features. Some of these songs became career-defining moments, boosting visibility and fan bases.
When Drake appears on a track, it often grabs massive attention. Fans stream, radio stations play it nonstop, and the Billboard Hot 100 responds immediately. Artists who once struggled to break through suddenly find themselves in the spotlight. His influence spans genres, from hip-hop and R&B to Afrobeats and pop.
These collaborations do more than add star power. They showcase the featured artist’s skills, introduce them to global audiences, and sometimes deliver their highest-charting hits. Many artists credit Drake for opening doors that changed their careers.
The list below highlights ten collaborations that transformed artists’ careers. Some tracks launched newcomers into mainstream fame, while others revitalized established stars. Each song demonstrates Drake’s power as a career maker.
From first-time chart-toppers to international hits, these songs prove one thing: a Drake feature can change everything for an artist.
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1. Rihanna – “Work (ft. Drake)”
Drake helped Rihanna dominate the Hot 100 with this hit. “Work” spent nine weeks at No. 1. It combined dancehall rhythms with catchy melodies. The track boosted Rihanna’s global profile even further. “Work” remains one of her most iconic songs.
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2. Future – “Life Is Good (ft. Drake)”
“Life Is Good” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Drake’s feature gave Future a broader mainstream appeal. The song showcased their chemistry and unique flows. It became one of Future’s most-streamed tracks. The track solidified Future as a chart-topping artist.
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3. Lil Baby – “Yes Indeed (with Drake)”
This collaboration delivered Lil Baby’s first Top 10 hit. Drake’s verse amplified his presence on the Hot 100. The track opened doors to high-profile collaborations. It helped establish Lil Baby as a major force in hip-hop. “Yes Indeed” remains a fan favorite.
4. BlocBoy JB – “Look Alive (ft. Drake)”
Drake’s feature helped BlocBoy JB reach No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song became his breakout hit. Fans praised its catchy hook and energy. It introduced BlocBoy JB to mainstream audiences. “Look Alive” remains his signature track.
5. Tems – “Wait for U (with Future & Drake)”
Drake propelled Tems to her first No. 1 hit. The song reached global audiences instantly. Fans and critics praised her vocal performance. It showcased Tems’ potential as an international star. “Wait for U” became a career-defining track.
6. Wizkid – “One Dance (ft. Drake & Kyla)”
Drake’s feature turned Wizkid into a U.S. chart-topping star. “One Dance” reached No. 1 for ten weeks. The song blended Afrobeats and pop seamlessly. It introduced Wizkid to millions of new fans. The track remains his most recognizable international hit.
7. Chris Brown – “No Guidance (ft. Drake)”
Drake helped Chris Brown reach No. 5 on the Hot 100. The song became a summer anthem. It showcased their smooth vocal chemistry. “No Guidance” revitalized Chris Brown’s presence in mainstream R&B. Fans consider it one of his most memorable collaborations.
8. Yung Bleu – “You’re Mines Still (ft. Drake)”
Drake amplified Yung Bleu’s reach into the Top 10. The collaboration marked his mainstream breakthrough. Fans praised its emotional lyrics and melodic hook. It expanded his audience internationally. “You’re Mines Still” became his career-defining single.
9. Kendrick Lamar – “Poetic Justice (ft. Drake)”
Drake’s feature helped “Poetic Justice” reach No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The collaboration brought Kendrick more mainstream attention during good kid, m.A.A.d city era. Fans praised the smooth chemistry between the two artists. Despite later tension and brief public beef, this track marked a significant moment in both of their careers. “Poetic Justice” remains a standout collaboration in hip-hop history.
10. ILoveMakonnen – “Tuesday (Remix)
Drake’s remix turned ILoveMakonnen’s “Tuesday” into a Billboard hit. The song reached No. 12 on the Hot 100. It introduced ILoveMakonnen to a broader audience. The collaboration earned a Grammy nomination. “Tuesday” remains a standout track in ILoveMakonnen’s career.
