The label’s first release was Drake’s album “Take Care” in 2011. After the massive success of the album, Drake formed OVO Sound with longtime collaborators Oliver El-Khatib and Noah “40” Shebib. The label quickly gained popularity, with artists such as PARTYNEXTDOOR, Majid Jordan, and dvsn signing on.
OVO Sound’s style is characterized by smooth, atmospheric beats and introspective lyrics. The label’s roster of artists often use autotune on their vocals, giving their music a dreamy, almost otherworldly quality. OVO Sound has become a major influence on modern R&B and rap, with many artists attempting to mimic its signature sound.
One of the most successful artists to come out of OVO Sound is The Weeknd. The Canadian singer began collaborating with the label in 2011, releasing his debut mixtape “House of Balloons” the following year. The album was an instant hit, with the ethereal sounds and haunting lyrics resonating with listeners. The Weeknd continued to release several more mixtapes and albums through OVO, evolving his sound and gaining a massive following.
Another popular artist on the label is PARTYNEXTDOOR. The singer, songwriter, and producer released his debut mixtape in 2013, quickly gaining attention for his unique sound. His music fuses elements of R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music, creating a distinct sound that’s both dark and dreamy. PARTYNEXTDOOR has since released several more albums through OVO Sound, solidifying his place as one of the label’s top acts.
Majid Jordan is another artist on the OVO Sound roster that has gained popularity in recent years. The duo, consisting of singer Majid Al Maskati and producer Jordan Ullman, began collaborating with Drake early on in their career. They released their debut album in 2016, which was met with critical acclaim for its catchy tunes and unique production.
The success of OVO Sound is also due to the talent of its co-founders, Oliver El-Khatib and Noah “40” Shebib. El-Khatib serves as the label’s manager and often DJs at Drake’s concerts. Shebib is a producer known for his work with Drake, having produced many of the rapper’s biggest hits. Together, the two have helped shape the sound of OVO Sound and have contributed to the label’s success.
The popularity of OVO Sound has also led to the label branching out into other areas. OVO Fest is an annual music festival hosted by Drake in Toronto. The festival features performances from some of the biggest names in music, including OVO Sound artists as well as others. In addition to the festival, OVO has also released a clothing line, with merchandise featuring the label’s signature owl logo.
In conclusion, OVO Sound has become one of the most influential labels in modern music. The label’s signature sound has inspired countless artists and has helped shape the landscape of R&B and hip-hop. With a roster of talented artists and co-founders with a keen eye for talent, OVO Sound shows no signs of slowing down in the years to come.