What Happened to OVO Sound?

OVO Sound, an acronym for October's Very Own, was officially founded in 2009 by global superstar Drake, alongside his long-time producer Noah "40" Shebib and manager Oliver El-Khatib. The label's roots trace back to 2006 with Drake's early mixtapes, laying the groundwork for what would become a cultural phenomenon. Initially, OVO Sound operated as a subsidiary under Warner Music Group, a partnership that facilitated its early growth and distribution for artists like PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, Roy Woods, and Dvsn, who joined the roster in the mid-2010s.

A significant turning point for OVO Sound occurred in 2022 when the label transitioned to become fully independent from Warner Music Group. This move granted OVO greater control over its artistic direction and business operations. Following this, in January 2023, OVO Sound made headlines by signing Dutch-Caribbean singer Naomi Sharon, marking its first female artist. The label further solidified its distribution capabilities in January 2024 by announcing an investment and partnership with Santa Anna Label Group, a subsidiary of Sony Music, which took over distribution and provided A&R support.

The period leading up to mid-2026 has seen OVO Sound continue its expansion and influence. In January 2026, Toronto artist Pimmie was officially signed to the label, following an appearance on Drake's album "$$$4U." July 2026 brought news of OVO Sound publicizing a partnership with underground producer YBG Reyo, known for his work on Drake's "Views" and "Honestly, Nevermind." Beyond music, the OVO brand, under Drake's strategic vision, has significantly diversified. In July 2026, reports confirmed OVO Sound's expansion into sports ownership, signaling a new chapter in its growth as a comprehensive entertainment empire.

Drake's own musical output under the OVO umbrella remained prolific in 2026. In May, he released a trilogy of albums: "Iceman," "Habibti," and "Maid of Honour." These releases sparked widespread speculation that Drake might be fulfilling his contract with Universal Music Group (UMG), potentially paving the way for future independent releases. OVO Sound President Mr. Morgan further fueled these rumors by hinting at another Drake project for winter 2026. Most recently, in August 2026, PARTYNEXTDOOR released a 10th-anniversary edition of his album P3 with new songs, and Drake continued to tease new music, including a project titled "fear of missing out."

Adding to the brand's evolving business landscape, June 2026 saw reports of Drake being in talks to sell a 50% stake in his broader OVO brand (encompassing clothing and lifestyle) to Authentic Brands Group (ABG). This potential deal, estimated to involve a brand worth hundreds of millions of dollars, underscores OVO's transformation from a music collective into a powerful global lifestyle conglomerate, leveraging its cultural influence across various industries.