The founders of the OVO (October's Very Own) fashion label are Drake, the renowned Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter; his long-time friend and business partner Oliver El-Khatib; and producer Noah "40" Shebib. Together, they have built OVO into a prominent lifestyle brand encompassing music, clothing, and a record label.
Drake, whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur. He first gained recognition as an actor on the teen drama television series "Degrassi: The Next Generation" in the early 2000s. Intending to pursue a music career, he left the series and released his debut mixtape "Room for Improvement" in 2006.
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Drake's music career took off after the release of his critically acclaimed mixtapes "Comeback Season" and "So Far Gone," the latter of which was released in 2009 and led to a recording contract with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment. His rise to fame continued with the release of his studio albums, including "Thank Me Later," "Take Care," "Nothing Was the Same," and "Views." His album "Take Care" won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Drake is also known for popularizing "The 6ix," a nickname for his hometown of Toronto.
Oliver El-Khatib's journey began in Toronto, Canada, where his passion for music and culture quickly became apparent. He started his career in the retail industry, working at a clothing store that doubled as a hub for the city's burgeoning creative scene. Here, El-Khatib honed his branding and marketing skills, understanding the power of connecting with a community through shared interests and aesthetics.
In 2008, El-Khatib, alongside rapper Drake and producer Noah "40" Shebib, founded October's Very Own. What started as a blog to share music and ideas soon evolved into a full-fledged lifestyle brand. OVO became synonymous with a sound and style that was distinctly Toronto yet universally appealing. As the brand's creative director, El-Khatib was instrumental in crafting its image, overseeing collaborations, and expanding its reach beyond music into fashion and retail.
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Born on March 31, 1983, in Toronto, Ontario, Shebib has been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern hip-hop and R&B music. His moniker "40" is derived from the phrase "40 days and 40 nights," reflecting the myth that he could work tirelessly without sleep. His contributions to music have earned him two Grammy Awards out of 18 nominations, solidifying his status as one of the most successful producers of his generation.
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Beyond his work with Drake, Shebib has produced for other high-profile artists, including Lil Wayne, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, and Jamie Foxx. His production credits include hits like "Fall for Your Type" by Jamie Foxx featuring Drake, "Over" by Drake, and "I'm on One" by DJ Khaled featuring Drake, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne.
Recognizing the potential to disrupt the music industry, El-Khatib co-founded OVO Sound, the record label arm of the brand. As a tastemaker with an ear for talent, he played a crucial role in signing and developing artists like PARTYNEXTDOOR, Majid Jordan, and dvsn. Since, OVO Sound has become a powerhouse, consistently releasing chart-topping hits and critically acclaimed projects.
