Drake is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter and actor from Toronto whose career began in the late 2000s and who has been a prominent figure in popular music since then. He is associated with hip hop and contemporary R&B, often blending rap with melodic singing and incorporating elements of pop and trap. Drake’s music is characterized by introspective and emotive lyrics, smooth vocal delivery, atmospheric production, and a focus on personal relationships, fame and self-reflection; he has been noted for popularizing a confessional, melody-driven approach within mainstream rap. His work has significantly influenced trends in 21st-century popular and urban music.