Biography
Although raised amid constant music—his father performed the blues while his older brother backed Levon Helm and the Chairmen of the Board—OB O’Brien first gained notice through quick wit and recurring comic turns in videos by his employer Drake. Born and raised, like Drake, in Hamilton, Ontario, the future rapper wrote rhymes, crafted beats, and participated in drama clubs throughout high school. Their initial connection formed over video games at the precise moment Drake was concluding his stint on Degrassi: The Next Generation. The pair later collaborated on an unsold series meant to follow that show, yet O’Brien’s lasting visibility arrived when he appeared as the familiar “bearded dude” in the clips for Drake’s singles “Started at the Bottom” and “HYFR.” In 2014 he issued the track “Hazelton Trump” through Drake’s OVO imprint. The following year his co-writing and co-production credit, shared with Boi-1da, on Drake’s “Energy” yielded a Top 40 single from the album If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.
Singles
