Drake Celebrates 40th Birthday in New York with Extravagant Parties and RIAA Honors

Drake marked his 40th birthday over the weekend in New York City with a series of elaborate parties and significant career achievements.

On Friday evening, the artist celebrated at Casa Cipriani with over 400 guests. The event featured a surprise performance by the Backstreet Boys, with whom Drake performed their 1999 hit "I Want It That Way." During the celebration, Drake addressed the crowd, stating, "Tonight isn't about a tour, an album release, or a bunch of videos we shot. It's about being alive, staying alive." The festivities included a game show with substantial cash prizes and luxury gifts for attendees, such as handbags from Chanel and Hermès.

Drake also hosted a second birthday party on Saturday at Delilah, with notable guests including Alix Earle, Travis Scott, Landon Barker, and Jack Harlow.

Earlier on Friday, the rapper was seen leaving the restaurant Mamo in a brown 1990s Hermès fringed shawl, black long-sleeved top, and black leather pants. For his Saturday celebration, Drake sported a cheetah-print Chrome Hearts jacket with red crosses, a white button-up shirt, red leather pants, and brown boots, accessorized with gold jewelry.

Coinciding with his birthday weekend, Drake received 30 new certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on Friday. He became the first artist to achieve over 350 million certified units. His recent album, "Iceman," released on May 15, was certified platinum. Additionally, several of his releases achieved Diamond status, signifying at least 10 million sales or streams. These include his 2016 album "VIEWS," and singles "Marvins Room" (2011) and "In My Feelings" (2018). Drake now holds 18 Diamond certifications, the most of any artist.

Drake had also spent the week engaging in pre-birthday festivities in his hometown of Toronto, including a gathering at the CN Tower.