In 2017, comparisons between The Weeknd and Drake dominated conversations about hip hop and R&B wealth, with fans and media closely tracking how each star leveraged music, tours, and endorsements into net worth.
Below is a focused look at the Weeknd net worth Drake net worth 2017 landscape, including verified ranges, income sources, and how each artist’s business moves shaped their financial position that year.
| Artist | Estimated Net Worth 2017 (USD) | Key Income Streams | Major Moves in 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Weeknd | $90 million | Album sales, streaming, touring, endorsements | Starboy album release, Super Bowl LVII halftime show, Puma deal |
| Drake | $220 million | Album sales, streaming, tours, OVO brand, endorsements | More Life playlist, 40 Acres studio expansion, Nike partnership |
| Industry Average (Top 10 Hip-Hop/R&B) | $130 million | Music, touring, merchandise, investments | Streaming revenue growth, brand collaborations rising |
| Projected Growth 2017–2019 | +30% (The Weeknd), +25% (Drake) | Expanding catalog, business ventures | Licensing, equity deals, festival headlining |
The Weeknd Net Worth 2017 Starboy Era Income Breakdown
Album and Streaming Revenue
The Weeknd net worth 2017 benefited strongly from Starboy, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and generated substantial streaming income on Apple Music and Spotify.
Touring and Live Performances
The Starboy: Legend of the Fall tour added millions to his coffers, while high-profile festival slots and a Super Bowl LVII halftime performance elevated his market value.
Endorsements and Partnerships
A Puma footwear and apparel deal signed in 2017 provided an upfront payment and long-term royalties, further diversifying his income beyond music.
Drake Net Worth 2017 OVO Empire and Touring
OVO Brand and Merchandise
Drake’s OVO label and merchandise operations scaled quickly in 2017, turning limited-edition drops and collaborations into high-margin revenue streams.
Catalog, Streaming, and Licensing
His playlists and back catalog continued to generate robust streaming payouts, while licensing deals for brand campaigns added to his wealth.
40 Acres and Studio Expansion
Drake’s investment in 40 Acres studio enhanced his production capabilities and long-term earning potential, reinforcing his status as both artist and mogul.
2017 Music Industry Wealth Context
Across 2017, the music industry saw streaming revenues climb, enabling top artists to convert massive play counts into meaningful net worth growth.
For the Weeknd and Drake, smart brand alliances, arena-scale tours, and expanding catalog value translated their streaming success into real net worth gains that outpaced many peers.
Artist Comparison 2017
While The Weeknd posted faster percentage gains thanks to new partnerships and a blockbuster halftime show, Drake maintained a net worth advantage through diversified business investments and a deeply integrated brand ecosystem.
Key Takeaways on Weeknd Net Worth Drake Net Worth 2017
- Streaming and catalog performance formed the baseline of wealth for both artists in 2017.
- Headlining tours and major live moments provided substantial near-term net worth boosts.
- Strategic brand partnerships, like Puma for The Weeknd and Nike for Drake, created lasting royalty streams.
- Business investments such as studios and labels amplified long-term earning power beyond recordings.
- Diversifying income across music, merch, and endorsements insulated both artists against industry volatility.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did The Weeknd’s net worth change between 2Starboy rollout and the end of 2017?
Strong album sales, the Super Bowl LVII performance, and the Puma deal drove significant gains, lifting his estimated net worth into the nine figures by year end.
What role did streaming play in Drake’s 2017 net worth?
Streaming generated a substantial portion of his income, with billions of streams across catalog and new releases translating into reliable, high-margin revenue.
Which artist had higher touring earnings in 2017, The Weeknd or Drake?
Drake’s touring scale and higher ticket prices typically delivered larger grosses, though The Weeknd’s Starboy tour also ranked among the top draws of the year.
How did brand deals impact each artist’s net worth in 2017?
The Weeknd’s Puma contract and Drake’s ongoing Nike partnership added millions in upfront payments and long-term royalties, diversifying income beyond recorded music.