As we look back at another year in music, one thing remains clear: Drake continues to dominate the global soundscape. Despite not dropping a solo album in 2025, the Toronto-born superstar has emerged as Apple Music’s most-streamed artist of the year—an achievement that speaks volumes about his enduring influence and strategic collaborations.

Apple Music’s annual “Replay” feature, which highlights the year’s most popular tracks, recently revealed that Drake had secured the top spot in 2025. This accolade is no small feat, especially considering that his last solo album, For All The Dogs, was released in 2023. Instead of riding solely on past laurels, Drake cleverly navigated the year with high-profile collaborations and strategically teased new music.

In February 2025, Drake joined forces with fellow Canadian artist PARTYNEXTDOOR on the project Some Sexy Songs 4 U, delivering an irresistible collection with tracks like “GIMME A HUG” and “NOKIA.” These releases kept fans buzzing and streaming, further solidifying his presence on streaming platforms without the need for a full solo project. It’s a masterclass in staying relevant in the fast-paced music industry.

While Drake refrained from a full album release, he wasn’t idle. The artist has been diligently crafting his upcoming album, Iceman. Three singles—”What Did I Miss?”, “Which One” featuring Central Cee, and “DOG HOUSE” with Yeat and Julia Wolf—surfaced throughout the year. These tracks showcase Drake’s relentless pursuit of innovation and his willingness to push boundaries in both music and how it’s presented to the world.

Drake’s approach to releasing music via livestreams and his candidness about the challenges he faces in embracing new formats highlight his commitment to creative evolution. “I think the biggest misconception is how simple people think this is,” Drake shared in an interview with Complex. “When you try to do something new or different, people can be overly critical before really understanding what it takes.”

His ambition is not just to innovate for innovation’s sake, but to spark broader discussions on how music can be experienced in novel ways—setting trends for the future of the industry.

Drake may have closed the year without a solo album, but his impact is undeniable. Even Kendrick Lamar, a heavyweight in his own right, appeared multiple times among Apple’s Top 10 songs of 2025, with “luther” featuring SZA taking the No. 1 spot. Despite this, Drake’s collaboration “NOKIA” still managed a strong No. 7 finish, underscoring his unparalleled reach.

As we approach the release of Iceman, there’s palpable anticipation building in the music world. With no official release date shared yet, fans are left speculating and eagerly awaiting what the artist will unveil next. Given Drake’s track record, he’s certain to deliver something that not only tops charts but also challenges the way we listen to and experience music.

In a year marked by turbulence and change, Drake’s reign as the most-streamed artist of 2025 reminds us of his talent for adaptation and reinvention. It’s a testament to his unique position in the music world—where he leads not from the back, but squarely at the forefront, consistently reshaping the landscape.