How Drake’s Nickname “The 6” Made Toronto Cool
The Rise of Toronto’s Cultural Identity
For decades, Toronto lived in the shadow of global cities like New York, Los Angeles, and London. Known more for its politeness, hockey, and harsh winters than for its cultural influence, the city struggled to carve out a distinct identity in the world of music, fashion, and entertainment. That all changed when Aubrey Drake Graham, better known as Drake, emerged as a global superstar and branded his hometown with a simple yet powerful nickname: “The 6.”
What started as a local reference soon became a worldwide phenomenon, transforming Toronto from a modest Canadian metropolis into a cultural hotspot. Drake didn’t just put Toronto on the map—he made it cool. Through his music, his influence, and his relentless hometown pride, he turned “The 6” into a symbol of ambition, diversity, and success.
But how exactly did Drake’s nickname reshape Toronto’s image? And why did this moniker resonate so deeply with both locals and the world? This article explores the origins of “The 6,” its cultural impact, and how Drake’s love for his city turned Toronto into a global trendsetter.
The Origins of “The 6” – What Does It Mean?
Before “The 6” became a global brand, it was a local term with deep roots in Toronto’s geography and culture.
1.1 The Two Area Codes: 416 and 647
Toronto’s original area code was 416, but as the city grew, a second code, 647, was introduced. Drake merged these digits (4+1+6 = 6, and 6+4+7 = 17, but “6” stuck) to create a unifying symbol for the city.
1.2 The Six Boroughs
Another theory ties “The 6” to Toronto’s amalgamation in 1998, when six municipalities (Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, York, and East York) merged into one megacity. Drake referenced this in his 2016 album Views, solidifying the nickname.
1.3 Jimmy from Degrassi & the 6ix
Before he was Drake, Aubrey Graham played Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation. In the show, Jimmy was from Toronto, and Drake later paid homage to his roots by naming his 2016 album Views from the 6. The spelling “6ix” became a trendy variation, further embedding the term in pop culture.
How Drake Made “The 6” a Global Phenomenon
Drake didn’t just name-drop Toronto—he built an entire brand around it. Here’s how he turned “The 6” into a cultural movement.
2.1 Music as a Love Letter to Toronto
From early mixtapes to chart-topping albums, Drake’s lyrics are filled with Toronto references:
- “Know Yourself” (2015) – The iconic line “Running through the 6 with my woes” became an anthem.
- “Started From the Bottom” (2013) – Highlighted his Toronto grind.
- “5AM in Toronto” (2013) – A lyrical ode to his city’s hustle.
These songs didn’t just celebrate Toronto—they made outsiders curious about the city’s vibe.
2.2 The OVO Brand & Toronto’s Fashion Scene
Drake’s October’s Very Own (OVO) label became synonymous with Toronto’s emerging fashion scene. OVO’s owl logo, collaborations with Jordan Brand, and annual OVO Fest turned the city into a streetwear destination. Suddenly, wearing OVO wasn’t just about Drake—it was about repping “The 6.”
2.3 The Raptors’ Rise & “North Side” Pride
Drake’s role as the Toronto Raptors’ global ambassador (starting in 2013) helped rebrand the team—and the city—as a cultural force. His courtside presence, “We The North” campaign, and Drake Night games made basketball a key part of Toronto’s cool factor. When the Raptors won the NBA Championship in 2019, Drake’s celebration was a victory lap for the entire city.
2.4 Turning Toronto into a Music Mecca
Before Drake, Toronto’s music scene was known for indie rock (Broken Social Scene, Metric) and occasional hip-hop stars (Kardinal Offishall, Maestro Fresh Wes). But Drake’s success opened doors for artists like:
- The Weeknd – Another Toronto native who became a global superstar.
- Tory Lanez – Brought attention to the city’s rap scene.
- Pressa, Smiley, & others – Toronto’s drill and rap wave gained traction.
Now, record labels and A&Rs flock to Toronto looking for the next big star.
The Cultural & Economic Impact of “The 6”
Drake’s influence didn’t just make Toronto cool—it had real-world effects on the city’s economy, tourism, and global reputation.
3.1 Tourism & The “Drake Effect”
- OVO Fest – An annual music festival that brought stars like Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Eminem to Toronto.
- Drake’s Mansion – His Bridle Path estate became a tourist attraction.
- Restaurant & Nightlife Boom – Drake’s investments in spots like Pick 6ix and Fring’s put Toronto’s dining scene on the map.
3.2 Toronto as a Filming & Entertainment Hub
Thanks to Drake’s influence, Toronto became a hotspot for film and TV:
- Netflix & HBO now film major productions in the city.
- “The Weeknd’s” The Idol and Drake’s Euphoria-inspired plans show Toronto’s growing entertainment pull.
3.3 Real Estate & The “6ix” Premium
Neighborhoods like Forest Hill (where Drake grew up) and Yorkville saw increased interest from buyers. The “Drake effect” even influenced condo developers to name buildings after his lyrics.
Criticisms & Challenges – Did “The 6” Overshadow Toronto’s Real Identity?
While Drake’s impact is undeniable, some argue that “The 6” narrative oversimplifies Toronto’s diverse culture.
4.1 Gentrification & Rising Costs
As Toronto became “cool,” housing prices soared, pushing out long-time residents. Some locals feel the “6ix” brand only benefits the wealthy.
4.2 Does Drake Really Represent All of Toronto?
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with thriving Caribbean, South Asian, and Chinese communities. Some argue Drake’s version of “The 6” doesn’t fully capture the city’s diversity.
4.3 The Pressure on Toronto Artists
With Drake setting the bar so high, emerging artists face immense pressure to match his success. Some struggle to break out of his shadow.
Conclusion: The Legacy of “The 6” – More Than Just a Nickname
Drake’s “The 6” did more than give Toronto a catchy nickname—it redefined the city’s global image. From music and fashion to sports and tourism, his influence turned Toronto into a cultural capital.
But beyond the glitz, “The 6” represents something deeper: pride in where you come from. Drake showed the world that Toronto wasn’t just a quiet Canadian city—it was a place of talent, hustle, and endless potential.
Whether you love him or critique him, one thing is undeniable: Drake made Toronto cool. And because of him, “The 6” will forever be more than just a number—it’s a movement.
