ElGrandeToto: Morocco's Drake | 5 Parallels Between 2 Hip Hop Giants
When we talk about global hip-hop, Drake is an undeniable force. He shot to fame under Lil Wayne’s guidance and has since become one of the most streamed artists ever, completely reshaping what it means to be a modern rapper. Halfway across the world, ElGrandeToto (aka EGT or Toto) has been charting a similar course, revolutionizing Moroccan rap and becoming a household name throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
While their paths originate in different cultures, the similarities between these two artists are clear. From their record-breaking achievements to their widespread appeal, here are five key reasons why ElGrandeToto is “Morocco’s Drake.”
Drake – Over (Music Video) | One of Drake’s first singles (2010)
ElGrendeToto – 7elmet Ado (Music Video) | One of Toto’s first singles (2016)
1. Record-Breaking Numbers and Streaming Dominance
Drake’s impact as the highest-certified digital singles artist in U.S. history is unparalleled. He has sold 142 million units through a combination of sales and streams, consistently setting the bar for success in the streaming era. His single “God’s Plan” is certified 15x Platinum, while “Hotline Bling” and “One Dance” have both achieved rare Diamond certifications. As of 2025, Drake remains Spotify’s most-streamed male artist in history, having topped Spotify’s annual most-streamed artist list three times (in 2015, 2016, and 2018).
ElGrandeToto has achieved comparable dominance in his region. He became the first Moroccan rapper to earn a gold certification with his collaboration “Love Nwantiti (North African Remix),” featuring Nigerian afrobeats artist CKay, which was certified gold by the SNEP in France. His debut album, Caméléon (2021), broke new ground as the first MENA rap album to reach 100 million Spotify streams and was ranked among Spotify’s top six global album debuts, a first for any Arab/Amazigh artist. By 2025, Toto’s album 27 (2023) was also certified gold, along with three singles: “Dellali,” “Mghayer,” and “Blue Love.” Notably, Toto has become the most-streamed artist in MENA history, holding this title for four consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024).
Both artists have made history in their respective markets, using streaming platforms to expand their reach. Drake has consistently topped global charts, shattering records on Spotify and Apple Music. His hit “One Dance” was one of the most streamed songs on Spotify and the best-performing single worldwide in 2016. Similarly, ElGrandeToto is the undisputed king of streaming in the MENA region. In 2025, Toto became the first Moroccan artist to surpass 1 billion total streams, a milestone that firmly established him as a powerhouse in African music.
Drake – Hotline Bling (Music Video) | Drake’s most-viewed music video (solo) and one of the most watched rap songs on YouTube
ElGrandeToto – Mghayer | Toto’s most-viewed music video (solo) and one of the most watched Moroccan rap songs on YouTube
2. Drake and ElGrandeToto: From Protégés to Superstars
Drake’s ascent would not have been possible without Lil Wayne. As the face of Young Money, Wayne discovered Drake, mentored him, and provided him with a platform to shine. However, Drake didn’t just follow in Wayne’s footsteps; he surpassed him in commercial success, streams, and awards, though not necessarily in legacy. Over time, Drake’s ability to fuse rap and R&B, combined with his talent for crafting emotionally resonant lyrics, made him one of hip-hop’s most influential figures. He’s frequently credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities in rap and inspiring a wave of artists to adopt a similar style.
ElGrandeToto’s journey mirrors Drake’s in many ways. He was discovered by 7liwa, the founder of Zawa City, a transformative figure in Moroccan rap, who gave him his initial spotlight. Like Drake, Toto quickly outpaced his mentor in commercial success and global recognition, though 7liwa’s cultural impact remains foundational. Toto also took 7liwa’s use of auto-tune and elevated it, introducing a strong R&B influence to his music with melodic hooks and vocal-driven tracks. This innovation inspired a new generation of Moroccan artists to follow his lead, much like Drake’s influence on modern rap globally.
Remarkably, both artists, in less than a decade, managed to eclipse their mentors in numbers, accolades, and international recognition. Although 7liwa’s and Wayne’s cultural impact remain unparalleled, Toto has become Morocco’s most prominent rapper, much like Drake became Canada’s top musical export. Both artists demonstrate how protégés can evolve into superstars, leaving their own distinct mark on the industry.
Drake ft. Lil Wayne – Ransom (2008) | Wayne’s earliest Young Money collab, putting the spotlight on Drake’s debut album “So Far Gone” (2009)
7Liwa ft. 7ari x Inkonnu x Toto x Drizzy x Zeroten – Mi Amore (2017) | 7liwa’s first Zawa City collective collab, putting the spotlight on then unknown rapper Toto (along with Inkonnu and 7ari)
3. Drake and ElGrandeToto: Crossover Hits and Global Reach
Part of Drake’s success stems from his versatility, as he can effortlessly move between rap, R&B, Afrobeat, dancehall, and pop. From the reggaeton-inspired “MIA” with Bad Bunny, pop-infused tracks like “Hotline Bling,” to the Afrobeat vibes of “One Dance,” Drake’s knack for creating crossover hits has cemented his global appeal. He is a master at crafting songs that resonate with listeners across genres and borders. His ability to blend rap, R&B, and international sounds has earned him massive followings worldwide.
Similarly, ElGrandeToto has built a career on genre-bending versatility. His discography spans a wide range of styles, including rap, Afrobeat, Marseille, reggaeton, and traditional Moroccan influences. His collaboration on the “Love Nwantiti (North African Remix)” with Nigerian star CKay became a viral sensation, earning Toto the first gold certification in Moroccan history and surpassing 100 million Spotify streams. Meanwhile, tracks like “Blue Love” lean into soulful R&B and “Bouhali” into Morap. Toto’s ability to experiment with various genres while staying true to his roots mirrors Drake’s approach, proving that versatility is crucial for global success.
Furthermore, Drake’s ability to connect with listeners emotionally is one of his greatest strengths. Songs like “Marvins Room” and “God’s Plan” showcase his skill in blending vulnerability with commercial appeal. ElGrandeToto has similarly mastered the art of crossover appeal. In 2020, after losing his mother, he released “Mghayer” as a tribute to her. The song became an instant hit, and its music video remains his most-viewed video on YouTube, with around 130 million views as of June 2025. Both artists have the talent to balance deeply personal themes with mainstream appeal.
BAD BUNNY x DRAKE – MÍA (Official Video) | One of Drake’s most successful features is this Reggaeton single
CKay – Love Nwantiti (ft. ElGrandeToto) [North African Remix] [Official Music Video] | One of Toto’s most successful features is this Afrobeats single
4. Drake and ElGrandeToto: Awards and Accolades
Drake’s list of accolades is almost endless. He has won approximately 300 awards in total, including 5 Grammys (from 55 nominations), over 40 Billboard Music Awards (where he was named Artist of the Decade), and over 20 BET Hip Hop Awards. He also holds the record for the most charted songs of any artist (358) and the most top 10 hits (80), and was Spotify’s most-streamed artist of the 2010s. His influence on hip-hop and pop culture has solidified him as not just a rapper, but a global icon.
ElGrandeToto’s accolades, though achieved in a different market, are equally impressive. He won Best Hip-Hop/Rap Artist at the 2020 African Entertainment Awards USA and was named Most Promising African Artist in 2021. In 2024, at the inaugural Billboard Arabia Awards, Toto swept three categories: Artist of the Year – Arabic Hip-Hop, Top Arabic Hip-Hop Male Artist, and Top Arabic Hip-Hop Song for “Blue Love.”
Their consistent dominance at award shows year after year reflects their unwavering excellence and relevance in the music industry. While the scale of their awards differs due to their respective markets, both Drake and Toto have set benchmarks for success in their industries.
5. Drake and ElGrandeToto: Impactful Albums & Critical Acclaim
Drake has cemented his status as a defining artist of his generation through a series of impactful albums that combine critical acclaim with massive commercial success. His seminal work, Take Care (2011), is frequently cited among the best hip-hop albums ever, earning a prestigious spot at #95 on Rolling Stone‘s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. He further solidified his reputation with Nothing Was the Same (2013), lauded for its masterful blend of rap and R&B and its consistent presence on year-end best-of lists. This consistent ability to achieve both artistic recognition and widespread popularity is central to Drake’s legacy.
Similarly, in the realm of Moroccan rap, ElGrandeToto has delivered albums with transformative impact. His debut, Caméléon (2021), was a groundbreaking success, becoming the first rap album from the MENA region to surpass 100 million streams on Spotify and securing the #7 position on DimaTOP Magazine‘s list of Best Moroccan Rap Albums. He followed this with 27 (2023), which achieved an even higher critical ranking at #4 on the same list and attained gold certification in 2025. Together, these albums have fundamentally redefined the standards and possibilities for Moroccan rap, setting a high benchmark for future artists.
Ultimately, the discographies of both Drake and Toto represent far more than just collections of songs; they are cultural milestones. Their most celebrated albums have profoundly shaped the sound and perception of hip-hop within their respective countries (Canada/US and Morocco) and broader regions (North America and the MENA region). Each artist, through critically lauded and commercially dominant releases, has established a legacy as a generational talent who redefined the possibilities and expectations of their local scenes.
Conclusion | Drake and ElGrandeToto: Two Icons, One Legacy
At first glance, Drake and ElGrandeToto might seem worlds apart, one from Toronto, the other from Casablanca. Yet, their journeys reveal striking parallels. Both rose from protégés to superstars, broke records in their respective regions, and became cultural icons whose influence extends beyond music.
Drake transformed Canadian hip-hop into a global force, while Toto has done the same for Moroccan rap. Their ability to connect with audiences across cultures, languages, and genres proves that great music knows no borders.
So, is ElGrandeToto really “Morocco’s Drake”? Absolutely. But more importantly, both are trailblazers, redefining what it means to be a rapper in their own unique ways.
