10 Shocking Secrets Drake Revealed About His Controversial Jimmy Brooks Degrassi Storyline (The 2025 Documentary Update)

The story of Aubrey "Drake" Graham's early career on *Degrassi: The Next Generation* is one of the most fascinating origin stories in modern entertainment, yet it’s often overshadowed by his global music dominance. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, a new spotlight is being shone on this foundational era with the highly anticipated documentary, *Degrassi: Whatever It Takes*. This film promises to give fans the most candid look yet at the actor-turned-rapper’s "wild journey," including his struggle with the show’s most controversial plot twist for his character, Jimmy Brooks. The transition from Canadian teen drama actor to one of the biggest names in hip-hop—the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning artist known simply as Drake—is a pivot that shaped his entire identity. The documentary provides a fresh, updated context to the eight years he spent at Degrassi Community School, revealing the behind-the-scenes tension and the creative crossroads that ultimately forced him to choose between acting and his true passion: music.

Aubrey "Drake" Graham: The Degrassi Biography

Before he was the "6 God" of Toronto, Drake was known to the world as Aubrey Graham, a young Canadian actor who landed a career-defining role on a beloved teen drama.

• Full Name: Aubrey Drake Graham
• Born: October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Role on *Degrassi*: Jimmy Brooks
• Seasons: Season 1 (2001) to Season 8 (2009) of *Degrassi: The Next Generation*
• Character Arc: Started as a popular, charming basketball star; his life was dramatically altered in the Season 4 episode "Time Stands Still" when he was shot by Rick Murray, resulting in paralysis and the use of a wheelchair.
• Music Career Start: Released his first mixtapes, *Room for Improvement* (2006) and *Comeback Season* (2007), while still actively filming *Degrassi*.
• Departure from *Degrassi*: Left the show in 2008 (though his final appearance was in 2009) to fully commit to his music career after signing with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment.
• First Major Album: *Thank Me Later* (2010)

The Controversial Wheelchair Storyline Drake Almost Quit Over

The character of Jimmy Brooks was central to some of *Degrassi: The Next Generation*'s most intense and memorable episodes. From relationship drama with Ashley Kerwin to his rivalry with Sean Cameron, Jimmy was initially the quintessential popular jock. However, his life—and Aubrey Graham's career—changed forever with the Season 4 school shooting arc.

1. The Shocking Read-Through for "Time Stands Still"

The new documentary, *Degrassi: Whatever It Takes*, highlights Drake’s candid reaction to the script where his character, Jimmy Brooks, is shot and paralyzed. Drake has reflected on the moment, describing it as a "wild journey" from his humble beginnings on the show to global stardom. The shooting, carried out by the bullied student Rick Murray, was one of the most powerful and darkest storylines in the show's history, and it instantly redefined Jimmy's role from a popular athlete to a student dealing with a permanent disability.

2. The Letter Demanding Jimmy Walk Again

One of the most revealing details to emerge over the years is Drake's reported discomfort with the long-term implications of the wheelchair storyline. He was concerned that being permanently associated with a character in a wheelchair would limit his future acting opportunities, particularly as he was attempting to launch a rap career. It was revealed that a letter was allegedly sent by Drake's team to the show's producers, stating that "Aubrey Graham will not return to *Degrassi* Season 6 as Jimmy Brooks unless his injury is healed, and he's out of the wheelchair".

3. The Producers' Firm Stance on Disability Representation

The show's creators stood firm on the decision, recognizing the importance of representing disability honestly and refusing to magically "cure" Jimmy for the sake of an actor's image. This tension underscores the serious, real-world themes that *Degrassi* always tackled, even if it meant friction with its rising star. Jimmy remained in his wheelchair for the remainder of his time as a main cast member, providing vital representation of life after a traumatic injury.

4. Balancing the Set with the Studio

During his final years on the show (2006-2008), Drake was leading a double life. He would spend full days on the *Degrassi* set in Toronto as Aubrey Graham, then spend his evenings recording music as Drake. This intense schedule, coupled with the creative differences over his character's arc, made his eventual departure inevitable. He was already building a buzz with mixtapes like *Room for Improvement* and *Comeback Season*.

5. The Financial Motivation to Leave

While Drake was a successful actor, his salary on the Canadian teen drama was reportedly not enough to sustain the lifestyle he desired, especially as he began to invest heavily in his music production. The financial ceiling of a TV actor versus the limitless potential of a hip-hop star was a clear motivating factor in his decision to leave *Degrassi* in 2008 to join Young Money Entertainment.

The Legacy: How Jimmy Brooks Shaped Drake’s Star Power

The story of Drake's time on *Degrassi* is not just a footnote; it is the foundation of his public persona and a narrative he continues to revisit.

6. The "Started From the Bottom" Narrative

The journey from a Canadian teen actor to a global superstar is the ultimate "Started From the Bottom" story, a phrase Drake himself popularized. His time as Jimmy Brooks provides a relatable, humble beginning that contrasts sharply with his current status as a cultural mogul. His acting background gave him a crucial advantage: comfort in front of the camera and a pre-existing fanbase that followed him into his music career.

7. The Enduring Cast Friendships and Reunions

Despite his massive fame, Drake has often shown love to his former *Degrassi* castmates. In 2018, he famously orchestrated a massive reunion in the music video for his song "I'm Upset," featuring stars like Miriam McDonald (Emma Nelson), Shane Kippel (Spinner Mason), and Ephraim Ellis (Rick Murray). This reunion proved that the bonds formed on the show were real and enduring. Furthermore, the continued presence of other cast members at recent conventions, such as the Nickel City Comic Con in late 2024, keeps the *Degrassi: The Next Generation* legacy alive and fresh in the public eye.

8. The Pop Culture Crossover Entity

Jimmy Brooks is arguably the most famous character to ever emerge from the *Degrassi* franchise. The constant reference to his acting past—from memes to late-night show skits—has cemented the character as a permanent pop culture entity. This crossover appeal is unique and has allowed Drake to maintain a connection with a demographic that might not typically follow hip-hop.

9. Drake's Role in the New *Degrassi* Documentary

The forthcoming *Degrassi: Whatever It Takes* documentary, which recently dropped a trailer, is the most current and significant piece of information linking Drake back to the show. His participation, despite his intensely private life, signals his recognition of the show's importance. His reflections on the series, which is set to premiere in 2025, will provide fresh, definitive insight into his mindset during the transition from Aubrey Graham, the actor, to Drake, the musician.

10. The Unseen Impact of the Toronto Scene

His early career was deeply rooted in the Toronto arts scene, which laid the groundwork for his later championing of Canadian talent and the "OVO" brand. *Degrassi* provided him with a platform within the city that allowed him to network and build the local buzz necessary to attract international attention, a crucial step that led to his signing with Lil Wayne. The show was his training ground, teaching him discipline and media savvy long before he needed it for global stardom.