Why Drake Managed to Rule Hip-Hop in 2014 -- Without a New Album or Hit Single

Drake also has become rap’s hottest co-sign, with his guest spots helping lead nine songs to the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2014. His verses on remixes of Tinashe's "2 On" and his OVO Sound signee I Love Makonnen's Grammy-nominated "Tuesday" boosted both onto the Hot 100. Drake's mere quoting of Dej Loaf's "Try Me" on Instagram led the Detroit MC to a viral hit and Columbia contract. And it's worth noting that Makonnen, Dej, Young Thug and most other notable 2014 rap rookies were blatantly inspired by Drake's Auto-Tune melodies and soft, spacey beats.

Meanwhile, according to Billboard Boxscore, Drake was rap’s second-biggest touring star in 2014 (behind only Jay Z) with the Drake vs. Lil Wayne trek and his solo Would You Like a Tour? outing. He also sold out his annual two-day OVO Fest in Toronto, and landed two well-received TV gigs, hosting Saturday Night Live and the ESPYs.

Drake’s next album, Views From the 6, is due in the spring, when he'll likely have competition from new projects from Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West, who were quiet in 2014. But ask West, who admitted that Drake was the hottest rapper out to GQ in July: He and Lamar will be the ones with something to prove, not Drake.

This article first appeared in the Dec. 20 issue of Billboard.