There are logos that have come about as an adjunct to the career of an artist and have since become popular as a lifestyle brand and music label. OVO is one such logo with imprints in fashion and resonance with urban culture. Founded by Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist Drake and his business partner Oliver El-Khatib, October’s Very Own (OVO) has grown from a record label and clothing line to a cultural phenomenon. Primarily targeting the international market, OVO positions itself as synonymous with exclusivity and sophistication.
Renowned for seamlessly blending music and fashion, the brand appeals to a diverse demographic. The ongoing impact of Drake contributes significantly to its continued relevance and allure in the ever-evolving industries it operates in and embodies contemporary aesthetics and sound. This article delves into the history and evolution of the OVO logo over the years.
The Genesis of the Owl Logo (2012 – Present)
In the initial stages, OVO embraced the owl as its central symbol. The owl, a creature associated with wisdom and mystery, perfectly encapsulated the brand’s ethos. The first version of the OVO logo featured a simple yet powerful illustration of an owl, its wings outstretched, and the letters “OVO” incorporated seamlessly. This minimalist design laid the foundation for what would become an enduring emblem in pop culture.
The Elements of the OVO Logo
Font
The OVO logo features a straightforward sans-serif, all-capital font, with its primary advantage being excellent legibility.
Colour
The OVO Sound logo opts for a black-and-white colour scheme. The colour of the owl logotype on OVO apparel may vary based on the visual context.
The History of OVO
The origins of OVO can be traced back to 2012, when renowned hip-hop artist Aubrey Drake Graham, or simply Drake and Oliver El-Khatib, decided to create a platform that went beyond music. October’s Very Own, often stylized as OVO, was born out of a desire to cultivate a brand that embodied the spirit of Toronto and resonated with fans worldwide. As the brand expanded, so did the need for a distinctive visual representation. Rooted in the intersection of music and fashion, OVO reflects urban culture and modern aesthetics. The brand’s trajectory is closely intertwined with Drake’s burgeoning music career, which catapulted OVO onto the global stage.
The progression of OVO saw the establishment of OVO Sound, its music arm, serving as a home for distinguished artists and embodying a unique sonic identity. Expanding into the realm of fashion, OVO introduced exclusive apparel collections distinguished by sophisticated designs and premium materials. OVO remains dedicated to exclusivity and sophistication, meticulously approaching both its musical and sartorial pursuits.
By continuously innovating, the brand adapts to industry shifts and consumer preferences, solidifying its presence in the contemporary cultural landscape. Drake’s prominence and influence have played a pivotal role in shaping OVO’s identity, ensuring its resonance in the dynamic and ever-evolving sectors it encompasses. Despite industry fluctuations and changing trends, OVO stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of music and style, preserving its allure and relevance within the contemporary cultural tapestry.
Meaning of the OVO Logo
The presence of an owl in the OVO logo can be elucidated by considering that the two “O”s resemble owl eyes and the ‘V’ forms the beak. Besides, like Drake, owls are creatures of the night (as Drake has expressed that he “comes alive” at night). The owl, representing wisdom, could suggest that there is a deeper meaning to Drake’s music. Additionally, there might be a connection with Harry Potter’s pet.
Interesting Facts About OVO
- Drake, along with his longtime producer Noah “40” Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib, officially launched OVO Sound as a record label in partnership with Warner Bros. Records.
- The label’s logo is an owl to symbolise wisdom — but it’s also become a massive fashion symbol. OVO’s clothing line (hoodies, jackets, caps) featuring the owl is super popular and often sells out fast.
- Although Drake is the face, OVO Sound has signed other major artists like PARTYNEXTDOOR, dvsn, Majid Jordan, Roy Woods, and Baka Not Nice. They’re known for that smooth, moody R&B/hip-hop vibe.
- OVO Sound Radio, hosted on Apple Music’s Beats 1 (now Apple Music 1), premiered a lot of exclusive tracks.
- OVO Sound is deeply tied to Toronto’s culture. Drake often refers to Toronto as “The 6” (short for the 416/647 area codes), and the label heavily promotes Canadian talent.
- Every summer (usually around Caribana weekend), Drake hosts OVO Fest in Toronto. It’s legendary for surprise guest appearances, such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem, Rihanna, Lil Wayne. It is like a family reunion for hip-hop/R&B royalty.
- The “sound” of OVO — atmospheric beats, emotional lyrics, minimalistic production — has been so influential that it changed the overall sound of mainstream hip-hop and R&B in the 2010s.
- Beyond music, OVO has expanded into fashion (the OVO clothing line has flagship stores in Toronto, LA, New York, Vancouver, and London) and even partnerships with brands like Canada Goose and the NBA.
- The Weeknd was closely tied to OVO early in his career — he even contributed heavily to Drake’s Take Care album — but he eventually signed with his own XO label (under Republic Records) instead of formally joining OVO.
Finally
The history and evolution of the OVO logo are a testament to the brand’s commitment to authenticity, innovation, and cultural representation. From its humble beginnings with a simple owl illustration to its current sophisticated design featuring the iconic CN Tower, the OVO logo has become synonymous with Toronto’s cultural renaissance and Drake’s global impact.