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'I chose this life': Drake reveals he was kicked off Canadian teen soap after refusing to give up music career...and is now worth $75 million

Published: 20:37 EST, 15 October 2015 | Updated: 09:55 EST, 16 October 2015

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He likes to boast that he Started From The Bottom.

And it seems Drake may actually have a point after he revealed he lost his job as a Canadian teen soap star after he refused to give up music.

But it seems he made the right choice, for while failed in his quest to climb to the pinnacle of his native land's light entertainment industry, he is now a world-renowned music star worth an estimated $75 million.

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No regrets: It is perhaps unsurprising Drake admitted he does not care he turned his back on soap stardom to make music now he is worth $75 million

Drake won a role on the Canadian TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation at the age of 15. He played basketball star Jimmy Brooks, who ended up disabled after being shot by a classmate.

In a powderkeg interview for W Magazine's art issue, he revealed he would spend his day on set before being up all night making music, sometimes until as late as 5 am.

The macho rapper said: 'I'd sleep in my dressing room and then be in front of the cameras again by 9 am.

See the latest news from Drake and his romance with Serena Williams

Cover star: He features on the front of W Magazine's forthcoming art issue

'Eventually, they realised I was juggling two professions and told me I had to choose. I chose this life.'

In total the Back To Back star appeared in 139 episodes on Canada's answer to Hollyoaks between 2001 and 2009, and was a regular for seven seasons.

Despite his enforced absence from the thrilling world of daytime serials, the humble songwriter said he is primed to regain his mantle as an actor extraordinaire.

He said: 'I can't wait to get back into acting. No one ever asks me to do movies. Although music is my focal point now, I'd love to do a film.

'That was the life that I lived before, and it would be interesting to live it again.'

But for those rivals hoping it would mean a withdrawal from the world of music, it seems they are in for a shock.

The Hotline Bling favourite said: 'I'm always thinking, How do I top what I've done? How do I make this thing stronger?

'I ask myself, "Why does Adele's album go diamond, and how do I do that? How do I create art that makes minds stretch further?"

'I want to give many, many people many, many moments before I'm gone. That's truly the art of what I do. It's the only goal.'

The modest 28-year-old, who had a high-profile fling with saucy popstrel Rihanna, also explained what he meant when he said he 'signed up for greatness' as he tried to rise above his feud with Meek Mills earlier this year.

Claim to fame: On Degrassi The Next Generation he played basketball star Jimmy Brooks, who ended up disabled after being shot by a classmate

Drake said: 'Realizing that I had a larger purpose was one of the most comforting, peaceful feelings.

'With music, especially, I've come to the conclusion that I'm a vessel to deliver emotion to people.

'I want to provide the background music to your life as you live it. I'm there for you in heartbreak and tragedy and joy. The thought of being remembered is what keeps me going.

'What I was trying to say is, the negatives don't matter—it's history that counts. At 19, I was just really, really excited to be in the room. Everything was romantic then.

Art attack: He is surrounded by seemingly enormous figurines in this art piece featured in the magazine

'Now, nearly a decade later, it's a bit different. I have to speak against negativity and conflict. There's so much bulls*** that you're forced to address, but it's okay.'

W commissioned such luminaries as KAWS, JIM JOE, Mark Flood, Henry Taylor, and Katherine Bernhardt to capture the Canadian exclusive artworks, a project overseen by the magazine's Diane Solway.

And he said he was thrilled to be the inspiration for such a varied selection of pieces.

Shopping for offers: The modest star said he is now ready to become a Hollywood actor

The Best I've Ever Had star said: 'It's the first time I've ever been a 'muse,' but I'm used to collaborating.

'Curiosity is the best part of working with any kind of artist. You want to see how somebody else's process works. It's like learning a secret.

'My mother was a teacher, and she brought all kinds of things into our house. So I learned early on that inspiration could come in many forms, from many people.'

W Art will hit stores and newsstands on October 27.