Drake has called out the Grammy’s in previous years, so his withdrawal of his two nominations – best rap album “Certified Lover Boy” and track “Way 2 Sexy” featuring Future and Young Thug, which earned a nomination for best rap performance – doesn’t come as much of a shock.
Over the years, Drake has demonstrated his displeasure for not being considered outside of the Rap category. He’s also questioned the importance of the Grammy Awards during the speech he gave after winning a Grammy for “God’s Plan”, which was voted best rap song in 2019.
“If there [are] people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain, in the snow, spending their hard-earned money to buy tickets to come to your shows, you don’t need this right here,” he said of the Grammy award. “I promise you, you already won.” His speech was cut off before he could continue any further.
The Academy honored Drake’s request for withdrawal from consideration, as the absence of his candidacy was reflected on the Academy’s website Monday. The awards show is set to take place in Los Angeles on January 31st, 2022.