Drake Calls Out Grammys, Emphasizes Awards Show Doesn’t Define Success

Drake, the renowned Toronto superstar, expressed his sentiments regarding the Grammys after leaving the ceremony without any wins. Taking to his Instagram Stories on Sunday (February 4), Drake congratulated fellow rappers who secured victories but emphasized that the awards show “doesn’t dictate shit in our world.”

In his message, Drake reminded fellow artists that the Grammy Awards represent the opinions of a group of individuals whose identities are kept confidential. He encouraged artists to remember that the show doesn’t hold the ultimate authority in their industry.

Drake also reshared his acceptance speech for Best Rap Song from 2019, where he dismissed the concept of putting music in competition. In the speech, he highlighted that the music industry operates as an opinion-based sport, not a factual-based one, unlike the NBA.

He stated, “This is a business where sometimes it is up to a bunch of people that might not understand what a mixed race kid from Canada has to say… or a brother from Houston right there, my brother Travis.” Drake underscored the importance of connecting with the audience and being a hero in one’s hometown, asserting that awards are secondary to the genuine support of fans.

Despite being nominated for Best Rap Album for “Her Loss” with 21 Savage and having tracks like “Rich Flex,” “Spin Bout U,” and “Her Loss” nominated in various categories, Drake did not secure any wins. Killer Mike took home the awards for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance, while Lil Durk and J. Cole won Best Melodic Rap Performance.

Drake had previously boycotted the Grammys in 2022 and withdrew his nominations without offering a definitive reason. He also criticized the awards when The Weeknd was overlooked in 2020, questioning the disconnect between impactful music and the recognition bestowed by the Grammys. Drake suggested that it might be time for something new to be established in the music industry, a recognition system that resonates with the current and future generations of artists.