Drake, the renowned Canadian rapper, has decided to enter the Grammy Awards ring, submitting his collaborative album “Her” with fellow artist 21 Savage for consideration in the 2024 edition of the prestigious awards. The move represents a significant shift in Drake’s stance, given his history of critiquing the Grammy nominations over the years.
“Her,” released in 2022, has been submitted for evaluation in multiple Grammy categories. This decision marks Drake’s return to the Grammy Awards ceremony after a noticeable absence, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The backstory to this move involves Drake’s outspoken criticism of the Grammy Awards in the past. In 2019, during his acceptance speech for “God’s Plan,” which clinched the award for Best Rap Song, he found himself reportedly cut off while expressing his discontent with the Recording Academy’s nominations process. His candid comments on the subject raised eyebrows and sparked a conversation about the transparency and fairness of the Grammy nomination process.
Drake is not the only high-profile artist to express frustration with the Grammy Awards. Earlier, The Weeknd, known as Abel Tesfaye, faced a similar snub from the committee, with his mega-hit album “After Hours” being overlooked for nominations. This snub left the 36-year-old artist understandably upset.
Taking to Instagram, Drake penned a passionate and extensive message to vent his feelings about the lack of nominations for The Weeknd’s album. In his post, he suggested that it might be time for artists and the industry as a whole to stop being shocked every year by the apparent disconnect between the music that makes a profound impact and the recognition it receives at the Grammy Awards. He pointed out that what was once considered the highest form of recognition for artists might no longer hold the same significance for the current generation of artists and those who will follow.
Drake made a poignant analogy, comparing the Grammy Awards to a stubborn relative who resists changing their ways despite repeated expectations to do so. This analogy underscores the ongoing debate and tensions surrounding the Grammys’ nomination process and their ability to align with the evolving music landscape.
As we await the results of the 2024 Grammy Awards, the submission of “Her” by Drake and 21 Savage adds an intriguing layer to the ever-evolving narrative of artists’ relationships with one of the most prestigious award shows in the music industry. It remains to be seen whether this move will mark a turning point or a continued source of contention in the ongoing conversation about the Grammys and their role in celebrating the world’s best music.