Drake has always marched to the beat of his own drum, and that includes his relationship with the Grammy Awards. While he’s a powerhouse in the music industry, consistently topping charts and breaking records, he’s also famously declined submitting his work for Grammy consideration multiple times. But now, whispers suggest the Recording Academy might be trying to change his tune, especially with his latest releases.
Grammys Eyeing Drake’s New Material?
Rumors are circulating that the Recording Academy has reached out to Drake, his OVO camp, and his major label UMG about submitting his new albums – ‘ICEMAN,’ ‘HABIBTI,’ and ‘MAID OF HONOUR’ – for Grammy consideration. Sources allegedly within the OVO camp claim the Academy is keen for the 6ix God to put his new material forward for awards next year.
This isn’t the first time Drake has been in the Grammy conversation, but his history with submissions is complex. He’s been nominated numerous times, but often for collaborative projects like ‘$ome $exy $ongs 4 U’ with PARTYNEXTDOOR or ‘Her Loss’ with 21 Savage. The last time he submitted solo work was during the ‘Scorpion’ era. Since then, his submissions have primarily been for collaborations on other artists’ tracks or standalone loosies.
Drake’s Grammy History and Label Woes
As of now, Drake boasts an impressive five Grammy wins from 56 nominations. His accolades include wins for ‘WAIT FOR U’ (with Future and Tems), ‘God’s Plan,’ ‘Hotline Bling,’ and the album ‘Take Care.’ Despite this success, his relationship with the awards process has been strained, with reports suggesting he cited a long-standing lack of belief in the system when declining past submissions.
Adding another layer to this story is Drake’s ongoing friction with UMG. He’s reportedly appealing a dismissed defamation lawsuit against the label, stemming from the release of the Kendrick Lamar diss track ‘Not Like Us.’ The new rumors suggest that UMG is now joining the Recording Academy in strongly pushing for these submissions, potentially leading to further legal threats from Drake if he feels pressured.
Navigating a Complex Relationship
Drake’s rocky relationship with UMG has been a major talking point during his ‘ICEMAN’ era. Many fans speculate that the triple album drop might have finally freed him from his contract, paving the way for independent status. This alleged push for Grammy submissions, coupled with his legal battles, paints a picture of a complex and evolving dynamic between Drake, his label, and the music industry’s major institutions.
Do you think Drake should submit his ‘ICEMAN’ albums for Grammy consideration? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!