Drake doesn’t want to compete for a Grammy.
Two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press that the four-time Grammy winner and his management asked the Recording Academy to remove his two nominations from the final-round vote. The academy, they alleged, honored Drake’s request.
Because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the situation, the people spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity.
Drake’s nominations were already pulled from the Grammys’ website’s nominee list on Monday.
Drake was nominated for best rap album for “Certified Lover Boy” and best rap performance for “Way 2 Sexy” starring Future and Young Thug.
Drake has previously chastised the Grammy Awards. The rapper has expressed his disappointment at not being nominated for an award outside of the rap category. During his acceptance speech after “God’s Plan” won best rap song in 2019, he also took aim at the Grammy Awards’ prominence.
“You don’t need this right here if there are people who have regular jobs who are going out in the rain, in the snow, spending their hard-earned money to buy tickets to come to your events.” Drake, holding his prize, stated, “I promised you, you already won.” The rapper’s speech was cut off before he could continue.
On January 31, the Grammy Awards will be held in Los Angeles.