Topline
Rapper Drake requested his Grammy nominations be withdrawn Monday, Variety reported, with no reason publicly given, the latest surprise change made by the Recording Academy after nominations were announced last month.
Drake attends “Til Death Do Us Part” on October 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.
Key Facts
Drake was nominated for two awards: His album Certified Lover Boy was nominated for Best Rap Album, and his song “Way 2 Sexy” was nominated for Best Rap Performance.
Citing anonymous sources, Variety reported that the request to withdraw the works was made by Drake and his management team, and the Recording Academy honored it.
It is not clear why Drake made the choice to withdraw his work.
Forbes has reached out to the Recording Academy and to representatives for Drake for comment.
Key Background
Since the 2022 Grammy nominations were announced last month, the Recording Academy has made several changes to them. Most notably, Marilyn Manson, who has been accused of sexual abuse, lost one of his Grammy nominations for his work on Kanye West’s album Donda. Last week the Recording Academy removed his name from the list of people who worked on the song “Jail,” which is nominated for Best Rap Song. When outcry poured in about Manson’s nomination, CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said that artist’s histories would not be considered when they submit their work. Sunday, Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff and St. Vincent were also removed as songwriters on Olivia Rodrigo’s song “good 4 u,” which they were originally credited on because the tune interpolates one of Swift’s song “Cruel Summer.” In a statement to Variety, the Recording Academy said it is policy that writers of interpolated tracks are not eligible for awards.
Further Reading
Jon Batiste, Justin Bieber Lead 2022 Grammy Nominations (Forbes)
Marilyn Manson—Amid Sexual Abuse Investigation—Loses Grammy Nomination For Unknown Reason (Forbes)
