Drake has removed his nominations for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance from the 2022 Grammy Awards according to Variety. His sixth studio album, Certified Lover Boy and the single, "Way 2 Sexy" featuring Young Thug and Future were both given nominations.
The decision was made by he and his management, yet no explanation was given.
His chart-topping album, Certified Lover Boy was joined in the Best Rap Album category with nominees including Kanye West’s Donda, J. Cole’s The Off-Season, Nas’ King’s Disease II, and Tyler, the Creator’s Call Me If You Get Lost. The Best Rap Performance was up against Megan thee Stallion's "Thot Sh*t", Cardi B's "Up", Baby Keem's "family ties" featuring Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole's "m y l i f e" featuring 21 Savage and Morray.
Last year, after they failed to recognize his friend & fellow Canadian artist The Weeknd in any of its 2021 categories, despite having one of the top albums and singles of last year, Drake spoke out against The Academy hoping for them to be replaced with “something new that we can build up over time and pass on to the generations to come”.
It is unclear whether or not The Recording Academy is to replace the nominations in the two categories. The 2022 Grammys, which will be hosted again by Trevor Noah, will air on CBS and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ on Monday, January 31, 2022 at 8-11:30 p.m. ET / 5-8:30 p.m. PT.
