Drake criticises Grammy Awards: 'I don't even want them'

Image
Press Trust of India Los Angeles
Last Updated : Feb 20 2017 | 9:57 AM IST
Drake, who won two Grammys for best rap song and best rap/sung performance for "Hotline Bling", said he does not understand why he won awards in that category as the hit pop number was not a rap song.
The 30-year-old appeared on an episode of OVO Sound radio show that highlighted his struggles to be taken seriously as a black Canadian artist covering multiple genres, reported People magazine.
The rapper was nominated in eight categories including record of the year for his track "Work" also featuring Rihanna and album of the year for 'Views' at the 59th annual Grammys.
Though he was a no-show at the ceremony, Drake is making his presence known to the Recording Academy - outside the category they had initially placed him in.
"I ever feel like an outsider, it's usually because I'm not American. That's when I feel like people are against me. I guess maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have quite an eclectic makeup. I am mixed, I am Jewish... At the end of the day, when it comes to everything else, I'm black," he said.
Echoing racially-charged industry criticism of the Grammys, which intensified the February 12th night after Adele beat out Beyonce in the record, song and album of the year categories, Drake questioned the Recording Academy's decision to classify his gilded gramophone-winning hit "Hotline Bling" under the rap umbrella.
"I am referred to as a black artist, like last night at (the Grammys), I'm a black artist... I'm apparently a rapper, even though 'Hotline Bling' is not a rap song. The only category they can manage to fit me in is in a rap category, maybe because I've rapped in the past or because I'm black. I can't figure out why.
"I won two awards, but I don't even want them because it just feels weird for some reason.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 20 2017 | 9:57 AM IST

Next Story