Toronto events!!!

Loading...

Toronto Fun Parties

Loading...

Monday, February 11, 2019

Drake threw shade at the Grammys during his acceptance speech

It was a huge night for Canadian music at the 2019 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday—not that it matters, according to Drake.

The Toronto-born recording artist superstar took to the stage last night in a rare awards ceremony appearance to accept his trophy for Best Rap Song, won for his work on the 2018 banger "God's Plan."

The fact that he was there at all came as a surprise to many, given how reticent he and other high-profile artists had been to perform at last night's show in light of the Recording Academy's apparent diversity issues.

Childish Gambino, who won Song of the Year for "This is America", didn't show up to the ceremony at all.

Drake didn't abandon his fellow artists in their protest of the Recording Academy's pattern of choices, however. Rather, he used his time on stage to let everyone know exactly how he feels about the value of a Grammy (of which he's now won 4 out of 42 nominations.) 

"I wanna take this opportunity while I'm up here to just talk to all the kids that are watching this, that are aspiring to do music, to all my peers that make music from their heart, that do things pure and tell the truth... I want to let you know that we play in an opinion-based sport, not a factual-based sport."

In true Drake fashion, the rapper contrasted music industry accolades against NBA championships, noting that Grammys aren't given out based on the merit of one's actions and work.

"It's up to a bunch of people that might not understand, you know, what a mixed-race kid from Canada has to say, or a fly Spanish girl from New York or anybody else," he said of those who decide the award show's winners.

"The point is, you've already won if you have people who are singing your songs word for word, if you’re a hero in your hometown," Drake continued.

"Look, if there are people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain and the snow, spending their hard-earned money to buy tickets to come to your shows, you don't need this right here. I promise you. You already won."

Many of Drake's fellow artists appear to have loved his speech, but the inspirational rant might have ruffled some feathers among members of The Recording Academy.

Yeah, he was basically played off after that part of the speech. Was it intentional?

Almost everyone watching the show says yes, but a representative for the Grammys later clarified in a statement that producers merely thought he was finished speaking.

"During Drake’s speech, there was a natural pause and at that moment the producers did assume that he was done and then cut to commercial," said the rep, via Vanity Fair.

"However the producers did speak with Drake following his speech and did offer him to come back on stage to finish whatever his thoughts were. But Drake said he was happy with what he said and didn't have anything to add."

In related news, penultimate Toronto cool guy Daniel Caesar took home his first Grammy last night for the song "Best Part" with H.E.R. The newly-minted Best R&B Performance winner brought his mom to the ceremony as his date.

Meanwhile, Shawn Mendes made his Grammys performance debut alongside Miley Cyrus with "In My Blood."

Nicely done, Toronto.


by Lauren O'Neil via blogTO
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)