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Drake, accompanied by his son Adonis, accepts the award for Artist of the Decade at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards outside the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 23, 2021. Photo by Mario Anzuoni/REUTERS
Drake withdraws 2 Grammy nominations from final ballot
LOS ANGELES — Drake wants no part in competing for a Grammy.
The four-time Grammy winner and his management asked the Recording Academy to withdraw his two nominations from the final-round ballot, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. They said Drake's request was honored by the academy.
The people spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicity on the matter.
On Monday, the Grammys has already removed Drake's nominations from the nominee list on its website.
Drake was nominated for best rap album "Certified Lover Boy" and "Way 2 Sexy" featuring Future and Young Thug, which earned a nomination for best rap performance.
Drake has called out the Grammys in previous years. The rapper has shown his displeasure for not being nominated outside the rap category. He also took aim at the importance of the Grammy Awards during his acceptance speech after "God's Plan" won best rap song in 2019.
"If there's people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain, in the snow, spending their hard earned money to buy tickets to come to your shows, you don't need this right here. I promised you, you already won," said Drake while holding his trophy. Before the rapper continued, his speech was cut off.
The Grammys will take place in Los Angeles on Jan. 31.
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