The news, first reported by Billboard, confirms Drake's latest move to distance himself from the Grammy nomination process, a stance he has maintained for several years. His three newest solo efforts — Iceman, Habibti, and Maid of Honour — have all been met with critical acclaim and commercial success, particularly Iceman, which shattered his personal record for the longest reign atop Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, surpassing the 12-week run of his earlier hit, Take Care.
These albums mark Drake's return to the solo spotlight following the intense 2024 rap feud with Kendrick Lamar, a public rivalry that captivated the music world. Despite the strong performance and cultural relevance of his new music, the Toronto artist appears content to bypass the awards circuit. This sentiment was even hinted at within his own lyrics, with Drake rapping on 'Make Them Know,' the closing track of Iceman: “This album, I’m never submittin’ it.”
Drake's history with the Grammys is well-documented and often fraught. Over the years, he has demonstrated a clear pattern of skepticism towards the awards. He famously opted not to submit More Life in 2018 and later withdrew submissions for Certified Lover Boy in 2022 and Honestly, Nevermind the following year. While his collaborative album with 21 Savage, Her Loss, was put forward for the 2024 ceremonies, it ultimately lost Best Rap Album to Killer Mike’s Michael.
Beyond his artistic choices regarding submissions, Drake is also navigating ongoing legal challenges. He is currently involved in litigation with his record label, UMG, alleging that the label promoted Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us" despite what Drake claims were defamatory lyrics. This legal battle adds another layer to his relationship with the industry, especially considering "Not Like Us" itself was a major Grammy winner in 2025, taking home five awards. Oral arguments for Drake's appeal in the UMG lawsuit are slated to begin in December, keeping him in the legal spotlight even as he steps back from awards contention.
This latest decision reinforces Drake's position as an artist who, despite his immense popularity and influence, appears increasingly detached from traditional industry accolades. His focus seems to remain on his craft and direct connection with his audience, rather than seeking validation from awards bodies.