Drake cut off during Grammys acceptance speech for Best Rap Song

Canadian artist took a swipe at the Recording Academy during his speech in an apparent rebuke to its history of snubbing artists of colour

Drake was cut off during his acceptance speech for Best Rap Song at the Grammys, just as he was talking about not needing awards to be successful.

The Canadian hip hop artist made a surprise appearance at the ceremony at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where his track “God’s Plan” beat songs by Travis Scott (“SICKO MODE,” which also features Drake), Jay Rock (“King’s Dead” and “WIN”), and Eminem (“Lucky You”). Noah “40” Shebib, Cardo, Boi1-da, and others also earn credit for the Best Rap Song win.

During his acceptance speech, Drake said, “We play in an opinion-based sport, not a factual-based sport."

“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," he continued. "Look, if there’s people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain and snow, spending money to buy tickets to your shows, you don’t need this right here. You already won.”

Drake’s microphone got cut off in the arena and on the telecast.

Drake has now won two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Song. “Hotline Bling” took home the honour back in 2017. Beyond Best Rap Song, he earned five nominations this year: Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Rap Performance (twice).

“The fact of the matter is, we continue to have a problem in the hip-hop world,” longtime producer Ken Ehrlich told the New York Times earlier this week.

“When they don't take home the big prize, the regard of the academy, and what the Grammys represent, continues to be less meaningful to the hip-hop community, which is sad.