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5 Shocking Reasons Why Drake Was NOT At The Grammys (And How Kendrick Lamar Humiliated Him In Absentia)

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The question of "Was Drake at the Grammys?" has become a recurring annual query, and for the most recent ceremony, the answer is a definitive no. As of the December 2025 date, the Canadian superstar has continued his deliberate and high-profile boycott of the Recording Academy’s biggest night, a stance rooted in years of public criticism and deep-seated dissatisfaction with the awards show's handling of hip-hop and Black artists. His absence from the 67th and 68th Annual Grammy Awards has been particularly notable, turning the focus from who won to why one of the world's biggest artists refuses to attend.

This calculated non-attendance, however, backfired spectacularly during the 2025 Grammys when his rival, Kendrick Lamar, delivered a public humiliation that trended globally. Lamar’s scathing diss track aimed directly at Drake, "Not Like Us," swept its categories, essentially turning the Grammys into a victory lap for Drake’s nemesis. This dramatic event cemented Drake’s absence not just as a boycott, but as a moment of unavoidable professional embarrassment in the history of the legendary rap feud.

Aubrey "Drake" Graham: Biography and Grammy History

To understand the depth of Drake’s conflict with the Recording Academy, it is essential to look at his history with the awards—a relationship that soured from early wins to a full-blown, intentional boycott.

  • Full Name: Aubrey Drake Graham
  • Born: October 24, 1986 (Age 39 as of late 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Record Producer, Entrepreneur
  • Debut Album: *Thank Me Later* (2010)
  • Total Grammy Nominations: 55 (as of the 2025 ceremony cycle)
  • Total Grammy Wins: 5 (including Best Rap Album for *Take Care* and Best Rap Song/Performance for "Hotline Bling")
  • Key Albums Submitted/Withdrawn: *Certified Lover Boy* (withdrawn 2022), *Her Loss* (submitted 2024)
  • Grammy Stance: Publicly critical, accusing the institution of being "out of touch" and often racist in its categorization and voting.

The Long-Standing Boycott: Why Drake Hasn't Attended Since 2019

Drake’s decision to skip the Grammys is not a recent, impulsive snub, but a calculated protest that has evolved over nearly a decade. His public disdain for the ceremony is the primary reason why he was not present for the 2024 or 2025 events, regardless of his nominations.

1. Deep-Rooted Criticism of the Recording Academy

Drake has repeatedly voiced his belief that the Grammys are irrelevant, especially to the culture of hip-hop. In 2020, he famously stated that the awards "don't dictate sh*t" in the music industry. His core argument is that the Recording Academy, which is responsible for the nominations and voting, is fundamentally "out of touch" with the contemporary music landscape and the artists who truly drive culture.

2. The "Hotline Bling" Categorization Controversy

A major turning point in Drake’s relationship with the Grammys was the 2017 ceremony. His massive hit, "Hotline Bling," was nominated and won in the Rap categories (Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Performance), despite being primarily a singing track. Drake criticized this categorization, viewing it as a symbolic gesture of the Academy marginalizing Black artists and forcing their work into the Rap/R&B box, regardless of genre. He publicly renounced the two awards he received for the track.

3. Withdrawing His Nominations as a Protest

In one of the most significant acts of defiance, Drake withdrew his two nominations for the 2020 Grammy Awards. The nominations were for Best Rap Album (*Certified Lover Boy*) and Best Rap Performance ("Way 2 Sexy"). This unprecedented move signaled a complete break from the institution, demonstrating his refusal to participate in a system he viewed as flawed. This action solidified his reputation as an artist who values cultural impact over industry validation.

4. Skipping the 2024 Ceremony Despite Multiple Nominations

Despite his long-standing boycott, Drake briefly submitted his joint album with 21 Savage, *Her Loss*, for the 2024 Grammys. The album earned him four nominations, including Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance. However, he still chose to skip the event, instead performing at his own concert. Following the ceremony, where he lost all four categories, he posted a message congratulating the winners but reiterating his view that the Grammys are "just the opinion of a group of people" and do not "dictate sh*t."

The 2025 Grammys: The Kendrick Lamar Humiliation in Absentia

While Drake was not physically present at the 2025 Grammys, he was the silent, central figure of one of the night’s biggest stories. His absence became a backdrop for his rival's massive success, a consequence arguably more damaging than any snub.

The Kendrick Lamar Sweep of "Not Like Us"

The biggest talking point of the 2025 ceremony was the dominance of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, "Not Like Us." The song, released during the height of the Drake-Kendrick feud, was a scathing, viral attack on Drake. It achieved a historic sweep, winning all five of the major categories it was nominated in, including the highly coveted Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

The sight of Lamar accepting multiple awards for a track specifically written to dismantle Drake’s career was widely interpreted as an ultimate, public humiliation for the absent star. Drake was "humiliated" and trended online throughout the night, not for his music, but for his rival’s victory directly at his expense.

Drake’s Cryptic Reaction to the Loss

Following the 2025 awards, Drake finally broke his silence with a cryptic update to his fans. He told the crowd at his concert that he was "very much alive" and seemed to be downplaying the significance of Lamar's monumental win. This reaction, however, only amplified the drama, as the public viewed it as a defensive response to the undeniable fact that the Recording Academy had effectively validated Kendrick Lamar's side of the feud on its biggest stage.

The Future: Will Drake Ever Return to the Grammy Stage?

Given his conflicted history—from a brief return by submitting *Her Loss* to the profound public humiliation delivered by Kendrick Lamar’s sweep—Drake’s future attendance remains highly doubtful. His actions and statements over the last few years paint a clear picture:

  • Focus on Cultural Impact: Drake consistently prioritizes streaming numbers, tour revenue, and cultural relevance over industry accolades.
  • The Anti-Grammy Stance: His criticism of the awards as "out of touch" and his withdrawal of nominations have made him a figurehead for artists who feel marginalized by the Recording Academy.
  • Avoiding Further Embarrassment: The 2025 Grammys proved that even in absentia, the show can be used against him. To attend would be to legitimize the very institution that was just used as a platform for his rival’s victory.

In short, while the question "Was Drake at the Grammys?" will continue to be asked, the answer will likely remain the same for the foreseeable future. Drake has chosen to wage a war against the Grammys, and his absence is the most powerful statement he can make, even if it sometimes leaves him vulnerable to dramatic counter-attacks from his rivals.

was drake at the grammys
was drake at the grammys

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