Drake Will Not Submit Three Albums for 2027 Grammys

The rapper confirmed he is withholding his latest records from consideration for the upcoming awards ceremony.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Hip-Hop and Rap

Graphic editorial illustration in gold and black, featuring abstract geometric forms and sound waves evoking music industry awards in a contemporary style. — Drake confirmed that he will not submit three of his latest albums for Grammy consideration in 2027, continuing his pattern of distancing himself from the industry's awards process. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Drake announced that he will not submit three albums for 2027 Grammy consideration, a decision revealed on his track Make Them Know. This marks the latest instance of the artist opting out of the awards process following similar moves in previous years.

Why it matters

The decision underscores the ongoing friction between major artists and the Recording Academy, as well as Drake's continued professional distancing from industry gatekeepers. It arrives amidst his active legal challenges involving his record label, UMG.

Drake has previously declined to submit projects for Grammy consideration in 2018, 2022, and 2023. His recent project Iceman set a record for the longest run atop the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

The players

Drake

A Canadian rapper and songwriter who is one of the most commercially successful artists in music history.

UMG

Universal Music Group is one of the largest multinational music corporations currently engaged in litigation with the artist.

The details

Drake confirmed the decision to bypass the awards on the closing track of his latest release, Make Them Know. The artist has frequently challenged industry norms and recently faced a federal court dismissal of his lawsuit against UMG, though he continues to pursue an appeal.

Drake declined to submit More Life for Grammy consideration in 2018.
The artist withdrew his Certified Lover Boy submission in 2022.
The track Not Like Us was awarded five Grammys in 2025.
Oral arguments for Drake's appeal against UMG are set to begin in December 2026.

Industry Dynamics

Drake's withdrawal highlights a growing trend of major artists bypassing traditional award institutions to exert independence from industry gatekeepers. This move mirrors broader shifts in the music industry as high-profile stars prioritize direct-to-fan engagement over legacy accolades.

Fans will not see these specific albums compete for awards at the 2027 ceremony, meaning they will not be subject to the typical promotional cycle associated with nominations. Listeners can continue to access the music directly through streaming platforms regardless of award standing.

The takeaway

Artists often leverage their withdrawal from major awards as a form of protest against industry structures that may not align with their personal or professional goals. Listeners should look for direct releases and independent platform announcements to track future work from major artists opting out of traditional awards.