Drake appears uninterested in submitting his recently released trio of albums — ICEMAN, HABIBTI and MAID OF HONOR — for Grammy consideration, despite reported efforts by Universal Music Group to push the projects forward.
According to multiple unverified reports circulating on social media Monday, sources close to the artist’s OVO camp claim the Recording Academy reached out to both Drake and UMG about entering the three albums into the 2027 Grammy Awards process. However, the Toronto superstar has no plans to participate, consistent with his longstanding skepticism toward the awards show. The situation has reportedly created friction between Drake and his label, with some accounts suggesting the artist has even threatened legal action if submissions proceed without his approval.
The claims, which spread rapidly via Instagram and X accounts that often traffic in industry gossip, have not been confirmed by Drake, OVO Sound, UMG or the Recording Academy.
On May 15, Drake surprise-dropped the three albums simultaneously, totaling 43 tracks and more than two and a half hours of music. ICEMAN serves as the primary rap-focused project with R&B flourishes, while HABIBTI leans into smoother lover-man territory and MAID OF HONOR delivers dance and global party energy. The ambitious release quickly dominated the Billboard 200, with the set making history by occupying the top three positions simultaneously — a first in the chart’s modern era.
On the track “Make Them Know” from ICEMAN, Drake directly addresses the topic in his lyrics: “This album, I’m never submittin’ it / ‘Cause I know that they’ll never consider it.” The lines align with the Canadian artist’s complicated history with the Grammys. Despite earning dozens of nominations and several wins throughout his career, Drake has been an outspoken critic of the awards, citing perceived biases and snubs — most notably those involving The Weeknd. He has withdrawn nominations in the past.
The reported tension with UMG also fits a pattern of strained relations in recent years. Drake previously filed a lawsuit against the major label over alleged artificial streaming practices related to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” though the case was dismissed. Lingering bad blood, combined with what some view as contract maneuvering via the triple-album drop, has kept the spotlight on the business side of the partnership.
While the specific details of the Academy proactively reaching out have drawn skepticism — as submissions are typically handled internally by artists and labels per official guidelines — Drake’s general disinterest in Grammy participation seems well-established through both his past actions and recent music.
