Drake has a history of shooting tracks onto the internet which become hits and land Grammy nominations. Last year it was “0 To 100;” this year it's “Back To Back,” the diss track-turned hit record.
“I’ve never felt like, ‘Oh, people will bite at anything that’s Drake,’” the rapper told FADER earlier this year. “I’m just not that guy. I don’t feel that way about any of my music… If it didn’t connect, I would have a huge problem… I’m really trying. It’s not like I’m just sitting here, just fuckin’ shooting with my eyes closed. Like, I’m trying. I’m really trying to make music for your life.”
The success of a diss track caused excitement on Twitter. Hot 97/Beats 1 DJ Ebro Darden suggested that the nomination took place against Drake’s wishes: “Rumor behind the scenes that Drake did not want that song submitted.” “Drake definitely wanted focus on ‘Hotline Bling,’” he added. However, earlier this year, Fuse reported that the rapper's team did not submit his crossover smash for Grammy consideration. This is partially because the deadline for submission is August 26, at which point the track had only been out less than a month.
Other Twitter users focused on the irony of a diss track being in the position to win a Grammy award: if Drake is victorious, some joked that he will have to thank Meek Mill in his acceptance speech.
The rapper was also nominated for Best Rap Album (If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late), Best Rap Song (“Energy”), and his features on Nicki Minaj’s “Truffle Butter” and “Only.” Check out the tweets below, and revisit Drake’s FADER cover story.
