Grammys 2019: Drake Wins Best Rap Song, Gets Speech Cut Off

Braudie Blais-Billie
“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”

Drake has won Best Rap Song tonight at the 61st Grammy Awards. His track “God’s Plan” has beat out 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.” He continued, “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. 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 honor back in 2017. Beyond Best Rap Song, Drake earned five nominations this year: Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Rap Performance (twice).

Drake had been offered a performance slot at the 2019 Grammys, but turned it down. Follow all of Pitchfork’s coverage of this year’s Grammy Awards.

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