What to know<\/p>\n
Drake delivered a pre-recorded speech at the Junos honouring Nelly Furtado, praising her influence on his career and congratulating her on receiving one of Canada\u2019s top music honours.<\/p>\n
During the tribute, he also referenced his past issues with the awards, mentioning the 2011 ceremony where Shad won multiple awards while Drake\u2019s album Take Care was overlooked.<\/p>\n
Drake noted he has not submitted his music to the Junos for consideration since the 2011 snub, despite being nominated in several major categories that year without winning.<\/p>\n
The speech prompted mixed online reaction, with some viewers praising the tribute and others criticizing the callout, and Drake ended by teasing that his next studio album will be released \u201csoon.\u201d<\/p>\n
During a Junos speech honouring singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado into one of Canadian music\u2019s highest honours, Drake used the opportunity to shade the award show.<\/p>\n
The Toronto rapper didn\u2019t attend the award show in person, reciting his speech from what appeared to be a recording studio elsewhere.<\/p>\n
He began his speech with how Furtado was one of his favourite people, and how much he was motivated by her through his youth to succeed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing a woman in the music industry in any era is something I have to tip my hat to,\u201d he said. \u201cThe men in this business do not make it any easier. I think what was most impressive to me was the respect all men had when they spoke about you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Graham went on to talk about how Furtado was incredibly gifted in her craft.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody deserves it more\u2026 I\u2019m so proud of you\u2026,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
After his heartfelt speech, Graham turned his attention to the Junos and mentioned an incident between him and the award show which occurred more than a decade ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause you are honouring one of my dearest friends tonight, I will spare you,\u201d Graham said. \u201cEven though I know you\u2019re still thinking about those six awards that you gave to Shad in 2011, when you snubbed Take Care, as I hosted the 40th anniversary of your award show but listen, that\u2019s neither here nor there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Graham then added that he was going to let it go that night, as he honoured his friend \u201cNelly.\u201d<\/p>\n