Drake has stayed away from the Grammys in the past, but he made an exception for his friend Lil Wayne.
The “Rich Flex” rapper made an appearance in a pre-recorded video segment at the Black Music Collective pre-Grammy event on Thursday, where Weezy received the Global Impact Award.
“Good night, Grammys. “Well, I haven’t been able to say that since 2016,” Drake said, referring to his last appearance at the Grammys seven years ago.
“My name is Drake, and I’m here tonight on behalf of the Black Music Collective,” he said as he drew his glasses down and winked at the camera. “To present Ed Sheeran with the Global Impact Award.”
Drake made a video for Lil Wayne during the BMC event with the #Grammys pic.twitter.com/ejHrFWvRi4
— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) February 3, 2023
Someone then whispered in his ear that Lil Wayne was the intended recipient. “Lil Wayne, that makes sense… “By the way, that’s a lot better,” he added.
He then proceeded to give Weezy his flowers. “I adore you, and I don’t want to make this personal because the Global Impact Award is about how you impacted everyone, not just me,” he continued. “I know I’d probably get tired of telling you how much you mean to me and my family, but I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that our careers, cadences, melodies, maybe our face tats or outfits, or our general decisions would not have been the same without your natural gift to just be yourself.”
He concluded by slamming the Grammys once more. “Just know that there is only one Lil Wayne, and that’s why he’s receiving the Global Impact Award from the Black Music Collective at the Grammys,” he winked again.
Drake has a strained relationship with the Grammys. He withdrew his nominations for Certified Lover Boy and “Way 2 Sexy” in 2021 after receiving nominations for both. He continued the boycott by removing his eligible album Honestly, Nevermind from consideration for 2023.
Wayne was humbled as DJ Khaled presented him with the Global Impact Award. “I don’t get honored,” the Young Money icon said. “I’m from New Orleans… This is not something you should do.”
Lil Wayne accepts his Global Impact Award at the Grammys Black Music Collective celebration pic.twitter.com/wsfwEeqB4G
— Andrew Barber (@fakeshoredrive) February 3, 2023
Tyga took the stage to perform “A Milli” as part of a musical tribute with 2 Chainz and Swizz Beatz.
In addition to Wayne, Missy Elliott, and Dr. Dre were honored at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Tyga gave Lil Wayne his flowers last night with a tribute! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8SVtU3xQWs
— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) February 3, 2023
