Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, has had an incredible impact on the music world. Over his over-a-decade-long career, he has earned a huge fan following and won numerous awards, making him one of the most influential artists in the industry.
This article highlights his award journey, focusing on his Grammy Awards and other major music honors. These achievements showcase his huge contributions to both music and culture.
Grammy Awards
Drake’s Grammy history is impressive but also a bit complicated. The Grammy Awards are among the most respected music honors, and he has received 55 nominations and won five times. This shows his major influence on music, but it also highlights some tension between him and the Recording Academy. His Grammy wins include:
- Best Rap Album for Take Care (2013)
- Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for Hotline Bling (2017)
- Best Melodic Rap Performance for his collaboration on Future’s Wait for U (2023)
Even though he is a Grammy winner, he has spoken out about his frustration with the way the Academy treats hip-hop artists. In 2019, during his acceptance speech for God’s Plan, he made it clear that music does not need a Grammy to prove its value.
In later years, Drake even withdrew his music from Grammy consideration to emphasize his point.
Billboard Music Awards
Drake has achieved unmatched success at the Billboard Music Awards, holding the record for the most wins by any artist, with an impressive 39 wins. The Billboard Awards are known for highlighting an artist’s chart performance, popularity, and success in streaming and sales—areas where he continues to dominate.
Some of his major Billboard wins include:
- Top Artist (2017, 2019)
- Top Male Artist
- Top Billboard 200 Artist
These victories solidify his dominance in the music industry, showcasing his ability to consistently create global hits that resonate with fans everywhere.
American Music Awards (AMAs)
Drake has made a big impact at the American Music Awards (AMAs), winning 6 awards from 49 nominations. These wins show his wide appeal, reaching fans not only in hip-hop but also in mainstream pop culture. His AMAs wins include:
- Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist
- Favorite Song and Favorite Album in the Hip-Hop/Rap category
The AMAs are based on fan votes, and his ongoing recognition highlights his influence and reliability as an artist in the music world.
BET and BET Hip-Hop Awards
Drake has earned 17 wins from 85 nominations at the BET Awards and BET Hip-Hop Awards, proving his major impact on the hip-hop community. As a platform that celebrates Black culture, BET recognizes his unique influence on the genre. Some of his notable awards include:
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
- Viewers’ Choice Award
- Best Collaboration
These awards reinforce his strong presence in hip-hop and highlight his ongoing collaboration with other top artists in the genre.
MTV Video Music Awards and iHeartRadio Music Awards
Drake’s success at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) and iHeartRadio Music Awards shows his versatility across different media formats. With 4 VMAs and 5 iHeartRadio Awards, his work connects both visually and through music.
Iconic music videos like Hotline Bling showcase his creativity, while radio hits like God’s Plan highlight his ability to create tracks that resonate with a wide range of listeners.
Juno Awards
Drake’s achievements also shine in his home country of Canada, where he has won 3 Juno Awards. As a Toronto native, his influence on Canadian music is significant, and his recognition at the Junos highlights his importance both globally and within his Canadian roots.
His success at the Juno Awards strengthens his image as a key figure who represents Canadian talent on the world stage.
Conclusion
Drake has won five Grammy Awards from 55 nominations, highlighting his significant contributions to music.
Beyond the Grammys, his numerous accolades—including record-breaking wins on the Billboard charts and fan-driven American Music Awards—show his broad influence across genres and his global impact on fans.
His journey is not just about awards; it represents a legacy that has reshaped hip-hop and pop music, cementing Drake as one of the most influential artists of our time.