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Support for Drake at Juno Awards Amidst Challenging Year
This past year has posed significant challenges for Drake, particularly following perceptions of losing a famous diss rivalry with Kendrick Lamar. However, the Canadian rapper found solace and support at the Juno Awards, held on March 30 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Although Drake was not in attendance, his close friend and frequent collaborator, Boi-1da, took the stage to express his admiration while accepting the International Achievement Award.
“I’m incredibly humbled by this award and the opportunity to be recognized alongside such legendary figures,” Boi-1da, whose real name is Matthew Jehu Samuels, stated. “I want to give a massive shout-out to my brother Drake, who I consider the greatest rapper and the greatest artist of all time. It’s amazing to see that he hails from Canada—Drizzy Drake is truly my brother.”
In his heartfelt speech, Boi-1da continued, “Listen…Drake, I love you, brother. We embarked on this journey together, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the sacrifices you’ve made and the doors you’ve opened for so many of us. Thank you for everything, man; I love that guy.”
Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Boi-1da moved to Canada at the young age of three and later grew up in Toronto. He began his production career at 18, contributing to tracks on Drake’s mixtape, Room for Improvement.
Boi-1da’s accomplishments in the music industry are significant. He won a Grammy for co-writing Drake’s “God’s Plan,” which received the award for best rap song. In total, he has received 19 Grammy nominations, including six for album of the year for his work on various projects such as Eminem’s Recovery, Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, as well as albums by Drake, Kanye West (now known as Ye), and Beyoncé.
Among his accolades, Boi-1da has received two nominations for record of the year, for “God’s Plan” and Rihanna’s “Work” (which features Drake), and one nomination for song of the year for “God’s Plan.” He has also been recognized twice in the category of producer of the year, non-classical.
This year’s accolade marked Boi-1da’s inaugural Juno Award or nomination, adding a noteworthy achievement to his impressive career.
Source
www.billboard.com