Drake's life has certainly changed in recent years. And like many musicians, the singer/rapper has dreamed of the moment when he'd walk up to the podium to accept the music industry's most coveted award: a Grammy. The Toronto lyricist spoke with Global Grind about his four Grammy nods, including Best Rap Album for Thank Me Later.
"It's always, to get any type of Grammy accolade or anything, it's cliché but it's a dream come true in the literal sense, that thing you have between sleeping and waking up," the rapper said. "That time spent I used to think about being on the stage and being able to thank the people that have done so much for me in my life."
Drake described a long-standing dream he's had since his acting days on "Degrassi: The Next Generation." "I've been having this dream, I never knew where it was and it never really specified what the award was," he continued. "But I knew it was a night I could let the people know — the people in my life know — how much they have done with me. To have four opportunities to have that chance is incredible."
In addition to his Best Rap nod, Drizzy is also up for Best New Artist, Best Rap Solo Performance for "Over" and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Fancy" with T.I. and Swizz Beatz.
Fans better get used to seeing the 24-year-old rapper hit award-show stages, as it was recently announced that Drake will take hosting duties at the 2011 Juno Awards, which air live on CTV on Sunday, March 27.
With academy and industry acclaim under his belt, Drake also tells the hip-hop blog that he understands the ups and downs of media scrutiny. "I'll be honest with you, some of these gossip sites, it's scary how accurate they actually might be or are," he said. "Sometimes they really have real things to report first. But then there's other times it's just a slow day. I usually pop up on the slow days, to be honest with you, 'cause they say some sh-- and I have to say where did you even get that from."
He goes on to explain that certain media outlets "pride themselves on trying to tear down artists," adding that it's hurtful to see industry newbies undergo such early career tribulations.
The 53rd annual Grammy Awards air February 13 on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Do you think Drake will pick up any awards at this year's Grammys? Sound off below!