Drake wins Billboard’s Artist of the Decade award.
After an announcement earlier this month, Drake is honored by Billboard’s Artist of the Decade award at Billboard Music Awards earlier tonight at LA’s Microsoft Theater. Drake was accompanied by family and friends who presented him with the Artist of the Decade Award, extending his record as the most decorated artist in the history of the awards programme to 29 wins. His son Adonis held his hand as he walked onstage outside the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Drake sauntered onstage at his side as viewers watched a montage reflecting his towering achievements. He gave him the trophy before modestly discussing his path to fame.
Drake who brought his 3-year-old son Adonis along with him to receive the award, says, “I’m really self-conscious about my music. I rarely celebrate anything, and just for anyone watching this that’s wondering how this happened, that’s really the answer. It’s being so unsure how you’re getting it done, that you just keep going in the hopes of figuring out the formula. Feeling so lucky and blessed that the fear of losing it keeps you up at night.”
Since 2009, Drake earned 9 number 1 albums, which is the most by any artist in this past decade. He also has most (45) top 10s on the Billboard Hot 100, including six number 1 singles. Drake who broke the record for most Billboard Music Awards with 27, is also nominated this year in 7 categories, including Top Male Artist and Top Rap Artist.
Drake made history in March by becoming the first artist to debut at Nos. 1, 2, and 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 list at the same time, with “What’s Next” leading the charge. “Wants and Needs” debuted at No. 2, while “Lemon Pepper Freestyle,” with Rick Ross, premiered at No. 3.
“I didn’t write a grandiose speech about how to make it work or what it took, ’cause to be honest, I don’t really understand it myself,” says Drake. “I just know that I’ve spent an incalculable amount of hours trying to analyze all the things I did wrong, but tonight, for once, I’m sure as hell we did something right.“. Before the award, Billboard also plays a video package for Drake which is narrated by none other than legendary LeBron James.
Check out his speech below.
DRAKE
ARTIST OF THE DECADE#DrakeDecade#BBMAs pic.twitter.com/jb0a5Hawd6— XXL Magazine (@XXL) May 24, 2021
“It’s not luck my good friends. It’s certain destiny.”
LeBron narrated @Drake’s video package for winning Billboard’s Artist of the Decade award
(via @OVOSound)pic.twitter.com/SBh5ZoVCwJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 24, 2021
What a moment. Drake and Adonis 🦉pic.twitter.com/vENSDuL6x7
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) May 24, 2021
It’s a family affair. Congrats to @drake, @billboard‘s Artist of the Decade 🏆 #BBMAs pic.twitter.com/6pUi9hVf1J
— Vibe Magazine (@VibeMagazine) May 24, 2021