Of all of the nominees for this year's Grammy Awards maybe the most surprising was Toronto native Drake, who told the press backstage, "This all started with friends." Sure, the young MC is admittedly one of 2009's biggest success stories with 'Best I Ever Had,' a single off his 'So Far Gone' mixtape, nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Song. But the surprise factor is that his debut album isn't even out yet. According to the MC, it's scheduled for March release as of now and he's still working on it. "It's gonna be an amazing ride this year," he says.

Asked if he was the first artist to ever be nominated before his album came out, Drake smiled and replied, "I think we're looking into that. We're not sure, but that would definitely be an honor."

Turns out it's more than an honor, it's literally a dream come true. "I can honestly say there was a period in my life where I was in high school when I used to have trouble going to sleep at early hours cause I used to sit there thinking about hearing my name called at a Grammy Nominations press conference or something like that," he said. "That's honest, for real. Today is a special moment in my life."

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