In an intense legal battle, Canadian rapper Drake has filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) in response to rival Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
The 38-year-old star claims that the song, which was released in 2024, includes damaging lyrics and visuals that falsely accuse him of being a pedophile.
According to Drake’s court documents, UMG was fully aware of the allegations in the song and allowed them to be used as part of a larger promotional strategy to increase the track’s commercial success.
Lawsuit Alleges Intentional Harm by Universal Music Group
Drake argues that UMG not only permitted the controversial content to be part of the song but also actively promoted it for financial gain.
The lawsuit alleges that UMG’s promotion of “Not Like Us” helped the track break multiple chart records, but also caused damage to Drake’s reputation.
It is claimed that the label went so far as to manipulate streams and data to boost the song’s success, using bots to inflate its numbers by at least 30 million streams.
Furthermore, UMG allegedly engaged in a ‘pay for play’ scheme with radio promoters, pushing the song to top the charts based on fraudulent information.
Drake Addresses Personal Impact and Safety Concerns
Beyond the professional and financial harm, Drake contends that the release of the song has put his personal safety at risk.
He points to several violent incidents near his Toronto mansion as evidence of the danger that has escalated since “Not Like Us” dropped.
Drake also emphasizes that his lawsuit is not aimed at Kendrick Lamar personally but rather at UMG for its role in distributing and profiting from the song’s defamatory content.
UMG Responds to Defamation Claims and Denies Malpractice
In a statement, Universal Music Group vehemently denied the allegations, calling the claims “untrue” and stating that the company would never seek to harm an artist’s reputation.
They rejected the idea that they intentionally caused damage to Drake and emphasized their investment in his music career.
UMG also stated that the lawsuit was an attempt by Drake to use the legal system to suppress Kendrick Lamar’s creative expression.
The label promised to vigorously defend itself against the suit, asserting that they have always adhered to the highest ethical standards in their promotional practices.
The Longstanding Rivalry Between Drake and Kendrick Lamar
The legal battle is the latest chapter in a bitter rivalry between two of hip-hop’s biggest names.
Drake and Kendrick have been feuding for over a decade, with occasional disses and jabs traded between them.
Their relationship soured further after Kendrick’s infamous verse on Big Sean’s 2013 track “Control,” where he took aim at several top rappers, including Drake.
The rivalry reignited in 2024 with Kendrick’s “Not Like Us,” which includes lines that accuse Drake of being a predator and making insinuations about his personal life, including rumors about a secret daughter.
This is just one of many public confrontations between the two, with both artists continuing to release tracks aimed at each other.
The Growing Tension in the Hip-Hop World
Drake’s decision to file a federal lawsuit marks a significant escalation in his feud with Kendrick Lamar, particularly because it targets the major label that distributes both of their music.
As the situation unfolds, it raises broader questions about the ethics of the music industry and the responsibility of record labels in managing the content they promote.
Fans of both artists are eagerly watching the legal proceedings to see how this dispute will impact the careers of two of the genre’s most influential figures.
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