Drake’s petition against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the company of using illegal streaming tactics to promote Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” at his expense, has ignited fierce criticism from several prominent figures in hip hop. Media personality Charlamagne Tha God and producer Mustard have been vocal about their disappointment, with both mocking Drake’s decision to sue UMG. The petition, which claims that UMG manipulated streaming numbers using bots, has become a subject of ridicule, sparking debates over Drake’s reaction to losing a rap battle and the ethics of his legal move.
Drake is facing significant backlash after filing a petition against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the company of manipulating streaming numbers to boost Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” The legal action claims that UMG used illegal tactics, including bots, to artificially inflate streams for Lamar’s song, which came out during the height of a rap battle between the two artists. This move has not only drawn the attention of fans but also sparked mockery from some well-known hip hop figures, who have been quick to criticize Drake for what they see as an emotional and impulsive reaction.
Charlamagne Tha God, a prominent media personality, voiced his disappointment with Drake’s decision to take legal action. In a post on social media, Charlamagne expressed his disbelief.
He said, “Come on man, Because you lost a rap battle? Dot said Squabble Up Not Lawyer Up. I’m just here for the chaos. Let’s Discuss…..”
Charlamagne’s words emphasized that Drake’s decision to file the petition seemed to stem from a place of frustration, rather than a well-thought-out strategy. Despite his critique, Charlamagne has praised Drake in the past, particularly his handling of the Meek Mill beef and his diss track “Family Matters,” which targeted Lamar. However, this recent move has left him questioning Drake’s judgment.
The situation escalated when Kendrick Lamar’s associates responded to the petition with mockery and disdain. Punch, the president of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Lamar’s former label, didn’t hold back on Twitter, writing, “Naaaaaahhhh. The rap streets is done. SMH.” This comment was widely seen as a direct jab at Drake, who had been considered one of the top figures in the rap game but was now the subject of public ridicule after his legal move. Punch’s tweet reflected the frustration many felt about Drake resorting to legal action instead of handling the situation with his usual rap prowess.
Producer Mustard, who worked on Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us,” joined the chorus of critics by sharing a laughing emoji in response to Punch’s tweet. Mustard, who has had a rocky relationship with Drake in 2024, seemed to relish the drama, poking fun at the situation. His reaction further fueled the growing sense that Drake had made a misstep by filing the petition, which many saw as a desperate move to save face after losing a rap battle.
Rapper Rapsody, known for her collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on his iconic To Pimp a Butterfly album, also shared her disbelief over the legal action. She tweeted, “Legal action over losing a rap beef? My my my,” expressing her shock at Drake’s decision to seek legal recourse for a situation that many viewed as a part of the competitive nature of hip hop. Rapsody later deleted a follow-up tweet, in which she suggested that Drake’s lawsuit wasn’t about defending the rights of artists but about protecting his own legacy in the face of public embarrassment.
The petition and its subsequent backlash have caused a ripple effect within the hip hop community, with many questioning the integrity of the streaming industry and whether Drake’s actions were more about ego than justice. While the lawsuit claims that UMG manipulated streams using bots, it also raises ethical questions about seeking legal solutions to disputes that are typically handled in the competitive arena of rap battles.
As of now, UMG has not commented on the lawsuit, leaving fans and industry insiders to speculate about the potential fallout. Some believe that this move could tarnish Drake’s reputation, while others think it will simply be another chapter in his career, one that may soon be forgotten. Regardless of the outcome, the petition has certainly added fuel to the fire of the ongoing rap feud between Drake and Lamar, further complicating an already tense rivalry.
Drake’s decision to take legal action over streaming tactics has opened up a wider conversation about the intersection of hip hop, legal battles, and the business side of the music industry. Whether or not his lawsuit will be successful, the public mockery from figures like Charlamagne Tha God and Mustard has already made it clear that this legal move is not being received well by many within the rap community.
As Charlamagne aptly put it, “Dot said Squabble Up Not Lawyer Up,” reminding everyone that in the world of hip hop, disputes are often settled through bars, not lawsuits. The question now remains: Will Drake find a way to recover from this controversy, or has he taken one misstep too many in this high-profile battle? Only time will tell.
