Drake has escalated his ongoing feud with Universal Music Group (UMG) by filing a federal defamation lawsuit. The rapper claims that UMG defamed him by promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” which falsely accused him of being a pedophile.
” The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, alleges that UMG knew the track’s inflammatory lyrics were untrue but prioritized corporate profit over his safety and reputation.”
Drake’s legal team stated that the release of “Not Like Us” subjected the rapper to real-world consequences. Following the track’s release, Drake endured online harassment and threats, including a drive-by shooting near his Toronto home. His attorneys argue that UMG’s actions put his life and the safety of his loved ones at risk.
The lawsuit explicitly states that Kendrick Lamar is not being targeted. Instead, it focuses on UMG’s alleged role in amplifying the track. “UMG’s greed yielded real-world consequences,” Drake’s lawyers wrote, accusing the label of creating a hostile environment for its own artist.
Drake has a long history with UMG, having spent his entire career under its umbrella. However, this lawsuit signals a significant deterioration in their relationship. According to the filing, UMG saw Lamar’s track as a “gold mine” and used it to gain leverage ahead of renegotiating Drake’s contract.
Legal experts suggest this case could set a precedent for how record labels manage disputes between artists. With no comment yet from UMG, the music industry is watching closely as this high-stakes legal battle unfolds.
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