Drake has taken his ongoing feud with Universal Music Group (UMG) to a new level, filing yet another lawsuit that accuses the label of defamation in connection with the success of Kendrick Lamar’s hit song “Not Like Us.” This latest legal move by the Canadian rapper has sent shockwaves through the music industry, sparking further controversy and adding fuel to the already heated rivalry between the two megastars.
According to reports Drake’s latest filing takes aim at UMG’s business practices, alleging that the label engaged in a scheme to artificially inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s track. The filing claims that UMG collaborated with streaming giant Spotify to promote “Not Like Us” through a series of deceptive tactics that made the song appear more successful than it actually was. Drake’s legal team argues that this was part of a larger strategy to undermine his own career, highlighting the polarizing nature of the rivalry between the two artists.
In the lawsuit, Drake goes beyond simply accusing UMG of unfair business practices. He claims that the label participated in a broader “payola” scheme, funneling money to radio stations and other media outlets in exchange for favorable airplay and promotion of Lamar’s song. Drake argues that UMG orchestrated this campaign to not only elevate Kendrick Lamar but also to damage his own reputation in the process. The rapper alleges that the company allowed false and defamatory content to be spread, specifically targeting him with accusations of being a “sex offender.” According to Drake, these accusations were entirely baseless and known to be false by UMG before the song was released.
Drake’s legal team asserts that UMG had the power to stop the release of the track or, at the very least, demand that the defamatory material be removed. Instead, the label chose to go ahead with the release, fully aware of the potential harm to Drake’s image. In the court filing, Drake’s lawyers state,
“UMG … could have refused to release or distribute the song or required the offending material to be edited or removed. But UMG chose to do the opposite.”
UMG designed, financed, and then executed a plan to turn ‘Not Like Us’ into a viral mega-hit with the intent of using the spectacle of harm to Drake and his businesses to drive consumer hysteria and, of course, massive revenues.” The filing further claims that this strategy ultimately worked, as the song became a massive hit, benefiting both UMG and Kendrick Lamar, but at Drake’s expense.
The lawsuit comes on the heels of Kendrick Lamar’s release of the album GNX, which has garnered significant attention. One of the tracks on the album, “Squabble Up,” contains lyrics that appear to take shots at Drake, with Kendrick rapping about the Toronto rapper’s previous confrontations and suggesting that Drake was all talk when it came to facing off. The content of the track has fueled speculation that Drake’s lawsuit is an attempt to divert attention away from Kendrick’s success and discredit the album’s popularity. Drake has not explicitly stated whether the lawsuit is tied to GNX or if it’s more about the ongoing tension between the two artists.
For now, the music world is left waiting for further developments in this high-stakes legal battle. Drake’s feud with UMG and Kendrick Lamar has captured the public’s attention, and it seems that this is far from the last chapter in the saga. With both artists at the height of their careers, the outcome of this lawsuit could have major implications for the future of the music industry, particularly when it comes to the power dynamics between artists, labels, and streaming platforms.
As the legal proceedings unfold, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how Drake’s latest move affects his reputation, his relationship with UMG, and his rivalry with Kendrick Lamar. While it’s unclear if this lawsuit will silence the chatter surrounding Lamar’s GNX album, it’s evident that Drake is playing a high-stakes game with serious consequences for all parties involved. Stay tuned, as this legal battle is likely to evolve in unexpected ways.
