- Drake is suing Universal Music Group (UMG) for allegedly promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us, accusing the company of defamation and negligence.
- The lawsuit claims UMG prioritized profit over Drake’s reputation and safety, citing incidents like a security guard being shot at Drake’s home.
- UMG has called the lawsuit "frivolous," but a judge has allowed discovery to proceed, setting the stage for further legal battles.
Drake's legal feud with Universal Music Group (UMG) is heating up as he takes aim at the company for its alleged role in promoting Kendrick Lamar’s controversial diss track, Not Like Us. The lawsuit centers on claims of defamation and negligence, with Drake accusing UMG of prioritizing profits over his reputation and safety.
The amended complaint, filed in New York federal court, alleges that Lamar’s success at the 2025 Grammys and his Super Bowl halftime show amplified the damage caused by the track. According to Drake’s lawyers, these high-profile events introduced new audiences to lyrics labeling the rapper as a “certified pedophile” and a “predator.”
“UMG chose corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artists,” the complaint states. “By continuing to promote the song, they turned Drake into a target for harassment, or worse.”
Accusations Against UMG
The lawsuit accuses UMG of intentionally monetizing the false allegations in Not Like Us. Drake’s legal team claims that UMG not only published and promoted the track but also exploited its connections to secure Grammy nominations and wins for Lamar’s song.
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In February, Lamar won five Grammys, followed by a Super Bowl halftime performance viewed by an average of 133.5 million people, according to The Associated Press. While Lamar omitted the word “pedophile” during his performance, Drake argues the exposure still intensified threats against him.
The complaint mentions several incidents, including one where a gunman shot a security guard at Drake’s home last May. The lawsuit alleges that UMG ignored these safety risks, continuing to promote the track despite knowing the potential for violence.
UMG Fires Back
In response, UMG filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, calling it “frivolous and reckless.” A spokesperson for UMG stated, “Drake, unquestionably one of the world’s most accomplished artists, is being misled by his legal representatives into taking one absurd legal step after another.”
Despite UMG’s pushback, a federal judge denied the company’s request to delay discovery, allowing both sides to gather evidence. Drake’s attorney, Michael Gottlieb, expressed optimism, stating, “With discovery now moving forward, Drake will expose the evidence of UMG’s misconduct, and UMG will be held accountable for the consequences of its ill-conceived decisions.”
However, UMG countered with a warning: “Drake will personally be subject to discovery as well. As the old saying goes, ‘be careful what you wish for.’”
A Heated Rivalry
The origins of this conflict trace back to last year’s diss track battle between Drake and Lamar, with Lamar’s Not Like Us climbing the charts and earning widespread acclaim. The feud escalated beyond music, with Drake’s legal action claiming UMG unfairly boosted Lamar’s track to assassinate his character.
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“This isn’t about Kendrick,” the lawsuit clarifies. “It’s about the music company that chose to exploit false and dangerous allegations for profit.”
Looking Forward
As discovery begins, fans of both artists are left wondering how this legal battle will unfold. While the case remains contentious, it highlights how the intersection of music, business, and personal rivalries can create explosive consequences.
What do you think about Drake’s lawsuit and its potential impact on the music industry? Let us know in the comments below!
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