Drake Sues UMG For Defamation Over Kendrick Lamar Diss Track
Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), escalating his ongoing feud with fellow rap star Kendrick Lamar.
Lawsuit accuses UMG for promoting “Not Like Us” without concern for the safety of Drake
The lawsuit, submitted in a New York federal court, targets UMG for releasing and promoting Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," which contains inflammatory allegations accusing Drake of pedophilia and cultural appropriation, as well as containing content that suggested that listeners should resort to vigilante justice. According to the suit, UMG intentionally amplified the song's defamatory claims, leading to threats against Drake and his family.
Lamar's "Not Like Us" became a massive cultural sensation upon its release in May, topping the charts and earning five Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year. The track, produced by DJ Mustard, is widely seen as a definitive blow in the decade-long tension between the two artists. However, Drake's legal team argues that UMG prioritized profit over artist safety, alleging the company created a "viral campaign" around the song, despite knowing its claims were false and dangerous.
The lawsuit claims the song's promotion directly led to violence, including the shooting of Drake’s security guard and attempted break-ins at his Toronto home. In response to the threats, Drake has moved his family out of the city and taken additional security measures.
The suit also accuses UMG of exploiting the controversy by pushing for "Not Like Us" to be performed at the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, where Lamar is set to headline.
UMG denies claims
UMG, which represents both Drake and Lamar through its subsidiaries, denies the allegations. In a statement, the company described Drake's claims as "untrue and illogical," emphasizing its long-standing investment in his career. They framed the lawsuit as an attempt to stifle artistic expression, noting that rap battles often involve provocative lyrics and public feuds.
This legal action follows another lawsuit Drake filed against UMG and Spotify, accusing them of artificially inflating streams for "Not Like Us" to undermine his own music. That case was dropped earlier this week after discussions with the companies. Drake’s new lawsuit distances itself from Lamar, who is not mentioned in the lawsuit, instead focusing solely on UMG’s role in publishing and promoting the track.
While "Not Like Us" has been celebrated as a cultural milestone, critics have pointed out its provocative artwork, which includes imagery linked to registered sex offenders. Drake's team has likened the campaign to the "Pizzagate" conspiracy, suggesting it incited real-world harm against him.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case highlights the high stakes of artistic rivalries and the blurred lines between creative freedom and corporate responsibility.
