Rapper Kendrick Lamar appears at the MTV Video Music Awards, on Aug. 27, 2017, in Inglewood, Calif., left, and Canadian rapper Drake appears at the premiere of the series "Euphoria," in Los Angeles on June 4, 2019. (AP Photo, File)
Drake, the Canadian rap superstar, has taken legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging defamation in connection to Kendrick Lamar’s controversial track, Not Like Us. Filed in a New York federal court on Wednesday, the lawsuit accuses UMG of publishing and promoting the song despite its allegedly false and harmful content. The track, which does not name Lamar as a defendant, includes accusations of pedophilia against Drake and calls for vigilante justice, according to the suit.
Drake claims the fallout from the song has been severe. His Toronto home became the target of two break-in attempts, and a security guard was shot by intruders. Additionally, Drake cites reputational damage, online harassment, and a decline in his brand's value, which he alleges impacted ongoing contract negotiations with UMG.
“This lawsuit is not about the artist who created Not Like Us,” the filing states, implicitly referencing Lamar. “It is about UMG, the company that knowingly published and profited from false and dangerous allegations.”
Drake’s legal team argues that UMG prioritized profits over artist safety, describing the track's shocking accusations as a "gold mine." The lawsuit further alleges that UMG leveraged its resources to secure Not Like Us a performance slot at the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, where Lamar is set to headline.
Seeking an undisclosed amount in damages and a trial, the lawsuit also reiterates claims that UMG artificially boosted the song’s popularity on streaming platforms. The track, which has already garnered five Grammy nominations, including Record and Song of the Year, remains a contentious topic.
In response, UMG issued a statement denying the allegations. “Not only are these claims untrue, but the suggestion that we would harm Drake’s reputation is absurd,” the statement read. “We have invested heavily in his success and worked tirelessly to support his career. Throughout his time with UMG, Drake has engaged in provocative lyrical exchanges as part of his artistic expression, but he now seeks to weaponize the legal process to silence another artist.”
Representatives for Kendrick Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper, did not respond to requests for comment.
The ongoing feud between Drake, 38, and Lamar, 37, has been one of hip-hop’s most high-profile rivalries in recent years. The two artists, once collaborators, began clashing publicly in 2013. The tensions escalated dramatically in 2024, culminating in the release of Not Like Us.
Drake’s legal team, represented by Willkie Farr & Gallagher, argues that UMG’s promotion of the track directly endangered the rapper and his family, forcing them to relocate for their safety. “Since May 2024, UMG has exploited its vast influence to amplify a dangerous message that endangered Drake’s life and tarnished his reputation,” the attorneys stated.
The lawsuit, according to Drake’s legal representatives, seeks to hold UMG accountable for prioritizing profits over artist safety. “This case underscores the human cost of corporate greed and the manipulation of both artists and the public for financial gain,” the statement concluded.
