Rapper Drake has filed a lawsuit against his record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the company of promoting a song by Kendrick Lamar that he claims defames him.
The track in question, “Not Like Us,” includes lyrics that Drake argues falsely accuse him of pedophilia, leading to online harassment and threats against his safety.
In his lawsuit, filed in Manhattan’s federal court, Drake argues that UMG, which represents both him and Lamar, prioritized financial gain over the well-being of its artists. He claims that by promoting Lamar’s diss track, the label facilitated the spread of harmful, false accusations, thereby creating a “viral hit” based on a fabricated narrative.
Drake further states that this promotion has exposed him to physical threats and harassment, including a shooting at his Toronto estate and multiple break-in attempts.
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Although Drake is not suing Lamar directly for the lyrics themselves, he is holding UMG accountable for its role in publishing, promoting, and monetizing the track.
His legal team argues that UMG deliberately exploited dangerous and false allegations against him in an effort to boost the song’s success.
The lawsuit also suggests that UMG’s actions are part of a broader strategy to undermine Drake’s value as he approaches the end of his contract with the label, potentially limiting his bargaining power for a new deal. UMG has strongly denied the allegations, stating that it has never engaged in defamation and will vigorously defend itself in court.
The company maintains that Drake has previously used the label to promote rap battles and creative expressions, and that this lawsuit seeks to silence his artistic freedom.
“Not Like Us” is nominated for multiple Grammy awards, with Lamar also set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show in February. Despite the legal battle, the track continues to receive significant attention and acclaim.
