Drake has launched a federal defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) concerning rival Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.”
As reported by TMZ, the 38-year-old Canadian rapper accuses UMG of disseminating a “false and malicious narrative” portraying him as a pedophile.
In the court documents, Drake alleges that UMG was aware that Lamar’s diss track would contain lyrics and visuals in the accompanying music video that referred to him in this derogatory manner. He claims that UMG permitted the “inflammatory and shocking allegations” to persist because the song was a profitable venture for the company.
Drake asserts that UMG actively promoted “Not Like Us,” knowing it would tarnish his music’s reputation and grant them leverage in upcoming contract negotiations.
The lawsuit further alleges that UMG funded a third party to use bots, artificially boosting the song’s streams by at least 30 million. Additionally, it claims the company engaged in a “pay for play” arrangement with at least one radio promoter, falsely representing the track as a “chart-topper” based on manipulated data.
The lawsuit arises as Kendrick prepares to perform at the Super Bowl in New Orleans next month. Drake references the performance in his legal filing, suggesting that UMG was complicit in securing Kendrick the opportunity to showcase the song during “one of the most significant cultural events of the year.”
Notably, Drake clarifies that the lawsuit does not target Kendrick directly. “This lawsuit is not about the artist who created ‘Not Like Us,'” the suit states. “Instead, it is entirely about UMG, the music company that chose to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize a song containing false claims.”
Drake also notes that the song has endangered his safety, citing multiple shootings that have occurred near his Toronto mansion since its release.
“Not Like Us” has broken numerous records, spending 21 weeks atop the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart and 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, where it reached number one twice. The track has amassed over 914 million plays on Spotify and ranks third on the Rap Streaming Songs chart.
Previously, Drake had filed a lawsuit against UMG and Spotify in New York State court but withdrew that case in favor of filing a federal lawsuit.
In response to the initial state court filing, UMG stated, “The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns.” They added, “No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”
This legal battle stems from an escalating exchange of diss tracks between Lamar and Drake, ignited by Kendrick’s verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That” in March 2024. Ultimately, Lamar’s “Not Like Us” emerged as the most successful track from their feud.
