On January 14, 2025, Drake withdrew a legal claim alleging that Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG) artificially inflated streams of Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us.” However, just a day later, the Canadian rapper filed a new lawsuit against UMG in a New York federal court, accusing the label of defamation and harassment. The move escalates an ongoing dispute surrounding Lamar’s diss track and its alleged impact on Drake’s personal and professional life.

Background and Initial Legal Claims

The controversy began on May 4, 2024, when Kendrick Lamar released the track “Not Like Us” through UMG’s Interscope Records. Drake claims the song contains false and defamatory accusations that he is a “criminal pedophile” and encourages public vigilante action against him. According to Drake’s legal team, the song’s lyrics, accompanying album artwork (which reportedly depicted Drake’s Toronto home), and music video promote a damaging and baseless narrative.

In the aftermath of the song’s release, Drake reported facing three violent incidents, including a shooting outside his Toronto mansion. These events, his attorneys argue, were directly incited by the song’s allegations.

In November 2024, Drake filed multiple legal actions, including one against Spotify, accusing the streaming giant of conspiring with UMG to boost the track’s popularity. Spotify refuted the claims, labeling them a “subversion of the normal judicial process.” Drake voluntarily withdrew that lawsuit on January 14, 2025, but his filing states UMG has “reserved its position” on the matter.

Defamation Allegations Against UMG

Drake’s new lawsuit focuses on UMG’s alleged role in promoting and profiting from “Not Like Us.” His legal team accuses the label of engaging in an “unrelenting campaign” to amplify the song’s reach through traditional marketing, licensing deals, and alleged unethical practices. These include:

Artificial Stream Inflation: The lawsuit claims UMG paid unknown parties to use bots to artificially boost streams of the track on Spotify. Pay-to-Play Promotions: Drake alleges UMG offered financial incentives, including reduced licensing rates, to promote the song across various platforms. Super Bowl and Grammy Campaigns: UMG is accused of leveraging its influence to secure Kendrick Lamar’s performance at Super Bowl LVI and promoting “Not Like Us” for Grammy consideration, resulting in five nominations for the 2025 awards. Drake’s attorneys contend that UMG acted negligently and maliciously, prioritizing profits over his safety and reputation. They claim the label ignored Drake’s repeated private attempts to resolve the issue, allegedly warning him that any legal action would result in public humiliation.

UMG Responds

In a statement, a UMG spokesperson denied the allegations, stating:

“Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist—let alone Drake—is illogical. We have invested massively in his music and worked tirelessly to help him achieve historic success.” The label framed Drake’s lawsuit as an attempt to stifle artistic expression, emphasizing that Lamar’s track was a conventional diss in the context of rap battles.

Drake’s Perspective

Drake’s legal team counters that the lawsuit is not about artistic expression but about holding UMG accountable for knowingly promoting defamatory material. In a statement, his lawyers said:

“This lawsuit reveals the human and business consequences of UMG’s elevation of profits over the safety and well-being of its artists. It shines a light on the manipulation of artists and the public for corporate gain.” Drake’s lawsuit also references his response track, “The Heart Part 6,” where he denies the allegations, asserting he has “never been with no one underage” and is not listed on any “sex offender” registries.

Additional Legal Actions

Drake has another lawsuit pending in Bexar County, Texas, against UMG and iHeartRadio. This filing alleges that UMG funneled payments to iHeartRadio in a scheme violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. It also accuses the label of failing to block the release of “Not Like Us,” which Drake claims falsely accuses him of criminal acts.

What’s Next?

Drake’s legal actions mark a significant clash between one of the music industry’s biggest stars and its most powerful label. The case raises questions about the boundaries of artistic freedom, corporate responsibility, and the ethical implications of leveraging controversy for commercial success.

As the lawsuits unfold, the stakes remain high for both parties, with potential repercussions that could extend beyond this specific dispute.