Drake Sues Universal Music Group Over 'Not Like Us' Track and Defamation.
Drake, 38, is taking legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), filing a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York, accusing the label of defamation and manipulation regarding the promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track "Not Like Us." The Canadian rapper claims that UMG spread a “false and malicious narrative” by promoting the track, which he says led to serious personal and professional consequences.
Drake
Both Drake and Lamar are signed to UMG but under different divisions—Drake under Republic Records and Lamar under Interscope. The lawsuit, an 81-page document, repeats claims Drake made in a November petition, accusing UMG of conspiring to "artificially inflate" Lamar’s song on Spotify using “pay-to-play schemes,” bots, and other controversial tactics.
"UMG’s campaign went well beyond the traditional music company playbook — indeed, UMG has unleashed every weapon in its arsenal, including, on information and belief, certain practices that are unlawful," the lawsuit states. It further claims that UMG offered "financial incentives" to third parties to promote the track without public disclosure, and removed copyright restrictions to allow content creators to freely use the song.
Kendrick Lamar
A spokesperson for UMG denied the allegations, stating, "We have invested massively in his music and our employees around the world have worked tirelessly for many years to help him achieve historic commercial and personal financial success."
Drake’s lawsuit also connects UMG’s actions to an alleged escalation in real-world consequences. The lawsuit claims that the "false allegations" in Lamar’s song contributed to an armed attack on Drake's Toronto home on May 7, 2024, which resulted in a security guard being injured. Another incident allegedly occurred the following day, when a trespasser attempted to dig under the property’s security fence.
Drake’s legal team insists that UMG’s actions have hurt his reputation, leading to tangible damage to both his personal and professional life. The case raises complex questions about the responsibility of record labels in controlling the narrative around their artists and the potentially dangerous consequences of promotional tactics gone wrong. UMG has denied the allegations, stating that they are untrue and illogical.
"Not Like Us" is a diss track by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, released on May 4, 2024, through Interscope Records. The song is part of Lamar's ongoing feud with fellow rapper Drake, and it features direct references to Drake, touching on personal and professional aspects of his life. In the track, Lamar raps, "Say Drake, I hear you like 'em young," alluding to allegations and rumors surrounding Drake’s relationships with younger women. Additionally, he targets Drake’s 2021 album, "Certified Lover Boy," with the line, "Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles," a provocative jab at Drake’s image.
The track has garnered significant attention due to its bold lyrics and its place in the larger context of the public feud between the two artists. Lamar’s use of personal accusations and insinuations in his diss track has sparked controversy and debate among fans, with many questioning whether the lines cross a line between competition and personal attacks. Despite the charged content, Lamar has yet to fully address the specifics of his motives in interviews, preferring to let the track speak for itself.
