Drake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), his own record label, accusing the company of promoting 

and distributing Kendrick Lamar’s controversial diss track, Not Like Us. 

The lawsuit, filed on January 15 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that UMG “approved, published, 

and launched a campaign” to turn Lamar’s track into a viral sensation 

while knowingly spreading false and damaging allegations about the God’s Plan rapper.

Allegations Against Kendrick Lamar and UMG

In his complaint, Drake, 38 (born Aubrey Drake Graham), claims that Lamar’s 2024 song Not Like Us includes defamatory lyrics that portray him as a “certified pedophile” and advocate for public retribution against him. According to the suit, one line from the track states, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young,” while another suggests he should be “placed on neighborhood watch.”

The legal filing also highlights the track’s cover art and accompanying music video, which allegedly feature imagery of Drake’s Toronto home marked with labels resembling those used by law enforcement to identify sex offenders.

Drake asserts that UMG, which has been his record label since 2009, not only approved the release of the track but actively promoted it despite understanding the potential harm it could cause. The lawsuit accuses the label of prioritizing profits over its responsibility to protect its artists, stating that UMG “exploited and monetized allegations it knew to be false and dangerous.”

Drake Denies Allegations

The court documents emphasize Drake’s denial of the accusations made in Not Like Us, stating, “Drake has never engaged in any acts that would require he be ‘placed on neighborhood watch.’ Drake has never engaged in sexual relations with a minor.” The suit further clarifies that Drake has never faced criminal charges or convictions for any such acts.

This is not the first time Drake has taken legal action related to Lamar’s diss track. In November 2024, his company Frozen Moments LLC filed a complaint in Manhattan, accusing UMG of orchestrating a campaign to artificially boost the song’s popularity on streaming platforms through bots and pay-to-play tactics. That case was withdrawn earlier this week as Drake focuses on the federal lawsuit.

UMG Responds

Universal Music Group strongly denies the allegations, issuing a statement that calls the lawsuit “untrue” and “illogical.” A UMG spokesperson defended the company, saying, “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 commercial success.”

UMG also characterized Drake’s lawsuit as an attempt to stifle artistic expression, arguing that the rapper has historically used the label to release music engaging in similar “back-and-forth rap battles.” The spokesperson added, “We do not engage in defamation against any individual and will vigorously defend this litigation to protect our people, our reputation, and the rights of artists to freely create and express themselves.”

Kendrick Lamar’s Role

While the lawsuit primarily targets UMG, Kendrick Lamar, 37, is at the center of the controversy due to the track’s inflammatory lyrics and imagery. Lamar has not publicly commented on the lawsuit, though his track has been widely interpreted as part of the longstanding tensions between the two artists.

Broader Implications

Drake’s lawsuit raises questions about the responsibilities of record labels in managing conflicts between their artists. It also touches on the ethical boundaries of using diss tracks as a form of creative expression, particularly when allegations cross into the realm of defamation.

As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will address these claims and whether it will impact the longstanding rap tradition of diss tracks. Regardless of the outcome, the lawsuit underscores the complexities of balancing creative freedom with accountability in the music industry.

This legal battle marks the latest chapter in the ongoing feud between two of hip-hop’s biggest stars, with potential repercussions for their careers and the industry at large. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as the situation develops.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.