Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar's diss track, 'Not Like Us.' The lawsuit alleges that UMG promoted false and dangerous narratives about Drake, leading to multiple security incidents at his home and harming his reputation. UMG denies the claims, stating their support for Drake's career and defending artistic expression.
In a dramatic turn of events in the music industry, Canadian rapper Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over the release of Kendrick Lamar's diss track, 'Not Like Us.' The lawsuit, filed in New York's Southern District Court, accuses UMG of promoting a song that endangered Drake's life and tarnished his reputation. This legal battle highlights the ongoing feud between Drake and Lamar, two of hip-hop's biggest stars, and raises questions about the responsibilities of music labels in promoting controversial content.
Drake's lawsuit alleges that UMG knowingly promoted Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us,' a track that accuses Drake of being a pedophile and suggests vigilante justice against him. The lawsuit details three attempted home invasions at Drake's Toronto residence, including a shooting incident involving his security guard, and claims that these events were incited by the song's release[1]. The lawsuit also accuses UMG of using an aerial view of Drake's home as the song's cover art, further endangering his safety[2]. Drake's legal team argues that UMG's actions were driven by corporate greed, intending to devalue Drake's brand and force him into a less favorable contract renegotiation[3].
UMG has strongly denied Drake's allegations, calling them 'untrue' and 'illogical.' In their statement, UMG emphasized their long-standing support for Drake's career, highlighting their investment in his music and the efforts of their employees worldwide to contribute to his success[3]. The company argues that the lawsuit is an attempt by Drake to silence artistic expression and that they have not engaged in defamation against any individual[4]. UMG also pointed out that both Drake and Lamar have used rap battles throughout their careers to express their feelings about other artists, suggesting that the legal action is an extension of this tradition[3].
The lawsuit has intensified the already heated feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, two of the most influential figures in hip-hop. 'Not Like Us' has become a cultural phenomenon, with over a billion streams and multiple Grammy nominations[2]. The track's success has further fueled the rivalry, highlighting the power of diss tracks in shaping public perception and career trajectories in the music industry[1]. This case also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of record labels in promoting potentially harmful content and the balance between artistic freedom and personal safety[4]. As the legal battle unfolds, it could set significant precedents for how such disputes are handled in the future.
Drake's lawsuit against UMG over Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' has brought to light the complexities of the music industry, where artistic expression and commercial interests often collide. As the case progresses, it will not only impact the careers of the artists involved but also influence the broader conversation about the role of record labels in managing and promoting contentious content. While UMG continues to defend its actions, the outcome of this lawsuit could reshape industry practices and set new standards for artist-label relationships.
"This lawsuit is not about a war of words between artists. This lawsuit involves no claims against Kendrick Lamar or any other artist." - Drake's Legal Team
"The notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist — let alone Drake — is illogical." - UMG Spokesperson