Drake Escalates Feud with Kendrick Lamar and Universal Music Group in Federal Lawsuit

In a dramatic twist to an already heated rivalry, Drake has filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG). The case stems from Kendrick Lamar's controversial diss track, Not Like Us, which has drawn widespread attention for its explosive lyrics and imagery. The lawsuit, filed on January 15, 2025, accuses UMG of intentionally promoting defamatory content that has caused harm to Drake’s reputation and personal safety.

From Pre-Action Petitions to Full-Blown Litigation

Drake’s legal battle with UMG began in late 2024, when he filed a pre-action petition alleging that the label had orchestrated an illegal campaign to boost the popularity of Not Like Us. The petition, seen as a precursor to legal action, was withdrawn in November after the rapper reportedly reached a settlement with Spotify. However, the situation escalated with the recent federal lawsuit, which names UMG as the sole defendant and excludes Kendrick Lamar, Spotify, and other potential parties.

Allegations Against UMG

Drake’s lawsuit accuses UMG of leveraging Not Like Us to tarnish his public image during critical contract negotiations. The Toronto rapper claims that UMG exploited the track’s inflammatory content, including false allegations of pedophilia, to diminish his market value and force him into a disadvantageous renewal deal.

The legal filing also highlights two incidents at Drake’s Toronto residence: the shooting of a security guard and a separate intrusion involving racist slurs and threats. According to Drake, these events were incited by the song’s lyrics and cover art, which he alleges falsely portray him as a criminal. The imagery reportedly mimics sex offender markers superimposed on a photo of Drake’s home, a move his legal team likens to the infamous "Pizzagate" conspiracy.

Safety Concerns and Professional Impact

The lawsuit reveals the personal toll the controversy has taken on Drake, including his decision to pull his young son from school and relocate his family for safety. Drake’s legal team contends that UMG ignored repeated warnings about the harm caused by Not Like Us, opting instead to capitalize on the scandal for financial gain.

UMG’s promotion of the track, which is nominated for five Grammy Awards and set to be performed during Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, is cited as evidence of the label’s intent to maximize profits at Drake’s expense.

UMG Responds

In a statement, UMG dismissed Drake’s allegations as “untrue and illogical,” emphasizing their longstanding support of his career. The label accused Drake of weaponizing the legal system to silence artistic expression and defended their decision to distribute Lamar’s music as part of rap’s creative tradition.

“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,” the statement read.

Industry Reactions

The lawsuit has sparked mixed reactions within the rap community. While some sympathize with Drake’s claims, others view his legal action as a departure from the genre’s unwritten rules, where feuds and disses are typically confined to music. Critics argue that taking the matter to court undermines rap’s ethos of unfiltered expression and creative rivalry.

A Decade-Long Feud

Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s rivalry dates back to 2013, but the feud intensified in 2024 with the release of Not Like Us.The track’s sharp lyrics and controversial themes reignited tensions, transforming the spat into one of hip-hop’s most publicized conflicts.

As the lawsuit unfolds, it raises questions about the balance between artistic freedom and corporate responsibility, and how far record labels should go in supporting their artists. For now, all eyes are on Drake, UMG, and Kendrick Lamar as this legal battle continues to play out in the public eye.