Drake is intensifying his legal confrontation with Universal Music Group (UMG), filing a federal lawsuit that accuses the music giant of defamation. The suit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, asserts that UMG propagated a “false and malicious narrative” linked to the promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” which debuted in the summer amid a heated feud between the two artists.
In his 81-page lawsuit filed on Wednesday, Drake—whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham—reiterated allegations made in a previous petition in November against UMG, claiming the label had engaged in underhanded tactics, including conspiracy to “artificially inflate” the track’s presence on Spotify by employing financial incentives, bots, and other questionable methods.
Drake’s legal claims highlight that both artists are under the UMG umbrella but belong to different divisions; he is signed with Republic Records, while Lamar is with Interscope. The lawsuit not only contends that UMG aimed to boost Lamar’s track but also suggests that the label misused its power, promoting the song without transparency about its promotional efforts, which may have involved removing copyright restrictions to allow more widespread unauthorized sharing.
Addressing the recent surge of threats and actual violence at his residence, including an armed attack and multiple break-in attempts at his Toronto home following the song’s release, Drake asserts that UMG’s actions have resulted in “real world consequences.” He emphasizes that nothing like this had ever occurred in the two decades prior and links the timing of these events directly to UMG’s promotion of Lamar’s song.
UMG has categorically denied these allegations, describing them as “untrue.” Their spokesperson stated that the company has supported Drake’s career tremendously and accused him of using legal action to stifle artistic creativity and expression. The label is preparing to defend itself vigorously against what it terms as frivolous litigation.
Drake makes it clear in the lawsuit that his grievances are directed at UMG, not at Lamar himself. His team argued that the lawsuit exposes the broader implications of UMG’s decisions, which they claim prioritize profits over the safety and well-being of their artists.
This legal battle underscores ongoing tensions in the music industry regarding artist rights and corporate influence. The rap world has often seen rivalries and competitive diss tracks, but legal disputes like this bring to light the complexities of these relationships, highlighting the potential dangers that can follow when business interests clash with personal safety and artistic expression.
In a time when the music industry is facing increased scrutiny over the treatment of artists, this case could act as a catalyst for further discussions about artist rights and the need for transparency in how music is promoted and monetized. As the lawsuit unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact Drake’s career and his relationship with the music industry at large.