In the world of music, rivalries are not only common but often fuel some of the best content, particularly in the genre of hip-hop. The intense, often heated exchanges between artists create a buzz that leads to viral hits, sold-out tours, and a lot of media attention. One such rivalry currently making waves is between two of rap’s biggest stars: Drake and Kendrick Lamar. However, what began as a musical feud between these two artists has escalated into a legal battle involving Drake’s record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), which is now facing a defamation lawsuit from the Canadian rapper.
The lawsuit, which Drake filed in January, claims that UMG facilitated and promoted Kendrick Lamar’s controversial diss track, “Not Like Us,” in a manner that caused harm to his reputation. The allegations are grave, as the track in question includes a line in which Lamar calls Drake a “certified pedophile,” a claim that Drake vehemently denies. This article will take a closer look at the ongoing legal dispute between Drake and UMG, breaking down the key points of the lawsuit, the arguments from both sides, and the potential implications for the music industry.
Background: The Drake vs. Kendrick Lamaar Feud
The rift between Drake and Kendrick Lamar dates back to 2023, when tensions began to build over several personal and professional matters. Their feud became public in October of the same year, with both artists exchanging barbed remarks in their music. Drake, known for his often indirect approach to confrontations, took aim at Lamar through various songs, but it was Lamar’s track, “Not Like Us,” that really set the stage for the legal battle.
“Not Like Us,” released in May 2024, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly became a massive hit. Lamar’s sharp and personal lyrics called out multiple celebrities, with a particular focus on Drake. The line calling Drake a “certified pedophile” in the song struck a nerve, leading to public outcry and fueling the flames of their escalating rivalry.
Drake, already a massively successful artist with a global following, was quick to respond, both publicly and privately. However, it wasn’t until an incident at his Toronto home in 2024 that the situation took a more serious turn.
The Defamation Lawsuit
In January 2025, Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, accusing the label of facilitating the promotion and publication of “Not Like Us,” knowing that the allegations in the song were false. The lawsuit alleges that UMG allowed the track to be distributed across multiple platforms, including Spotify, YouTube, and radio stations, in a manner that not only amplified Lamar’s defamatory words but also put Drake’s safety at risk.
The suit also references a break-in at Drake’s Toronto mansion that occurred shortly after the song’s release, which resulted in a security guard being shot. According to Drake’s legal team, the incident was a direct result of the widespread publicity generated by Lamar’s track. The rapper claims that UMG’s actions in promoting the song were motivated by greed, as the label knew the controversy surrounding the song would lead to massive streaming numbers and significant profit.
Drake’s legal team has argued that the song, by falsely accusing the artist of being a pedophile, crossed the line from artistic expression into harmful misinformation. Drake is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages in the lawsuit, asserting that UMG’s role in promoting Lamar’s track makes them responsible for the negative consequences he has suffered, including reputational damage and personal harm.
UMG’s Response: Dismissal of the Lawsuit
In response to Drake’s lawsuit, Universal Music Group has filed a motion to have the case dismissed. In their legal filing, UMG argues that Drake’s defamation claim is unfounded and that Lamar’s song constitutes protected creative expression. The label contends that diss tracks, a staple of hip-hop culture, are understood to be hyperbolic and not literal. According to UMG’s filing, diss tracks are an accepted form of artistic expression in the rap genre, and the inflammatory language used by Lamar in “Not Like Us” should be seen as rhetorical rather than defamatory.
UMG’s legal team also pointed out that Drake himself has used similar language and insults in his own music, engaging in his fair share of rap battles over the years. They argue that Drake cannot now seek to silence other artists’ creative expressions through the legal system simply because the tables have turned in this particular battle. UMG further states that the song did not meet the legal definition of defamation, as it was a form of opinion rather than a statement of fact.
Additionally, UMG denies Drake’s claims about manipulating streaming platforms or using bots to boost the song’s popularity. The label firmly rejects the accusation that they intentionally inflated “Not Like Us” to create a viral hit, and they assert that there is no evidence to support such a claim.
The Role of Social Media and Streaming Platforms
At the center of this case is the role of streaming platforms and social media in amplifying musical content. With the rise of platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, artists’ music can be distributed globally in an instant. For record labels like UMG, this creates both opportunities and challenges.
Drake’s lawsuit accuses UMG of using its position to manipulate streaming platforms in order to promote “Not Like Us.” The rapper claims that UMG’s use of “bots” and “pay-to-play agreements” artificially inflated the song’s streams, making it go viral and spreading the controversial allegations against him. While UMG has denied these claims, the case raises important questions about the influence of record labels over streaming platforms and whether such manipulation could be considered unethical or even illegal.
Moreover, social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram have played a significant role in the public discourse surrounding the Drake-Lamar feud. With millions of followers and a constant flow of information, these platforms provide a direct way for artists to communicate with their audiences, but they also give rise to misinformation. The rapid spread of the “certified pedophile” allegation from Lamar’s song to countless social media posts has undoubtedly affected Drake’s public image, and he argues that UMG is responsible for allowing this damage to occur.
The Legal Implications for the Music Industry
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the music industry as a whole. On one hand, it raises important questions about the balance between artistic freedom and personal responsibility. Should record labels be held accountable for the content they distribute, especially when that content includes potentially defamatory or harmful language? On the other hand, the case could set a precedent for how diss tracks and rap battles are viewed in a legal context. If the court rules in favor of Drake, it could create a chilling effect on artists who wish to express themselves through controversial lyrics.
Additionally, the case highlights the growing power of streaming platforms and social media in shaping the success of music. If UMG is found to have manipulated these platforms to boost the song’s popularity, it could lead to a reevaluation of the role of digital marketing in the music industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lawsuit about?
Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, alleging that the label promoted Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” which falsely accuses him of being a pedophile. He claims that the song caused reputational harm and put his safety at risk.
Why is Drake suing UMG and not Kendrick Lamar?
Drake’s lawsuit targets UMG because they are his record label and because they facilitated the promotion of Lamar’s song. He argues that the label is responsible for distributing the song that contains defamatory statements about him.
What does UMG say about the lawsuit?
UMG is seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that Lamar’s song is a form of artistic expression and should not be considered defamatory. They also deny claims that they manipulated streaming platforms to boost the song’s popularity.
What is the legal argument in the case?
The primary legal question is whether Lamar’s lyrics are considered defamatory or if they are protected as creative expression. UMG argues that diss tracks are a common form of rap music and should not be subject to defamation claims.
What are the potential implications for the music industry?
The case could set a precedent for how the music industry handles defamation claims related to lyrics and the role of record labels in promoting potentially harmful content. It may also raise questions about the ethics of manipulating streaming platforms to boost a song’s popularity.
Conclusion
The defamation lawsuit between Drake and Universal Music Group is a high-stakes legal battle that has significant implications for the music industry. As the case progresses, it will likely serve as a landmark in defining the balance between artistic freedom and personal responsibility. While the court’s decision may not resolve all the issues raised, it will undoubtedly shape how record labels, artists, and streaming platforms navigate the complex intersection of music, reputation, and free speech in the digital age.
