Drake has filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group.
In the lawsuit, Drake accuses Universal Music Group of promoting a “false and malicious narrative” about him through the lyrics, single artwork and music video content of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” . It also claims that the song’s release and promotion resulted in “physical threats to Drake’s safety” as well as a “bombardment of online harassment,” resulting in “concerns for the safety and security of himself, his family, and his friends.”
According to the complaint filed in New York court today, “This lawsuit has nothing to do with the artists who created ‘Not Like Us.’ Instead, it is entirely about Universal Music Group, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and benefit from these allegations.” Lee, which believes the accusations are not only false but dangerous.
“The recording deftly hides dangerous lyrics behind catchy beats and seductive hooks. Universal Music Group capitalized on these qualities and used every tool at its disposal to ensure that the world could “like “Young man” heard Drake’s voice.
The filing also includes a photo of a flyer posted in the rapper’s neighborhood, calling him a predator, and cites numerous TikTok and YouTube posts disparaging him over the song, claiming the musician had to let His children dropped out of school.
This latest lawsuit follows news that the Canadian rap star withdrew his previous lawsuit against UMG and streaming giant Spotify, alleging that the companies launched a campaign last summer to pay influencers, radio stations and others campaign to promote the song.
“UMG may view this complaint as legitimizing a rap beef, but this lawsuit is not a war of words between artists. This lawsuit does not involve claims against Kendrick Lamar or any other artist; rather, it is about Universal Music Group (UMG) — the publisher and exclusive rights holder of Lamar and Drake’s music — and its decision to release and promote the song in bad faith, the lawsuit alleges.
“Not Like Us” has rightfully become a West Coast anthem, racking up over a billion streams worldwide (and counting) and being nominated for five awards heading into next month’s 2025 Grammy Awards. US awards show, which includes Song of the Year and Record of the Year. It was also the most requested song in the United States in 2024.
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ is the most streamed song in the US in 2024 (Luminate year-end report) pic.twitter.com/WlyM3Ykrhg
— Navjosh (@Navjosh) January 15, 2025
Drake is suing Universal Music Group (UMG) for an undisclosed amount in damages.
