In a dramatic turn of events, Drake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group, accusing the label of exploiting his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar for financial gain.
drake’s legal battle with universal music group
The Canadian rapper Drake, known for hits like ‘God’s Plan’ and ‘Hotline Bling’, has taken legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the world’s largest record labels. The lawsuit centers around the promotion of a controversial track by fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar, titled ‘Not Like Us’. This song has been at the heart of an intense public dispute between the two artists.
According to court documents obtained by news agencies, Drake’s legal team argues that UMG not only allowed but actively promoted the release of ‘Not Like Us’, which contains lyrics that allegedly defame him by labeling him as a “pedophile.” These accusations have sparked widespread media attention and significant public discourse.
the roots of the drake-kendrick lamar conflict
The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is not new. Both artists have long been considered titans in the hip-hop industry, each boasting a legion of loyal fans. Their relationship has been fraught with tension and competitive spirit, often seen as emblematic of larger rivalries within the rap genre itself.
- Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical prowess and storytelling ability have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards.
- Drake’s commercial success and cross-genre appeal have made him one of the most recognizable faces in music today.
Their conflict reportedly began years ago with subtle jabs in lyrics and has escalated over time into direct confrontations through their music. In 2024, both rappers released tracks aimed at each other, further fueling their feud.
the allegations in ‘not like us’
‘Not Like Us’, released by Kendrick Lamar last year, quickly gained notoriety not only for its musical composition but also for its provocative lyrics directed at Drake. The track became an instant hit on streaming platforms like Spotify, where it amassed over 900 million streams.
- Kendrick accuses Drake of having inappropriate relationships with underage girls within the song.
- The explicit language used in these accusations caught fans off guard and led to intense scrutiny from both media outlets and social media users alike.
drake’s response to universal music group’s actions
In response to these allegations, Drake claims that UMG prioritized potential profits over safeguarding his reputation. He alleges that UMG launched a “viral buzz campaign” centered around false claims made against him in ‘Not Like Us’.
“The company chose corporate profit over artist safety,” states part of Drake’s lawsuit.
This sentiment reflects growing concerns among artists about how record labels manage conflicts between musicians on their rosters while navigating modern-day issues related to mental health and personal safety online.
universal music group’s stance on defamation claims
UMG issued a statement denying any wrongdoing related to promoting or endorsing defamatory content through its platform. They asserted their commitment towards protecting both their collaborators’ interests as well as maintaining their own reputation within this highly competitive industry landscape:
“We categorically deny involvement in acts leading up-to-or-including defamation,” said representatives from UMG during press briefings following news breaking out regarding this lawsuit filing earlier this week across major global networks such as ours here today discussing it now too!
