In a significant escalation of his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar, Canadian rapper Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against his own record label, Universal Music Group (UMG). The legal action centers on Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," which includes allegations portraying Drake as a pedophile. Drake contends that UMG's promotion of the track has caused substantial harm to his reputation and personal safety.
The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, alleges that UMG not only approved but also actively promoted "Not Like Us," fully aware of its defamatory content. Drake asserts that the label prioritized profit over the well-being of its artists, leading to real-world consequences, including a shooting incident at his Toronto residence and multiple break-in attempts. He claims that UMG's actions have subjected him to online harassment and physical threats.
"This lawsuit is not about the artist who created 'Not Like Us,'" the court documents state, referring to Lamar. "It is, instead, entirely about UMG, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize allegations that it understood were not only false but dangerous."
UMG, which also represents Kendrick Lamar, has denied the allegations. In a previous statement, the company said, "The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns."
The diss track in question, "Not Like Us," released in May 2024, has been a commercial success, breaking streaming records and earning multiple Grammy nominations. Drake's lawsuit does not name Lamar as a defendant, focusing solely on UMG's role in the track's release and promotion.
This legal action marks a new chapter in the longstanding rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, which has seen a series of diss tracks and public jabs over the years. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for artist-label relationships and the responsibilities of record companies in managing conflicts between their signed artists.