Drake’s recent lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) has intensified tensions between the rapper and his label. On January 15, Drake filed a defamation suit in federal court, accusing UMG of promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” which allegedly paints him as a pedophile. Drake claims the label intentionally sought to damage his reputation and leverage his diminished brand in future contract negotiations.
In the lawsuit, Drake alleges that UMG:
- Paid a third party to use bots, boosting the song’s streams by over 30 million.
- Engaged in a “pay for play” scheme with at least one radio promoter to amplify the track’s reach.
Drake described the song’s allegations as “inflammatory” and accused UMG of capitalizing on the controversy for profit.
UMG Responds
UMG has publicly denied all accusations. In a statement, the label emphasized:
- Their significant investment in Drake’s career and their efforts to promote his success globally.
- That they would never seek to harm an artist’s reputation, especially one of Drake’s stature.
- Their belief that the lawsuit weaponizes the legal system to silence artistic expression.
UMG further defended their role in distributing music, asserting that they would vigorously protect their reputation and the creative freedoms of all artists.
The lawsuit has stirred widespread conversation within the music industry, especially as it intertwines legal claims with long-standing rap feuds and questions of artistic license. Fans and industry insiders alike are closely watching for further developments.
