Drake Sues Universal Music Group Over Kendrick Lamar's Controversial Diss Track

The rapper accuses his label of defamation and negligence, claiming the song 'Not Like Us' incited violence and damaged his reputation.

Drake filed an 81-page federal lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) on January 15, alleging defamation, harassment, and deceptive business practices related to Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us.'
The lawsuit claims UMG promoted Lamar's song, which falsely accuses Drake of being a pedophile, and that the track's inflammatory content led to multiple violent incidents at Drake's Toronto home in May 2024.
Drake's legal team asserts that UMG prioritized profits over the safety of its artists by releasing and promoting the track, which features an aerial image of Drake's home marked with symbols resembling those used on sex offender registries.
UMG has denied the allegations, calling Drake's claims 'untrue' and 'illogical,' and defending the song's release as part of artistic expression within the context of rap battles.
The lawsuit raises broader questions about the boundaries of artistic freedom in diss tracks, as well as potential implications for the music industry's handling of controversial content.