Legal Showdown: Drake Accuses Universal Music of Exploiting Kendrick’s ‘Not Like Us’ for Profit

Drake files defamation suit against Universal Music Group // Drake with earphones
Drake

*In a dramatic escalation of his ongoing feud with Universal Music Group (UMG), rapper Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against the label, alleging that they propagated a “false and malicious narrative” portraying him as a pedophile.

The suit, filed in federal court in New York City, targets UMG for its promotion of Kendrick Lamar‘s controversial diss track “Not Like Us,” which includes inflammatory lyrics and visuals that Drake claims are untrue and detrimental to his reputation.

Drake’s legal battle centers on UMG’s decision to support Kendrick’s track, which he describes in his court documents as a “gold mine” for the label. He argues that UMG was fully aware of the baseless accusations made in the song but chose to promote it aggressively due to its potential to harm his brand and undermine his market value in preparation for upcoming contract negotiations, TMZ is reporting.

The rapper, who signed a groundbreaking $400 million contract with UMG in 2022, suggests that the label’s ulterior motive in promoting the track is to gain leverage in future business dealings.

Adding fuel to the fire, Drake claims to possess evidence that UMG orchestrated a campaign to artificially inflate the song’s streaming numbers by at least 30 million through “bot receipts.” He also accuses the label of engaging in a “pay for play” scheme with radio promoters, leveraging fraudulent data to boost the song’s profile.

Kendrick Lamar & Drake - Getty
Kendrick Lamar & Drake – Getty

The stakes are particularly high as the Super Bowl approaches, with rumors swirling that UMG is helping Kendrick secure a Halftime Show performance, thereby providing the diss track a platform during one of the most-watched events in entertainment history.

Drake points out the potential dangers this exposure could create, especially given the violent incidents that have recently occurred near his Toronto home, including a shooting that injured one of his security guards.

In a notable strategic move, Drake has chosen not to file his lawsuit against Kendrick himself. Instead, he emphasizes that the focus of his legal action is solely on UMG for its role in promoting and profiting from the track. This decision underscores Drake’s intent to target the systemic issues within the music industry rather than the individual artist.

Drake had initially appeared to retreat from the legal arena after filing a motion to drop an earlier action against UMG and Spotify in state court. However, sources close to the situation clarified that this was a tactical maneuver designed to clear the way for the more serious federal case now in play.

As the legal showdown unfolds, industry insiders and fans alike remain captivated by this high-profile conflict, questioning how it will impact both artists’ careers and the broader landscape of the music industry. With tensions running high and a significant cultural event on the horizon, the outcome of this battle could have far-reaching implications for all parties involved.

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