Drake Files Lawsuit Against His Record Label, Alleging Defamation Tied to Kendrick Lamar Diss Track ‘Not Like Us’
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Drake claims that Universal Music Group “authorized, released, and promoted” a diss track aimed at him.
Drake has taken legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), his own record label, accusing them of releasing and promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
The “God’s Plan” rapper, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, filed the lawsuit on Wednesday, Jan. 15, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Drake, 38, alleges that UMG “authorized, distributed, and actively marketed a rap track designed to go viral by falsely accusing him of being a pedophile and calling for violent action against him.”
The lawsuit highlights the May 2024 song “Not Like Us,” in which Lamar, 37, allegedly “disguises dangerously defamatory lyrics with a catchy beat and engaging hook.”
One specific line identified in the suit is: “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young,” with Lamar purportedly labeling Drake a “certified pedophile” and suggesting he be “put on neighborhood watch.”
Drake also claims that the song’s cover art and music video depicted his Toronto home, marked with symbols resembling law enforcement notifications used to identify sex offenders.
In the complaint, Drake claims that Universal Music Group, his record label since 2009, has “repeatedly defamed” him while “exploiting” and “monetizing” his work by releasing Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
The lawsuit argues that “Not Like Us” was “designed to make a specific, unmistakable, and false accusation” that Drake is a criminal pedophile and to imply that the public should take matters into their own hands through vigilante justice.
The complaint further alleges that the record label “knowingly published, promoted, and profited from false and harmful allegations,” asserting that they were aware the claims were not only untrue but also dangerous. The lawsuit reiterates that Drake is “not a pedophile.”
The document asserts that Drake has never participated in actions that would necessitate him being “put on neighborhood watch” and denies any sexual involvement with a minor. It further states that Drake has not been charged or convicted of any criminal offenses.
In response, Universal Music Group (UMG) addressed the filing on Wednesday, calling the claims false. A UMG spokesperson emphasized that it would be illogical to harm the reputation of any artist, especially Drake, given the significant investment the company has made in his career. The statement also highlighted UMG’s dedication to supporting Drake’s music and the hard work of its global team in contributing to his unparalleled commercial and financial success.
The spokesperson added that Drake has used UMG to release his music and engage in the kind of back-and-forth rap battles that are common in the genre, and that now, he seems to be using the legal system to stifle creative expression and seek damages from UMG for distributing his work.
They continued, “We do not engage in defamation, and we will vigorously defend ourselves against this litigation to protect our employees, our reputation, and any artist who may become an unwarranted target for simply creating music.”
PEOPLE reached out to Drake’s legal team, headed by Michael J. Gottlieb, for a statement, but did not receive an immediate response.
In November, Drake accused Universal Music Group of orchestrating a “campaign to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves” with Lamar’s song, as outlined in a complaint filed by Drake’s Frozen Moments LLC in Manhattan court.
The rapper alleged that the record label aimed to make the song go viral by using “bots” and pay-to-play tactics, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE at the time.
In response, UMG told PEOPLE, “The claim that we would undermine any of our artists is both offensive and false. We adhere to the highest ethical standards in our marketing and promotional efforts.”
They further stated, “No matter how contrived or absurd the legal arguments presented, it doesn’t change the fact that fans ultimately choose the music they want to listen to.”
On Tuesday, Drake’s attorney filed a request to withdraw the previous legal action, as the rapper continues with his federal lawsuit.