Rapper Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar's controversial diss track "Not Like Us," which topped the US charts in 2024. The lawsuit, filed in New York federal court, accuses UMG of publishing and promoting false allegations that put Drake's safety at risk.
The legal action focuses on lyrics in "Not Like Us" that label Drake a "certified pedophile." According to the lawsuit, UMG approved and marketed a track that was "intended to convey false factual allegations" and encourage vigilante justice against Drake.
The lawsuit cites real-world consequences, including a shooting outside Drake's Toronto residence days after the track's release that injured a security guard. Two attempted break-ins also occurred in the following days. Drake's legal team compared these incidents to the "2024 equivalent of Pizzagate."
While Lamar created the controversial track, the lawsuit specifically targets UMG rather than the artist. "This lawsuit is not about the artist who created 'Not Like Us,'" the filing states. "It is 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 strongly denies the allegations. In a statement, the company called the claims untrue and "illogical," noting their substantial investment in Drake's career. UMG argued that Drake has previously used their platform for rap battles and is now attempting to "weaponize the legal process."
The lawsuit follows Drake's earlier withdrawn legal challenge against UMG and Spotify, which alleged artificial inflation of "Not Like Us" streaming numbers. That filing had accused UMG of paying influencers and radio stations to boost the track's popularity.
Both Drake and Lamar release music through UMG subsidiaries - Drake via Republic Records and Lamar through Interscope. The case is ongoing, with Drake seeking unspecified damages.