The Drake lawsuit primarily concerns a high-profile defamation case filed by rapper Drake against his own record label Universal Music Group (UMG) related to the promotion of a diss track by fellow artist Kendrick Lamar. The lawsuit centers on Drake’s claims that UMG endorsed and enabled defamatory statements against him in Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 song “Not Like Us,” which Drake alleges falsely labeled him a pedophile and led to threats against his safety and reputation. The legal battle has involved multiple amended complaints, complex allegations of defamation, and related controversies during major events like the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show and Grammy Awards.
Background and Origins of the Lawsuit
The dispute escalated after Kendrick Lamar released “Not Like Us,” which included lyrics widely interpreted as defamatory towards Drake, implying pedophilic behavior. Drake contends that Universal Music Group not only distributed the song but actively promoted it, including during Lamar’s Super Bowl and Grammy performances, despite being aware of the harm it caused. He alleges that this promotion led to an intensification of threats against him and his family, including attempted break-ins at his home.
Drake initially filed suit in early 2024 and subsequently amended his complaint in 2025 to include additional allegations and harms linked to continued promotion of the song. UMG filed multiple motions to dismiss the lawsuit, characterizing Drake’s claims as attacks on artistic expression and disputing the factual basis of the defamation accusations.
Key Allegations and Legal Claims
- Defamation: Drake asserts that “Not Like Us” falsely accuses him of criminal and immoral conduct, damaging his reputation.
- Promotion of Defamatory Content: He claims UMG knowingly promoted and financially benefited from the song, amplifying the harm.
- Endangerment: The lawsuit ties real-world violent incidents, including threats and attacks on Drake’s property and security personnel, to the defamatory narrative.
Related Copyright Lawsuits
Separately, Drake faces copyright infringement litigation from Ghanaian rapper Obrafour, who alleges Drake used an unauthorized sample in his 2022 album “Honestly, Nevermind.” This case claims damages of at least $10 million over the unlicensed use of the song “Oye Ohene.”
Current Status and Legal Developments
As of 2025, the defamation lawsuit against UMG is moving toward trial, anticipated to last multiple weeks due to its complexity and volume of evidence related to streaming records, promotional activities, and online harassment incidents. UMG continues to seek dismissal while Drake’s claims proceed. Meanwhile, other lawsuits involving streaming manipulation and copyright disputes remain active.
Broader Impact and Industry Context
The legal battles reflect broader tensions in the music industry concerning artist relations with labels, the interplay of creative expression and defamation, and accountability for content that can incite public harm. The case also highlights emerging challenges in the digital era, such as the consequences of viral promotion, online harassment, and the rights of artists amid fierce public rivalries.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Drake Lawsuit
What is Drake suing Universal Music Group for?
Drake alleges that UMG defamed him by promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” which falsely implied criminal behavior, damaging Drake’s reputation and causing threats against his safety.
What incidents are linked to the lawsuit?
The lawsuit connects the defamatory song’s promotion to attempted break-ins, harassment, and threats at Drake’s residence and toward his security team.
Are there other lawsuits involving Drake?
Yes. Drake faces a $10 million copyright infringement lawsuit from Ghanaian rapper Obrafour over an unauthorized sample used in Drake’s 2022 album.
What defenses has Universal Music Group made?
UMG argues that Lamar’s song is artistic expression protected by law, denies defamation claims, and contests the factual basis of the allegations, seeking dismissal of Drake’s lawsuit.
What could be the outcome of the defamation lawsuit?
Possible results include damages awarded to Drake, injunctions on promotion practices, or dismissal if the court finds the song’s contents protected artistic speech.
Conclusion
The Drake lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” encapsulates a significant and unprecedented dispute in music industry legal battles. It raises critical questions about the limits of creative expression, the responsibilities of record labels, and the real-world consequences of defamatory content in an era of massive digital reach. As the case proceeds, it will likely influence how artists, labels, and the courts navigate defamation claims intertwined with music and public personas in the years ahead.
