Kendrick Lamar has been involved in several legal disputes over recent years, with the most notable lawsuit connected to his song “Not Like Us,” which became a focal point in a high-profile rap feud and defamation claims. The song’s controversial lyrics led to a lawsuit filed by rival rapper Drake against Universal Music Group (UMG), Lamar’s record label, alleging defamatory promotion of the track. In addition to this, Kendrick Lamar has faced copyright infringement lawsuits related to alleged unauthorized use of artistic works and another lawsuit involving his record label for alleged workplace misconduct.
Background of the Kendrick Lamar Lawsuit
The rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake escalated in 2023, with Lamar releasing “Not Like Us,” which contained lyrics perceived as accusing Drake of pedophilia. Drake responded with legal action targeting UMG for allegedly promoting the song in a way that defamed him and damaged his reputation. This lawsuit was filed in the Southern District Court of New York and included claims against UMG for payola and artificial streaming boosts. The case intertwined with the ongoing competition and public back-and-forth between the two artists, gaining major media and industry attention.
Details of the Kendrick Lamar Lawsuit Allegations or Claims
Drake’s lawsuit alleges that UMG deliberately promoted Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us,” which included defamatory content about Drake, without his consent. The suit claims UMG used manipulative marketing strategies to inflate the song’s visibility, causing reputational and economic harm to Drake. Meanwhile, Lamar and UMG deny these allegations and argue the lyrics are protected artistic expression. In a separate legal matter, Lamar faced a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by artist Lina Iris Viktor, alleging the “Black Panther” soundtrack’s music video used imagery from her artwork without permission.
Legal Claims and Relevant Laws Involved in the Lawsuit
The lawsuits comprise defamation, copyright infringement, and allegations of unfair business practices. The defamation claim centers on the alleged harm caused by Lamar’s lyrics and UMG’s promotion, invoking the First Amendment rights balanced against protections against false and damaging statements. The copyright infringement case involves claims of unauthorized use of original artwork under copyright law. Additionally, a lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar’s label, Top Dawg Entertainment, claims sexual harassment and assault by executives not involving Lamar directly but impacting his professional environment.
Health, Financial, Social, or Industry Impacts of the Lawsuit
The defamation lawsuit threatens reputations and financial interests of all parties involved, with Drake claiming significant economic damages due to reputational harm. The copyright and harassment lawsuits add layers of complexity affecting artistic collaborations and workplace environments. Socially, the feud and lawsuits have fueled media interest and fan debates about artist rivalry, free speech, and accountability in the music industry. The legal battles underscore growing scrutiny of music industry practices and artist behavior both on and off stage.
Current Status and Recent Developments in the Lawsuit
As of mid-2025, the defamation lawsuit filed by Drake against UMG is ongoing with motions to dismiss and discovery phases in progress. UMG seeks dismissal, denying all claims related to song promotion. The copyright infringement case against Lamar faced a preliminary setback when a judge declined partial summary judgment favoring Lamar, allowing the case to proceed. The sexual harassment lawsuit against executives affiliated with Lamar’s label is pending with no direct implications for Lamar himself. Public and legal scrutiny continues alongside Lamar’s musical successes, including recent Grammy wins and major performances.
Consumer Advice and Business Consequences Related to the Lawsuit
Consumers and fans following the lawsuits should remain aware of the distinction between artistic expression protected by law and actionable defamation. For businesses and record labels, these cases illustrate the importance of carefully managing promotional practices and safeguarding artist reputations. The lawsuits highlight the need for robust contracts, clear intellectual property agreements, and fostering safe workplace environments. Stakeholders in the music industry must navigate legal risks while supporting creative freedom.
Conclusion
The Kendrick Lamar lawsuits represent a multifaceted legal landscape encompassing defamation, copyright, and workplace conduct issues in the modern music industry. These cases emphasize balancing freedom of artistic expression with legal accountability and the protection of intellectual property rights. As litigation continues, the outcomes will influence industry dynamics, artist relations, and standards for creative and business conduct in hip-hop and beyond.
