Drake has launched a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), claiming defamation and harassment stemming from the release of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” last year.
The controversial track has led to a heated exchange between the two artists, with allegations directed at Drake and his team, suggesting they should be recognized as serious offenders.
In legal documents filed in New York, Drake’s attorneys argued that UMG initiated “a campaign to create a viral hit” based on misleading and damaging claims that suggested he was involved in criminal activities, inadvertently encouraging public vigilante behavior.
As of now, Universal has not publicly addressed these serious allegations.
The lawsuit was filed just a day after Drake withdrew a previous legal claim against UMG and a streaming service, where he suggested that these companies colluded to inflate streams of “Not Like Us,” negatively impacting his own music.
Drake contended that UMG licensed the song at significantly lower rates and employed automated systems for increased streaming, creating an illusion of popularity that misled fans.
In earlier statements, Universal expressed that any notion of undermining its artists was both offensive and untrue, while the streaming service indicated no financial incentive exists for viewers to prefer “Not Like Us” over Drake’s tracks.
Further, the streaming service lodged a brief opposing Drake’s initial action, insisting that it should be dismissed.
After discussions with representatives from both companies, Drake’s lawyers decided to withdraw the lawsuit on Tuesday.
However, the situation escalated dramatically on Wednesday when Drake accused UMG in new legal papers of prioritizing “corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artists.”
The suit highlights that the artwork for “Not Like Us” showcased an aerial image of Drake’s luxurious Toronto property, marked with symbols indicative of registered offenders.
This detail was connected to an incident involving gunfire at the mansion following the song’s release, drawing alarming parallels to notorious conspiracy theories.
“Not Like Us” is perceived as a pivotal moment in the ongoing feud between Drake and Lamar that began over a decade ago.
The track features allegations that Drake has inappropriate preferences and relies on noteworthy rappers to elevate his profile.
In response, Drake released “The Heart Part 6,” where he refuted the claims, asserting he has never engaged with anyone underage and suggesting he misled Lamar through a double agent.
Despite his efforts, his response failed to gain the same momentum as “Not Like Us,” which recently topped charts and surpassed one billion streams online.
Furthermore, the song has garnered five Grammy nominations, including record of the year. Lamar is set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show shortly thereafter.
Importantly, Drake’s latest lawsuit does not target Lamar directly. His legal team has clarified that the focus is on UMG for its role in disseminating harmful allegations without regard for the truth or their repercussions.
