News 15 January 2025
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Author: GRM DAILY

Drake files new federal law suit against UMG for “Not Like Us”

Author GRM DAILY
15 January 2025
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Drake has filed a federal lawsuit against his own record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the company of “corporate greed” in its handling of a diss track by rival rapper Kendrick Lamar.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in the Southern District of New York, claims UMG promoted Lamar’s song, which labels Drake as a “certified pedophile,” causing significant personal and professional harm.

Drake’s legal team asserts that UMG ignored the tangible damage caused by the song, including threats and violent incidents involving references to his seven-year-old son, Adonis. According to the lawsuit, the Canadian rapper informed the label of these issues but alleges they “refused to do anything to help.”

The legal filing further accuses UMG of prioritising profit over its decade-long relationship with Drake, claiming the label sought to tarnish his reputation for financial gain.

The lawsuit emphasises that the case is not about Lamar or the track, titled “Not Like Us”, but rather UMG’s decision to “publish, promote, exploit and monetise” the song. Court documents reveal that Drake took drastic measures to protect his son, pulling Adonis out of school and relocating him and his mother from Toronto during the summer break.

In a related move, Drake withdrew an earlier legal petition aimed at obtaining evidence from UMG and Spotify. That petition accused the companies of conspiring to amplify Lamar’s diss track on streaming platforms. Drake, UMG and Spotify reportedly held discussions, with Spotify agreeing to the petition’s withdrawal.

Representatives for Drake and UMG have yet to comment on the ongoing legal dispute.

[Image via Shutterstock]