Drake files defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us

In a groundbreaking legal move, renowned rapper Drake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the label of defamation and harassment. The lawsuit, submitted on Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that UMG orchestrated a malicious campaign centered around Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, Not Like Us.

Drake sues Universal Music for defamation over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track

Drake claims the track falsely portrays him as a criminal and pedophile, a narrative he asserts was strategically promoted to incite public outrage. According to the lawsuit, UMG actively amplified the song’s reach through unethical practices, including hiring bots to artificially inflate Spotify streams and paying social media influencers—such as the hosts of the popular NFR Podcast—to promote the track and its music video.

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A post shared by Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar)

The suit also alleges that UMG removed copyright restrictions on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, ensuring rapid and widespread dissemination. Drake points to popular streamers, including Kai Cenat, who reacted to the track, as evidence of UMG’s deliberate efforts.

Furthermore, Drake accuses UMG of manipulating Siri’s search results to redirect users to Not Like Us, paying radio stations for increased airplay, and leveraging Complex Networks to publish over 50 articles about the diss track since May.

This lawsuit follows Drake’s withdrawal of a previous legal petition against UMG, marking an escalation in tensions between the artist and his label. The allegations highlight a potentially serious rift in their professional relationship.

At this time, neither UMG nor Kendrick Lamar has publicly addressed the lawsuit, leaving the music world anticipating further developments.

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