Drake has taken legal action in an escalating dispute over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.” The rapper filed a lawsuit in New York federal court accusing Universal Music Group (UMG), Lamar’s music distributor, of defamation, harassment, and deceptive business practices, claiming the track has damaged his reputation and endangered his safety.
According to court documents obtained by USA TODAY, Drake’s legal team alleges that UMG, despite a decade-long partnership, intentionally tarnished his image for profit. The lawsuit claims the company sought to “turn Drake into a pariah, a target for harassment, or worse” while benefiting financially from the diss track’s release.
Defamation Allegations
The lawsuit centers on the content of “Not Like Us,” which Drake asserts contains false and defamatory claims. These include accusations of sexual misconduct, sex trafficking, and harboring sex offenders. Drake argues these allegations are not only baseless but also designed to harm his career and public image.
In a statement, UMG dismissed the claims as “untrue,” accusing Drake of attempting to misuse the legal system to suppress artistic expression. The company stated, “Drake is weaponizing the legal process to silence an artist’s creative expression and to seek damages from UMG for distributing that artist’s music.”
Previous Legal Warnings
Drake had previously signaled his intent to pursue legal action. In November, he filed petitions in New York and Texas accusing UMG, Spotify, and iHeartRadio of participating in a scheme to ensure “Not Like Us” gained traction on streaming platforms. Drake requested pre-action discovery to obtain evidence supporting his claims.
Alleged Harassment and Shooting Incident
The lawsuit also links the track’s release to a violent incident at Drake’s Toronto home. On May 7, a group of men allegedly fired shots at his property, with one bullet penetrating the security fence and another striking the house. A security guard was “seriously” injured during the attack.
The court documents reveal that Drake and others inside the home provided immediate aid to the wounded guard, whose condition was critical for two days. The lawsuit alleges the attack was spurred by defamatory claims in “Not Like Us,” which heightened threats against Drake’s safety.
Seeking Accountability
Drake is pursuing damages for defamation, harassment, and deceptive practices, emphasizing the impact the allegations and subsequent events have had on his personal and professional life. His legal team argues that UMG and its associates should be held accountable for their role in distributing the track and profiting from its fallout.
UMG’s Defense
Universal Music Group has categorically denied Drake’s accusations, asserting that the claims lack merit. The company maintains that it did not engage in defamation or promote violence, framing the lawsuit as an attempt to stifle free expression and shift responsibility for unrelated incidents.