Drake Lawsuit: Federal Case Filed Against Universal Music Over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ | 2025

Last Updated on January 17, 2025

If you thought celebrity drama couldn’t get juicier, Drake just stepped up with his latest move: suing Universal Music Group (UMG). Yes, you read that right. The rap superstar isn’t holding back, taking legal action against one of the biggest players in the music biz. This Drake lawsuit is making waves, and for good reason—he’s accusing UMG of knowingly promoting defamatory content that’s caused real-world harm. The news shook us too, so let’s break it down now.

So, What’s This All About?

Drake’s lawsuit is centered on defamation and safety concerns stemming from a track released under UMG’s umbrella. According to the lawsuit, the label promoted Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” which includes some pretty wild accusations about Drake’s personal life. Specifically, the song reportedly portrays Drake as a pedophile—a claim he fiercely denies.

Based on the court’s papers, the plaintiff exposes the “malicious decision to publish and promote, through covert means, false allegations about Drake that UMG knew were false”. Drake’s team alleges this wasn’t just a bad call but a calculated move by UMG that “chose corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artists.”

The Toll on Drake and His Family

Drake’s not just worried about his public image—this Drake lawsuit also highlights his concern for the safety of his family. According to TMZ’s report, he claims there’s been an uptick in violence at his residence, including reported shootings. Pretty scary, right? This makes the case about more than just reputation; it’s a matter of personal security.

The rapper alleges that the track’s inflammatory lyrics sparked an increase in online threats and harassment, adding pressure to an already high-profile lifestyle. Drake’s lawsuit describes how this has created an “unprecedented level of personal and professional stress” and endangered his loved ones.

As a dad to his son, Adonis, it’s easy to see why this hits hard. Drake’s famously protective of his family life, so having this kind of scrutiny has become his top priority.

Corporate Greed vs. Artist Welfare

Here’s where it gets extra spicy. The Drake lawsuit takes direct aim at UMG, with Drake’s legal team accusing the label of prioritizing their bottom line over the well-being of their artists. They’re calling out what they describe as “corporate greed at its most ruthless,” claiming the label fueled the fire for financial gain, despite being warned about the potential harm.

The lawsuit goes further, alleging that this was all part of a larger strategy to “devalue Drake’s brand” ahead of contract negotiations. If true, that’s a major yikes. It’s one thing to stir up drama for clicks, but doing so at the expense of someone’s safety and reputation? That’s a line Drake’s not letting them cross.

Drake is NOT Suing Kendrick Lamar

Let’s clear something up right now: this Drake lawsuit isn’t about Kendrick Lamar. Despite the diss track being the spark, the legal action is aimed entirely at UMG, the music company and record label at the center of this dispute. Drake’s legal team has made it clear that Kendrick isn’t the target here. In fact, Drake hasn’t publicly commented on Kendrick’s involvement at all, emphasizing that the case is about holding UMG accountable for its alleged actions.

“This lawsuit is not about a war of words between artists.  This lawsuit involves no claims against Kendrick Lamar or any other artist; instead, it is about UMG”—it’s about holding the label accountable. UMG’s alleged decision to release and promote the song, knowing the harm it could cause, is what’s under fire. So, let’s keep the focus where it belongs: the corporate boardroom.

What The Media Is Saying

Drake is not backing down in the war against his own label. 👀 pic.twitter.com/747VtI2J8Y

— TMZ (@TMZ) January 16, 2025

According to TMZ, the Drake lawsuit highlights specific incidents that allegedly followed the song’s release. Drake’s team claims these weren’t just random events but part of a larger fallout from the defamatory accusations. The report also notes that UMG was allegedly warned about the potential harm but chose to ignore it, doubling down on the promotion. This adds even more weight to the case, positioning it as a significant challenge to how major labels handle artist disputes.

If that’s true, it paints a picture of how the label operates when it comes to managing their biggest stars. TMZ’s insights add an extra layer to the drama, making it clear this isn’t just a case of hurt feelings—it’s about real-world consequences.

Questions Moving Forward

Drake’s lawsuit has raised some major questions, not just for him but for the music industry as a whole. Here are a few things we’re wondering:

• Will this set a precedent? If Drake wins, could other artists start taking legal action against labels for similar reasons?
• How will this affect UMG’s reputation? Will the label face backlash from fans and other artists for their alleged behavior?
• What does this mean for artist-label relationships? Could this lawsuit lead to changes in how labels handle disputes between their artists?
• Will Drake’s brand bounce back? Or will the controversy leave a lasting impact on his career?

One thing’s for sure: the music world will be watching closely.

Drake Lawsuit: The Final Verdict

Whether you’re Team Drizzy or just here for the drama, this Drake lawsuit is a big deal. It’s not every day a superstar takes on a music giant like UMG, shining a spotlight on both the legal process and the complexities of the music industry. Beyond the courtroom, this battle raises questions about creative expression, the rights artists have over their work, and the accountability of major labels. As the case unfolds, one thing’s certain: this story is far from over.

So, what do you think? Is Drake making a bold move for justice, or is this just another chapter in the saga of celebrity drama? Drop your thoughts and let’s keep the convo going!