Drake Files Legal Action Against Universal Music Over Defamatory Claims in Kendrick Lamar's Song

Sat Jul 19 2025 07:17:16 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Drake Files Legal Action Against Universal Music Over Defamatory Claims in Kendrick Lamar's Song

The ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar escalates as Drake takes substantial legal steps against Universal Music, alleging defamation and illegal promotion practices involving Lamar's controversial track.


In a recent legal move, Drake has filed a pre-action petition against Universal Music, accusing the label of defamation over Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us," which allegedly brands him as a sex offender. Following claims of illicit promotional strategies to amplify the song's reach, Drake's legal team aims to preserve relevant documents while affirming that the company knowingly released defamatory content.

Drake has filed two legal actions against Universal Music in rapid succession, particularly targeting Kendrick Lamar's track "Not Like Us," which he claims falsely labels him a sex offender. The musician alleges that Universal executed a plan to maximize the song's virality and profits despite being aware of its defamatory nature.

In Texas, Drake's lawyers submitted a "pre-action petition," a procedural step designed to request the preservation of documents related to the case ahead of potential formal litigation. They assert that Universal's promotional tactics included "covert payments" to iHeartRadio, which allegedly boosted the song's visibility, amassing over 25 million plays in just four months. While the lawyers admit there’s no solid proof of these payments, they believe iHeartRadio was likely involved, demanding a court order to unveil any relevant evidence.

Universal has responded firmly to Drake's accusations, calling them "offensive and untrue," and maintains that they uphold the highest ethical standards in music marketing. They assert that audience preferences ultimately dictate music popularity, rejecting the notion of manipulative tactics.

Drake's petitions reiterate allegations that Universal inflated Lamar's streaming numbers artificially and utilized bots to resonate false engagement. The feud between these two celebrated hip-hop artists, ongoing since the early 2010s, intensified with the release of "Not Like Us," which was deemed a significant blow in their rivalry. The song debuted at the top of the charts and earned four Grammy nominations, including song of the year.

In retaliation, Drake released "The Heart Part 6," where he denies misconduct accusations and suggests that he had fed Lamar misinformation. The track was eventually deleted from Drake's social media.

While both hip-hop giants collaborate with Universal's various divisions for music distribution, the recent developments highlight a significant crossroad in their careers, potentially reshaping industry dynamics surrounding artist rights and corporate practices.

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