Superstar rapper Drake has filed a lawsuit against his label, Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that its release and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” constituted defamation and harassment. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in a Manhattan federal court, accuses UMG of prioritizing profits over the safety and well-being of its artists.

Background of the Feud

Drake and Lamar, two of the biggest names in hip-hop, have been engaged in a high-profile feud, trading diss tracks throughout the past year. Lamar’s Grammy-nominated hit “Not Like Us” escalated the rivalry with allegations against Drake, including accusations of pedophilia.

According to the lawsuit, these allegations were “specific, unmistakable, and false” and caused significant harm to Drake’s reputation and safety.

Claims in the Lawsuit

Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, alleges that Universal “approved, published, and launched a campaign” to make “Not Like Us” a viral success despite the defamatory content of the song.

The suit claims the record company exploited the diss track for financial gain while ignoring its impact on Drake. It accuses UMG of:

• Betraying its duty to protect Drake as an artist under their label.
• Promoting a track that suggested “vigilante justice” against him.
• Exacerbating a “bombardment of online harassment” directed at the rapper.

Threats to Drake’s Safety

Drake’s lawsuit also cites specific incidents linked to the fallout from the track’s release:

• A pre-dawn shooting in May 2024 at Drake’s Toronto estate, where a security guard was injured by a gunman.
• Multiple break-in attempts at his home following the release of the song.

Drake argues that these events demonstrate the physical threats to his safety caused by the song’s promotion.

Corporate Greed Over Artist Safety

The suit alleges that UMG chose “corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artists” by backing Lamar’s track. Drake accuses the label of fueling the feud for commercial success at his expense.

“By releasing and promoting this track, Universal exploited an artist under their label for viral clout and monetary gain while knowingly endangering their safety,” the lawsuit states.

Potential Fallout

The case highlights the often-contentious relationships between artists and record labels, especially when conflicts arise involving multiple high-profile talents under the same banner. UMG represents both Drake and Lamar, which complicates the dynamics of the feud.

The lawsuit raises questions about the responsibilities of record labels in managing conflicts between their artists and ensuring their safety. If successful, the suit could set a precedent for artist-label accountability in the age of viral music and online harassment.

What’s Next

As the lawsuit moves forward, Drake is seeking damages for defamation and endangerment caused by UMG’s actions. Universal Music Group has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.

The case also underscores the broader issues of corporate influence in the music industry and the potentially dangerous consequences of high-stakes artist rivalries.