Drake Sues UMG Over Kendrick Lamar Diss Track 'Not Like Us'

Drake has sued Universal Music Group (UMG) for releasing Kendrick Lamar’s infamous diss track, Not Like Us, which the former claimed contains “inflammatory and shocking allegations.”

In the lawsuit, Drake described the promotion of Not Like Us, as well as the song’s lyrics—pointing out Lamar’s allegation that he “likes ‘em young” and he and his peers are “certified paedophiles” who should be “registered and placed on neighbourhood watch”—as an example of valuing “corporate greed over the safety and wellbeing of its artists.”

The Hotline Bling rapper alleged that UMG “approved, published and launched” a campaign to create a “viral hit” out of the Lamar track, per the lawsuit seen by The Guardian.

Drake added that the campaign was “intended to convey the specific, unmistakable, and false factual allegation that Drake is a criminal paedophile and to suggest that the public should resort to vigilante justice in response.”

For the lawsuit, Drake is being represented by lawyer Michael J Gottlieb. Gottlieb notably represented the owner of the Washington DC restaurant targeted by “Pizzagate” conspiracy theorists in 2016.

NME reports Drake recently dropped a separate lawsuit where he alleged that UMG and Spotify “artificially inflated” the number of streams Not Like Us has received.

In response to Drake's lawsuit, UMG called the case “illogical” and accused him of trying to “weaponise the legal process,” per Billboard.

Denying Drake’s claims, UMG wrote: “Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist—let alone Drake—is illogical.

“We have invested massively in his music, and our employees around the world have worked tirelessly for many years to help him achieve historic commercial and personal financial success.”

Adding that Drake has engaged in diss tracks with other artists, which UMG promoted, the label said, “Throughout his career, Drake has intentionally and successfully used UMG to distribute his music and poetry to engage in conventionally outrageous back-and-forth ‘rap battles’ to express his feelings about other artists.

“He now seeks to weaponise the legal process to silence an artist’s creative expression and to seek damages from UMG for distributing that artist’s music.”

UMG ended their statement by saying they will “vigorously” defend Drake’s litigation.

Amidst filing lawsuits, Drake is preparing for his long-awaited return to Australia, which has led to additional shows in multiple cities due to demand.