Drake has filed a second round of legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), this time targeting the company in Texas over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
On Monday, the rapper initiated similar legal proceedings in New York, accusing UMG of manipulating streaming platforms like Spotify to artificially boost the track’s success. Tuesday’s filing, made in Bexar County, alleges that UMG engaged in “irregular and inappropriate business practices” to secure radio airplay for the song, including illegal payments to San Antonio-based iHeartMedia. The petition seeks depositions from representatives of both companies and could pave the way for a lawsuit.
Drake’s legal team claims UMG knowingly supported a song that defames him, accusing him of egregious crimes such as being a “certified pedophile” and engaging in predatory behavior. The filing describes these accusations as defamatory and hints that Drake may pursue further legal remedies.
UMG has denied the allegations, calling the claims “offensive and untrue” in a response to Monday’s filing. The company insists it adheres to ethical marketing and promotional practices. Representatives for UMG and iHeartMedia have not yet commented on the latest filing.
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Drake’s New York petition also alludes to potential litigation, alleging that UMG fired employees perceived as loyal to him in an effort to cover up misconduct.
This escalating legal conflict represents a significant escalation in the decade-long feud between Drake, 38, and Lamar, 37. The two artists, once collaborators, have become bitter rivals. Tensions reached new heights in 2023 with the release of “Not Like Us” in May, a track widely seen as a direct attack on Drake.
With both artists signed to UMG, the feud has shifted from a personal dispute to a high-profile corporate controversy, placing the label at the center of a battle between two of hip-hop’s biggest stars.
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