Drake Sues UMG Over Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Performance
Has the simmering feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar finally boiled over? Drake's legal battle against Universal Music Group (UMG) has taken a dramatic turn, escalating the conflict from rap beef to courtroom showdown.
The heart of the dispute lies in Lamar's performance of "Not Like Us" at the 2025 Super Bowl. Drake alleges the song, which contains accusations of pedophilia, was unfairly promoted by UMG, resulting in defamation and damage to his reputation. The Super Bowl performance, broadcast to a record-breaking audience, amplified the song's reach, further fueling Drake's legal fire. This latest development adds another layer to the complex legal wrangling between the two artists and their shared record label.
| Real Name | Aubrey Drake Graham |
|---|---|
| Born | October 24, 1986, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Occupations | Rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, businessman |
| Years Active | 2001present |
| Labels | OVO Sound, Republic, Young Money, Cash Money |
| Website | drakeofficial.com |
Drake initially filed his lawsuit against UMG in January 2025, claiming defamation and harassment. He accused the company of propagating a "false and malicious narrative" portraying him as a pedophile through the promotion and distribution of "Not Like Us." This initial filing marked a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between Drake and Lamar, which had previously played out in a series of diss tracks.
The Texas leg of Drake's legal battle has concluded, shifting the focus to his lawsuit in New York. This bi-coastal legal strategy underscores the seriousness of Drake's claims and his determination to pursue all available legal avenues. The New York case is expected to delve deeper into the specifics of UMG's alleged misconduct, potentially revealing further details about the inner workings of the music industry and the power dynamics between artists and their labels.
Last year, the two rappers engaged in a series of lyrical attacks, trading accusations and insults through their music. In one track, Drake accused Lamar of domestic abuse, a serious allegation that further inflamed their already volatile relationship. This back-and-forth exchange of diss tracks created a media frenzy and intensified the public's interest in their feud. The legal action taken by Drake suggests that the conflict is far from resolved and may continue to play out both in the courtroom and the public sphere.
UMG has formally requested the dismissal of Drake's defamation lawsuit. Their legal filing argues that the lawsuit lacks merit and attempts to portray Drake's claims as frivolous. This motion to dismiss sets the stage for a protracted legal battle, with both sides digging in their heels and preparing for a potentially lengthy court proceeding.
Drake's lawsuit accuses UMG of prioritizing profit over ethical considerations. He alleges that the label engaged in "irregular and inappropriate business practices" to boost radio airplay for "Not Like Us," further amplifying the song's reach and the alleged damage to his reputation. He asserts that UMG knowingly promoted a song that attacked the character of one of their own artists, prioritizing financial gain over the well-being of Drake. This accusation of prioritizing profit over artist welfare strikes at the heart of the artist-label relationship and raises broader questions about the ethical responsibilities of record companies.
The relationship between Drake and UMG, spanning over a decade, has soured amidst this legal battle. What began as a fruitful partnership has devolved into a bitter dispute, highlighting the complexities and potential pitfalls of long-term business relationships in the music industry. The lawsuit threatens to permanently fracture their professional connection and potentially reshape Drake's career trajectory.
Although Lamar is not explicitly named in the lawsuit, his presence looms large. The song at the center of the controversy is undeniably his creation, and its performance at the Super Bowl amplified its impact. While the legal battle is technically between Drake and UMG, the underlying conflict remains firmly rooted in the personal and professional rivalry between Drake and Lamar.
Drake and Lamar were occasional collaborators over a decade ago, but their relationship shifted in 2013 when Lamar began issuing public jabs at Drake. This marked a turning point in their dynamic, transforming them from collaborators to competitors. The subsequent escalation of their feud, culminating in Drake's lawsuit, showcases the volatile nature of relationships within the highly competitive hip-hop industry.
The move to court represents a major escalation of their feud, involving some of the biggest players in the music industry. This legal battle has the potential to reshape the landscape of the industry, impacting artist-label relationships and influencing future legal disputes. The outcome of the case will be closely watched by industry insiders and fans alike.
Drake's legal team has filed documents expressing their intent to investigate the matter further. They seek to uncover evidence supporting their claims of defamation and malicious intent. This signals a commitment to pursuing the case vigorously and a determination to hold UMG accountable for their alleged actions. The legal maneuvering suggests that this complex case is far from over and may continue to unfold for some time.
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