Drake vs. UMG: The Legal Battle Over Defamation and Music Promotion

Drake has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that the company promoted Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” in a manner that harmed his reputation. The song, released in May 2024, includes lyrics accusing Drake of being a “certified pedophile,” leading to significant public backlash. Drake contends that UMG’s extensive promotional efforts for the track, including alleged covert payments to platforms like Spotify and radio stations, were intended to amplify its reach and impact.

According to court documents, UMG’s promotional tactics purportedly involved the use of bots to artificially inflate streaming numbers and undisclosed payments to ensure prominent placement of “Not Like Us” on various platforms. Drake’s legal team argues that these actions were designed to maximize the song’s exposure, thereby maximizing its defamatory impact.

The lawsuit further claims that the promotion of “Not Like Us” led to tangible threats against Drake’s safety and subjected him to extensive online harassment. Drake asserts that UMG prioritized profit over his well-being by endorsing and disseminating content that portrayed him negatively.

In response, UMG has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, labeling it a “misguided attempt” to address the outcome of a rap battle. The company refutes the allegations, emphasizing their commitment to ethical marketing practices and denying any intent to harm Drake’s reputation. UMG maintains that the promotional efforts for “Not Like Us” were standard industry practices aimed at supporting an artist’s work.