Drake Proceeds With New UMG Lawsuit Over ‘Not Like Us’
Drake is continuing his feisty lawsuit with his own record label, UMG Recordings, alleging the label promoted a “false and malicious narrative” as Kendrick Lamar’s hit song “Not Like Us” accuses the rapper of pedophilia, risking the safety of his family.
According to CNN, Drake’s lawsuit begins with an unfortunate shooting, which took place at his Toronto residence, when his friend and security guard were shot on May 7, 2024, by an armed group of assailants.
Drake stated further break-in attempts were made, but futile. This prompted him to increase his security and withdraw his seven-year-old son from the Toronto area. He claimed the label was finding many tactics to increase the recognition of “Not Like Us,” being aware that it would debunk his music and platform.
In addition, he mentioned UMG compensated a third party for using bots to increase the song’s stream by 30 million, further engaging in a “pay for play” scheme with at least one radio promoter. Drake and Lamar are both signed to UMG, but they are under separate divisions: Drake with Republic Records and Lamar with Interscope.
A UMG spokesperson stated that the allegations are “false” and described Drake’s claims that the company would attempt to damage his reputation as “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,” the statement read.
UMG response to Drake. pic.twitter.com/aKd55xa70R
— Elliott Wilson (@ElliottWilson) January 15, 2025
According to the lawsuit, the rapper attempted to settle the matter with UMG privately but alleges the label “refused to take any action” and warned him he would “face humiliation” if he pursued legal action.
“Beginning on May 4, 2024, and every day since UMG has used its massive resources as the world’s most powerful music company to elevate a dangerous and inflammatory message that was designed to assassinate Drake’s character and led to actual violence at Drake’s doorstep,” his attorneys stated.
The lawsuit is not going after Lamar, but instead, UMG discussing, “This lawsuit is not about the artist who created ‘Not Like Us.’ It is, instead, entirely about UMG, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize” the song, which it knew contained false claims.
Lamar has been enjoying his success since the release of his hit song and is set to headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
You can stream “Not Like Us” below.
