Kanye West’s 'rich baby daddy' claim resurfaces amid Drake’s legal battle with UMG’s Lucian Grainge

West’s claim about Drake’s ties to UMG’s Lucian Grainge gains new relevance after Drake's lawsuit against the label.

In a twist of fate, Kanye West’s controversial claims about Universal Music Group (UMG) CEO Lucian Grainge and his relationship with Drake are gaining traction once again. 

The long-buried allegations came to light after Drake filed a legal petition against UMG on November 25, 2024, accusing the record label of serious misconduct in the aftermath of his battle with Kendrick Lamar.

Drake's decision to take legal action has raised eyebrows and sparked a flurry of speculation among fans, some of whom have now turned their attention to Kanye West's remarks from several years ago. 

Drake v Lucien is the real battle.

— MAL💰 (@MAL___) November 26, 2024

Should’ve listen to kanYE, look at you now trapped under babydaddy Lucien who chose Kdot over you https://t.co/jumEWvJr5o pic.twitter.com/QWYaJmQQCA

— YeezyMadeMeDoIt✨ (@GetInspired_EU) November 25, 2024

Lucian vs Drake

The gloves coming off pic.twitter.com/MATCplWgrt

— Keeping Culture Alive (@Q4quise) November 25, 2024

West, never one to shy away from stirring the pot, had called out Grainge during an April 2024 appearance on The Download Podcast, making bold accusations that seem eerily prescient in light of recent events.

In that interview, West rapped pointedly in his remix of Like That, calling out Grainge by name and claiming that the UMG CEO is essentially Drake's “rich baby daddy.” "Where's Lucian? Serve your master, nga," Kanye rapped, "You caught a little bag for your masters, didn't ya? Lifetime deal, I feel bad for ngas." 

 

 

 

 

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West’s reference to a "lifetime deal" alluded to his ongoing concerns about Drake's relationship with the label, as well as the perceived commodification of Drake's music under the powerful umbrella of UMG.

During the same interview, Kanye elaborated, explaining that Drake’s success was, in his view, entirely orchestrated by the music industry’s so-called "machine." 

He stated, “Drake has a rich baby daddy named Lucian and Universal. He’s like, 'man, my daddy got it. My daddy control the spins. My daddy got the DSPs. Drake has a rich baby daddy.’” 

West further criticized the way he believed Drake’s music was being molded to fit the label’s commercial interests, losing its authenticity and connection with listeners. 

"Your raps don’t mean sh*t," Kanye added, referencing how the industry's influence had watered down the essence of Drake’s art.

At the time, Kanye's statements were seen by many as just another one of his frequent rants. However, with Drake's recent legal petition accusing UMG and Spotify of mistreatment, fans are now reconsidering West’s comments. 

Many are questioning whether the longstanding tension between Drake and his label was more significant than anyone realized.

West’s assertion that "Drake has a rich baby daddy" now seems to take on a new layer of meaning, especially as Drake faces the fallout from his legal battle. 

Fans are speculating that Kanye’s foresight might have been more accurate than previously thought. With the fallout from the Kendrick Lamar battle and Drake’s escalating legal issues, there’s a renewed sense of intrigue about the deeper dynamics at play in the rap game.

As for Kanye, he has long been vocal about his frustrations with the music industry and its corporate powers. 

Whether or not his bold claims about Lucian Grainge and Drake’s supposed “rich baby daddy” will ultimately have any lasting impact on the ongoing drama remains to be seen. But for now, Kanye West’s words seem to have found a new relevance amid Drake's legal woes.

The unfolding legal drama surrounding Drake, UMG, and Spotify is sure to be one of the biggest stories in the music industry, and Kanye West’s earlier predictions may very well hold more weight than anyone initially imagined.