Drake addresses UMG lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ promotion

Drake defends his lawsuit against Universal Music Group, claiming unfair support for Kendrick Lamar’s diss track.

Drake addressed his legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) over allegedly promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us.

The rapper filed the lawsuit in late 2024, sparking mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders alike.

In a statement released earlier today, Drake clarified his stance, comparing the situation to “Nike funding a campaign about LeBron cheating on his wife.” He emphasized that the lawsuit is not about personal grievances but about holding UMG accountable for its actions. “This isn’t about street shit,” he stated, highlighting his broader goal of advocating for artist rights and fair treatment in the industry.

Drake out here dry snitching or trying to sow discord in LeBrons home, and he sure never gave a F**k about making UMG a safe place for artists when things were working in his favor.

The manipulation Kendrick was talking about. pic.twitter.com/RKrpTQP8zR

— J Wise (@JWiseKingRa) January 7, 2025

Drake’s approach reframes the narrative surrounding the lawsuit, shifting attention from the diss track to systemic issues faced by artists under major labels. Critics had previously labeled the lawsuit as a weak move, while supporters praised it as a stand for fairness in the music industry.

UMG has not publicly responded to Drake’s claims or lawsuit. The legal dispute comes amidst a broader conversation about transparency and ethics in the music industry, with Drake positioning himself as a voice for artists demanding accountability.

While the lawsuit’s timing remains a point of contention, Drake’s move underscores ongoing tensions between major artists and record labels, further intensifying public debate around artist rights and corporate influence in music.