• Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against UMG for promoting Kendrick Lamar’s song "Not Like Us."
• In the lawsuit, Drake claims that UMG knowingly propagated false allegations that could threaten his reputation and safety.
• The lawsuit follows a series of violent incidents at Drake's residence linked to the diss track's release.
• UMG has countered by stating that the claims are untrue and that they have always supported Drake’s career.
• Legal experts suggest that Drake's lawsuit may face significant challenges in court.

Drake, the internationally renowned rapper whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, has officially initiated a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) concerning the controversial diss track "Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar. Filed on January 15 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, this legal action purportedly stems from the claims in Lamar's track which accuse Drake of being a “certified pedophile” and incite violence against him. Drake asserts that UMG, a label with which he has collaborated for over a decade, disregarded his safety and reputation by allowing the release of these defamatory statements ([CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/15/entertainment/drake-umg-suit-not-like-us/index.html)). Drake's lawsuit alleges that UMG chose corporate greed over the welfare of its artists, knowingly spreading damaging assertions about him to obtain financial gain. He asserts that the song was intended to fuel a “vigilante justice” narrative, claiming that such a portrayal has contributed to real-life threats against him and his family ([HuffPost](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/drake-sues-umg-defamation_n_6787e330e4b04a88ce8acfe7)). The lawsuit also references a shocking incident that occurred shortly after the song's release; specifically, a shooting at his Toronto home in which a bullet penetrated the security fence, resulting in serious injuries to a security guard ([USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/01/15/drake-defamation-lawsuit-universal-music-group-claims/77729642007/)). In the face of these allegations, UMG has strongly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the claims made by Drake are baseless and unrealistic. The company emphasized their long-standing support of Drake's career, highlighting their substantial investments that have helped him achieve significant commercial success ([BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05lpy7n3r1o)). They have indicated their intent to contest the lawsuit, indicating that this legal maneuver may be an attempt by Drake to silence artistic expression ([Newsweek](https://www.newsweek.com/drake-umg-lawsuit-defamation-2016003)). Legal experts have weighed in on the potential for Drake’s lawsuit to succeed, suggesting that while the case highlights serious issues surrounding defamation in hip-hop culture, it may not stand up in court due to the protection of artistic expression ([Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-sues-universal-music-group-umg-label-alleging-defamation-2025-1)). Observers note that the ongoing feud between Drake and Lamar has turned into a notable event in the music industry, marking an escalation in their long-standing rivalry that has played out through a series of diss tracks over the years. As this high-profile legal battle unfolds, it raises critical questions about the intersection of artistry, defamation, and corporate responsibility in an era when controversial music can lead to real-world consequences. Drake’s claims, alongside the reactions from UMG, suggest a complex narrative reflecting deeper issues within the contemporary music landscape, all while spotlighting the intense dynamics between two of the genre's most prominent figures. For further details, read the original articles sourced from [CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/15/entertainment/drake-umg-suit-not-like-us/index.html), [HuffPost](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/drake-sues-umg-defamation_n_6787e330e4b04a88ce8acfe7), [USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/01/15/drake-defamation-lawsuit-universal-music-group-claims/77729642007/), [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05lpy7n3r1o), [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-sues-universal-music-group-umg-label-alleging-defamation-2025-1), and [Newsweek](https://www.newsweek.com/drake-umg-lawsuit-defamation-2016003).