Drake is suing Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar's song 'Not Like Us,' alleging that the lyrics defame him and have led to threats against his safety. He claims the label used bots to artificially inflate the song's popularity on Spotify and that the negative messaging has resulted in real-world consequences, including a home invasion and threats against his family. However, legal experts point out that diss tracks are by nature inflammatory and Drake has engaged in similar lyrical attacks against other artists in the past.
It used to be that the only time rap songs were subject to legal action was when the FBI, police departments and suburban parents got involved. Think of the use of Young Thug’s lyrics infiled by the wife of a slain white state trooper in 1992 or N.W.A.’s “Fuck Tha Police” being the focus of a strongly worded
But as Mumtaz Kynaston-Pearson, principal legal counsel at Mimecast, told HuffPost, you can poke holes through most of Drake’s allegations in the suit. An obvious point about all of this is one many others have also made: by definition, diss tracks and rap battles are inflammatory against the other artist.Kendrick Lamar accepts the Record of the Year award for"Not Like Us" at the 2025 Grammys, weeks after Drake filed a lawsuit about the track against UMG, the rappers' record label.
Something else that’s interesting about this alleged causal effect of violence following the release of “Not Like Us” is the question of why no one reacted similarly about Drake rapping that Lamar abuses his partner on “Family Matters”?“That’s a very valid point,” Kynaston-Pearson said. “It’s quite interesting, isn’t it? Maybe Lamar just has more vigilante fans.”
It also does not encourage people to grapple with that important relationship between lyricism and truth. That’s inherent to understanding hip-hop and especially rap battles. You’d think someone like Drake, who seems to grasp this with his own diss tracks, would appreciate that. “It’s not the question if he’s Black enough or not ‘down enough’; it’s Drake’s particular way of forcing the issue of his Blackness that underlines his doubts with his own identity,” Israel Daramol“How does he look in the hip-hop community, having to cry to the courts to get the response he wants?” Kynaston-Pearson asked.
DRAMA HIP HOP LAWSUIT DEFAMATION RAP BATTLES
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kendrick Lamar's 'Kill Bill' Sinks Drake in the Super Bowl Culture WarsKendrick Lamar's Grammy-winning hit 'Kill Bill' has dealt a significant blow to Drake, becoming a rallying cry against his cultural dominance in hip hop. Lamar's scathing lyrics question Drake's Black identity and authenticity, sparking a debate about the future of the genre. As Lamar celebrates his victories at the Super Bowl, Drake faces a possible reckoning following a public takedown.
Read more »
Music Fans Spot Kendrick Lamar's Fashion Victory Lap Around Drake At GrammysBen Blanchet is a reporter based in New York City. His work has been featured in the New York Post, Insider and The Buffalo News' Sun newspapers. He was born and educated in Upstate New York.
Read more »
Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl halftime show betting specials; Drake a longshot to appearWith Kendrick Lamar’s star shining brighter than it ever has, FanDuel has opened four markets for his performance with options for first song, total songs, celebrities to appear and how many diss records he will sing about Drake. Let’s take a look at what they have to offer.
Read more »
Drake sues Universal Music for defamation related to Kendrick Lamar diss track 'Not Like Us'A hip-hop superstar beef was cranked up another notch Wednesday when Drake sued Universal Music Group for defamation over rival Kendrick Lamar’s diss track 'Not Like Us.'
Read more »
Drake Sues Universal Music Group for Defamation over Kendrick Lamar Diss TrackDrake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) alleging defamation stemming from a diss track by rival artist Kendrick Lamar. The lawsuit claims UMG promoted the track despite knowing it contained false pedophilia allegations against Drake and incited listeners to violence. Drake's suit cites damage to his reputation, online harassment, and a security breach at his Toronto home as consequences of the track's release.
Read more »
Drake sues Universal Music for defamation related to Kendrick Lamar diss trackCanadian singer says firm knowingly promoted false and defamatory allegations in ‘Not Like Us’
Read more »