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Drakeis turning up the heat in his ongoing battle with Universal Music Group (UMG).
The rapper has filed a second petition, this time in Texas, following a similar move in New York just days earlier.
Both filings target UMG’s involvement in promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track“Not Like Us.”
Drake alleges the song contains defamatory accusations and that the label orchestrated its viral success.
Let’s dive into the details and see what this legal showdown is all about.
The Heart of the Dispute: Defamation Claims
At the core of Drake’s accusations is the belief that“Not Like Us”falsely labels him as a “sex offender” and “predator.”
He argues that UMG knew these claims were untrue but decided to release the song anyway.
According to his legal team, the label had the power to either block the song’s release or insist on edits, yet they chose to let it hit the airwaves unchanged. Drake’s lawyers didn’t hold back, stating:
“UMG … could have refused to release or distribute the song or required the offending material to be edited and removed. But UMG chose to do the opposite.”
Instead, they claim, UMG turned the controversy into a marketing opportunity, ensuring the track went viral to boost profits, regardless of the damage to Drake’sreputation.
Source: Instagram/drake
New Allegations: Pay-to-Play Schemes on iHeartRadio
The Texas filing introduces fresh claims about UMG’s tactics.
Drake alleges that UMG funneled payments to iHeartRadio as part of a “pay-to-play” scheme, which involves paying for preferential airplay.
This practice, whilecontroversial, isn’t unheard of in the music industry.
Drake’s team argues that this arrangement artificially boosted the track’s success, spreading its damaging message even further.
The Texas petition follows closely on the heels of a New York filing, which accused UMG of manipulating Spotify algorithms to promote“Not Like Us.”
Together, these filings suggest a coordinated effort to maximize the track’s reach across different platforms.
Legal Strategy: Gathering Evidence First
It’s important to note that Drake hasn’t officially filed alawsuit—yet.
These are pre-action filings, a legal move designed to gather evidence through depositions before launching a full-fledged case.
Drake’s lawyers want to question key figures at UMG and iHeartRadio to uncover more details about the alleged schemes.
They’re confident in their defamation claim but suggest more charges could follow. As his legal team put it:
“We already have enough evidence to pursue a claim for defamation… Based on what we learn, we may also add claims of civil fraud and racketeering.”
The label insists it operates with integrity and that“Not Like Us”rose to fame because fans loved it—not because of any shady marketing tactics.
In a strongly worded statement, UMG said:
“The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue… Fans choose the music they want to hear.”
They also dismissed Drake’s legal arguments as “contrived and absurd,” suggesting he’s trying to shift blame for the track’s popularity.
The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake?
This legalbattleis about more than just one song—it’s a clash of titans in the music industry.
If Drake’s allegations hold water, it could expose questionable marketing practices and lead to significant changes in how labels promote music.
For UMG, a loss could mean reputational damage and financial repercussions.
For Drake, the stakes are personal. His reputation and career could suffer if theaccusationsfrom“Not Like Us”gain traction.
Winning this case isn’t just about money—it’s about clearing his name and setting a precedent.
Source: Instagram/champagnepapi
Fans React: Mixed Opinions and Online Backlash
Fans and critics have taken tosocial mediaplatforms like Reddit and X to share their thoughts on Drake’s legal battle with UMG, with many calling his actions extreme.
Some users mocked the rapper, suggesting he’s overreacting to losing a rap battle.
One comment joked, “This Canadian Karen is too much. You can’t sue people because you lost.”
Another pointed out that the lawsuits might backfire, especially if Drake’s relationships with minors come under scrutiny in court.
Many found humor in the situation, saying Drake is just giving his rivals more material to use against him.
One user declared,“This has never happened in rap before! Suing over a diss track? That’s peak Karen behavior.”
While some understand Drake’s concerns, others think the lawsuits could hurt his image more than the diss track itself.
Despite the controversy, Drake’s music career remains strong.His latest album,For All The Dogs, featuring J. Cole and 21 Savage, has received positive reviews.
He’s also working on a joint project with PartyNextDoor, keeping fans excited for what’s next.
As Drake’s legal team digs deeper, all eyes are on what they might uncover. Will UMG’s internal practices withstand scrutiny?
And if the case goes to court, could it shake up the entiremusic industry?
For now, the battle lines are drawn, and the drama is far from over. One thing’s for sure: this feud is about to get even more intense.
Stay tuned—this is one story you won’t want to miss!
Drake’s Life and Career Overview
Category
Details
Full Name
Aubrey Drake Graham
Other Names
Champagne Papi, Drizzy, 6 God, The Boy
Date of Birth
October 24, 1986
Place of Birth
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Children
1
Profession
Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Producer
Genres
Pop Rap, Hip Hop, R&B, Pop Trap
Debut Album
Thank Me Later(2010)
Notable Albums
Take Care(2011),Nothing Was the Same(2013),Views(2016),Scorpion(2018),For All The Dogs(2023)
Awards
5 Grammy Awards, 6 American Music Awards, 29 Billboard Music Awards
Acting Career
Known for playing Jimmy Brooks on the TV showDegrassi: The Next Generation
Label
OVO Sound (co-founded), previously signed to Young Money Entertainment
Feuds
Famous rivalries with Kanye West, Meek Mill, Pusha T, and Kendrick Lamar
Business Ventures
Co-founder of OVO Sound, OVO Clothing, Stake in Toronto Raptors (Global Ambassador)
This table highlights key details about Drake’s background, music, and influence in the entertainment industry.
‘You Broke My Heart’ By Drake
Conclusion
Drake’s fight with Universal Music Group (UMG) is turning into one of the biggest music industry battles we’ve seen in a long time.
This case isn’t just about one song—it could change how record labels treat artists and promote music.
If Drake proves his claims about unfair promotion and false accusations, it might reveal some shady practices in the music business and force labels to be more careful.
For Drake, this fight is personal. He wants to clear his name and show that UMG put profit ahead of his reputation.
For UMG, it’s about defending their good name and showing they didn’t do anything wrong.
As the case continues, everyone will be watching closely. The results could impact the whole music industry and change the rules for how songs are promoted.
Last Updated: November 28, 2024
