Drake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, accusing them of illegally promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” which takes aim at the Canadian rapper. The lawsuit, filed by Drake’s company Frozen Moments LLC, was submitted to a New York court on Monday. It requests that both UMG and Spotify disclose and preserve evidence that could support a future legal action over the alleged unlawful promotion of the song.
The track, widely viewed as a personal attack on Drake, includes controversial lyrics accusing him of pedophilia. In his legal filings, Drake’s lawyers claim that UMG engaged in “pay-to-play” tactics and violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), in addition to making fraudulent advertising claims in violation of New York state law. Drake’s team also contends that they have tried, without success, to engage in meaningful negotiations with UMG over the matter, only to be advised to contact Kendrick Lamar directly.
Billboard reports that Drake’s lawyers are seeking to obtain information from both UMG and Spotify, claiming that their actions are part of a broader, coordinated effort to promote Lamar’s track in a way that undermines Drake’s reputation. They argue that these activities are not only dishonest but illegal, violating both industry norms and legal standards.
In response, a spokesperson for Universal Music Group denied the allegations, calling them “offensive and untrue.” The statement further emphasized UMG’s commitment to “the highest ethical practices in marketing and promotion” and suggested that fans, not corporate entities, ultimately decide which music they choose to listen to. “No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear,” the spokesperson added. The case is expected to unfold over the coming months, with both sides gearing up for what could be a high-profile legal battle.
