
UMG is ready for war.
Today, Drake filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, alleging them of promoting, benefitting from, and supporting a track in which he was called a pedophile. Of course, that track is “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar. In the writing for the suit, Drake says this isn’t about Kendrick; it’s about the label, whom he has worked with for years.
Very quickly, UMG responded to the allegations. In a nutshell, UMG denies the claims, calling them untrue and illogical, emphasizing their significant investment in Drake’s success.
This can get nasty. While Drake is undeniably the biggest rapper in the game today (and perhaps ever), I fear there might be a serious effort to blackball him if he goes through with this lawsuit. Also, I just don’t love the optics of it, with him looking like a sore loser about the whole beef in general. I guess a hefty payout would be a helluva consolation prize, though.
The plot has gotten thicker than Megan Thee Stallion, guys.
Universal Music Group issues a response to Drake’s federal defamation lawsuit??
— RapTV (@Rap) January 15, 2025
“Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist—let alone Drake—is illogical.”
“We have invested massively in his music and our employees… pic.twitter.com/gjr7W70U4E

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.