By GhanaNewsPage 
Drake withdraws legal action accusing UMG and Spotify of boosting Kendrick’s ‘Not Like Us’
Canadian rapper Drake has unexpectedly dropped his legal battle against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, where he accused the two entities of artificially inflating the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.” The case, originally filed in November, alleged that bots, payola, and other underhanded tactics were used to bolster Lamar’s song, which was aimed at Drake amid their ongoing feud.
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In a filing made on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in a Manhattan court, Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, stated that it would voluntarily withdraw the lawsuit “without costs to any party.”
While this particular action has been dismissed, a separate petition in Texas, accusing UMG and iHeartRadio of defamation related to the same track, remains active.
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Background of the Legal Dispute
Drake’s legal actions shocked the music industry when he filed the claims in November. The feud between Drake and Lamar, which had already captivated fans through a series of diss tracks, took an unprecedented turn with the legal filing.
The allegations were bold, with Drake accusing UMG of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), a statute typically reserved for organized crime cases. The petition also claimed that Spotify had played a role in promoting Lamar’s diss track by reducing licensing fees in exchange for increased recommendations of the song on its platform.
Additionally, the Texas filing argued that “Not Like Us” was defamatory, alleging the track falsely accused Drake of being a “sex offender.”
Industry and Legal Reactions
The lawsuits were widely criticized, with many in the hip-hop community questioning Drake’s decision to address a music feud in court—a move considered unconventional in the genre’s history. The legal filings also strained Drake’s longstanding relationship with UMG, where he has been a key artist for over a decade.
UMG had not formally responded to the allegations, but Spotify denied the claims in December, calling them “false” and suggesting that the pre-action petition format was a tactical move to avoid scrutiny. The streaming giant argued that Drake’s case was too weak to survive an actual lawsuit, describing the approach as a “subversion of the normal judicial process.”
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Why the Case Was Withdrawn
In Tuesday’s filing, attorneys for Drake revealed that they had met with representatives from both UMG and Spotify before withdrawing the case. While Spotify did not object to the dismissal, UMG “reserved its position,” leaving the possibility open for further legal challenges.
Neither Drake’s legal team nor UMG provided immediate comments on the reason behind the withdrawal. However, industry insiders speculate that behind-the-scenes negotiations may have influenced the decision.
Impact on Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s Feud
This latest development adds another layer to the highly publicized feud between the two music icons. Their rivalry, characterized by sharp diss tracks and veiled lyrical jabs, has been one of the most talked-about clashes in modern hip-hop.
While the legal case might be over for now, the fallout has likely left an indelible mark on Drake’s relationship with his record label and the broader music industry. On the other hand, Lamar’s track continues to spark conversations, with fans dissecting its lyrics and implications.
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Drake’s Career and UMG Relationship
Drake’s relationship with UMG spans his entire career, starting with his initial deal through Lil Wayne’s Young Money imprint under Republic Records, followed by a direct contract with Republic. The recent legal disputes have placed this partnership under strain, though neither party has indicated a formal severance.
With the Manhattan case dismissed and the Texas defamation petition still active, the Drake-Lamar saga is far from over. Fans and industry observers will be closely watching for updates on the Texas case and any potential new developments in their rivalry.
For now, this legal twist highlights the ever-evolving dynamics of the music industry, where feuds can extend beyond lyrics into the courtroom.
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Tags:
- Drake UMG Lawsuit 2025
- Kendrick Lamar Diss Track Controversy
- Spotify Legal Dispute Drake
- Drake vs Kendrick Lamar Feud Update
- Hip-Hop Legal News 2025
- Drake and UMG Relationship
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story.
#Drake #Spotify #Kendrick
SOURCE: Billboard
