Just when you thought Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s beef had simmered down, the drama seems to be heating up again. And with Kendrick set to take center stage at the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, this rivalry could reach a boiling point in front of millions.
Adding fuel to the fire, Drake has just dropped a bombshell: a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing them of backing Kendrick’s controversial diss track, “Not Like Us.”
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A Decade-Long Beef
The Drake-Kendrick saga goes way back, starting in 2013 when Kendrick called out Drake and several other rappers on Big Sean’s track “Control,” claiming he was the best in the game. Drake responded with “Started from the Bottom,” throwing subtle shade at Kendrick. Over the years, the tension grew, with both artists trading shots in their music.
Fast forward to 2023, and the rivalry reached new heights. Kendrick’s track “Like That,” featuring Future and Metro Boomin, took aim at Drake and other top rappers. Drake clapped back with “Family Matters,” accusing Kendrick of domestic abuse and fathering a child with producer Dave Free. Kendrick escalated things further with “Not Like Us,” a song that explicitly accused Drake of pedophilia and incited vigilante justice.
Drake Sues Universal Music Group for Defamation Over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”
Drake’s legal action against UMG stems from their promotion of “Not Like Us,” a track that he claims not only defamed him but also endangered his life. Filed in New York City federal court, the lawsuit accuses UMG of prioritizing profits over safety, alleging they knowingly released and promoted the song despite its inflammatory lyrics. The fallout has been severe, with Drake’s Toronto-area home becoming a target for multiple break-ins and even a shooting, during which his security guard was injured.
The lawsuit is not directed at Kendrick Lamar himself but focuses on UMG’s role in amplifying the song’s reach. Drake’s team argues that the label’s actions amounted to defamation and harassment, demanding accountability for the chaos they believe UMG’s decisions have caused.
Understanding the Beef
2013: The feud began with Kendrick’s verse on “Control,” where he claimed the throne and dismissed his peers. Drake’s “Started from the Bottom” hinted at a response, sparking speculation about their rivalry.
2023: Kendrick dropped “Like That,” taking direct shots at Drake. Drake responded with “Family Matters,” a track packed with personal allegations against Kendrick.
2024: Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” upped the ante, accusing Drake of pedophilia and inciting violence against him. This track became one of the biggest hits of the year, but it also brought real-world consequences, with Drake’s home being targeted and his security team put in harm’s way.
With the Super Bowl just around the corner and Kendrick Lamar headlining the halftime show, all eyes are on how this beef will unfold. Will Kendrick address the lawsuit or take another swipe at Drake during his performance? And how will Drake respond?
