Drake's 'Not Like Us' lawsuit trial could last three weeks

IANS April 10, 2025 256 views

Drake is embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle with Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's provocative diss track. The lawsuit stems from Lamar's controversial lyrics that allegedly damage Drake's reputation during their public feud. Court documents suggest the trial could last three weeks and involves serious personal accusations. The conflict has captured massive public attention, particularly after Lamar's Super Bowl performance.

"Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young" - Kendrick Lamar, 'Not Like Us' lyrics
Drake's 'Not Like Us' lawsuit trial could last three weeks
Los Angeles, April 10: Rapper Drake has a weeks-long trial set against Universal Music Group following the release of Kendrick Lamar's Grammy-winning diss track. In court documents, the 38-year-old Canadian rapper's legal defense states that "settlement discussions have not taken place".

Key Points

1

Drake seeks three-week trial against Universal Music Group

2

Lawsuit centers on Lamar's alleged defamatory lyrics

3

Super Bowl performance escalated high-profile music industry conflict

4

Legal battle highlights intense rap rivalry

As per the filing, the case is expected to be tried before a jury and is estimated to last for three weeks in New York, reports 'People' magazine.

The ongoing conflict began when Lamar, 37, released 'Not Like Us' in May 2024, as the two artists were engaged in a public feud. Lamar's single refers to Drake as a "certified pedophile" who should be "placed on neighborhood watch".

As per 'People', Kendrick Lamar also performed the hit at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in February.

Although the word "pedophile" was omitted from his televised performance, Lamar smiled as he looked at the camera when he delivered the line, "Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young".

This year's big game was seen by an estimated 127.7 million people, making it the largest Super Bowl audience in TV history, according to research by Nielsen.

In a previous filing obtained by 'People', Drake's attorneys refuted UMG's claims that Lamar's lyrics were his opinion and alleged that "UMG completely ignores the Complaint's allegations that millions of people, all over the world, did understand (the song) as a factual assertion that (Drake) is a pedophile".

"UMG brazenly continued to publish and promote the (song) even after (Drake's) home was attacked by a gunman, after his businesses were defaced, after (Drake) made UMG aware of the falsity of the allegations (and the harm they were causing), and after UMG knew that the public believed the allegations to be true statements of fact", the filing claimed.

On March 31, Drake released a new music video for his single 'Nokia', and fans came up with theories on how the 'Hotline Bling' rapper was seemingly hitting back at the California native.

One fan pointed out that Drake's black-and-white music video for 'Nokia', was very similar to the filter used in Lamar's 'Not Like Us'.

"Drake gotta be trolling kendrick for sure. the handshake, the owls, the birdseye view, the dances, the choreography", another fan wrote.

Amid the ongoing feud, UMG previously said Drake "lost a rap battle that he provoked" and "sued his own record label.

Reader Comments

M
Marcus T.
This lawsuit is getting messy but I'm lowkey here for the drama 😅 Both artists dropping subliminals in their music videos is next level petty. Who do y'all think is winning this feud?
J
Jasmine K.
The pedophile accusation was way too far IMO. Even if it's rap beef, some lines shouldn't be crossed. Drake has every right to defend himself legally.
T
Trevor L.
Three weeks in court? That's gonna cost more than most of us make in a lifetime. Meanwhile I'm just enjoying the music - both tracks are fire 🔥
A
Aisha B.
Respectful criticism: I think both artists are being immature. The Super Bowl performance was unnecessary escalation. They're talented enough to settle this through music without real-world consequences.
D
Derek S.
That Nokia video was CLEARLY Drake clapping back. The attention to detail with matching Kendrick's aesthetic? Genius level trolling. Can't wait to see what he drops next!
S
Sophia M.
Honestly more concerned about the real-world impacts mentioned - someone attacked Drake's home? That's terrifying. The internet forgets these are real people sometimes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Drake Kendrick Lamar Music Lawsuit Hip Hop Feud Universal Music Group Legal Battle
You May Like!