Why Drake’s Legal Move Could Change Rap Forever

What is Drake doing?

The internet erupted when Drake withdrew his lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, which accused them of using bots and payola to promote Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, Not Like Us. But just as Rap Twitter was catching its breath, the Toronto superstar dropped another bombshell—a defamation lawsuit against UMG.

Drake claims that UMG profited from spreading a “false and malicious narrative,” accusing them of choosing “corporate greed over artist safety.”

His lawyers suggest that the recent drive-by shooting of one of his security guards outside “The Embassy” (Drake’s Toronto mansion) might be connected to Not Like Us. They argue the song escalated threats to Drake’s safety and sparked a wave of online harassment.

Drake’s case also ties the diss track’s cover art, which prominently features his mansion, to a recent intruder attempt at his home. The timing of these incidents, paired with the recent shooting of The Weeknd’s manager’s security guard, has fueled speculation about connections between Canada’s rival record labels, OVO and XO.

The Battle Goes Beyond Lyrics

Drake’s legal team points to bars in Not Like Us that they say target his Jewish heritage, call him a “colonizer,” and challenge his street credibility. The diss also allegedly threatens Drake’s life, with a line about Oakland being his “last stop.”

Ironically, Drake himself isn’t innocent when it comes to controversial lyrics. He previously accused Kendrick of fathering children that aren’t his and hinted at personal drama involving Lamar’s family.

Despite this, suing over a diss track breaks one of hip-hop’s “unwritten rules,” leaving many fans questioning whether Drake is distancing himself from the culture he claims to champion.

The Fallout

Even if Drake wins his case, he’s already taken a loss in the court of public opinion. Hip-hop thrives on bravado, hyperbole, and lyrical battles—not legal briefs. For someone who claims to study rap battles, this lawsuit feels like a betrayal of the game’s essence. As one rap philosopher famously said:

“The streets is the streets, this is industry. Don’t bring your lawyer to battles. Bring your clique.”

Drake’s decision might set a new precedent for handling diss tracks in the future, but for now, it’s clear: the fans aren’t buying it.