In a dramatic escalation of the hip hop world's most high-profile feud, Universal Music Publishing Group has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Canadian superstar Drake over his Kendrick Lamar diss track "Not Like Us".
The Legal Allegations
The lawsuit, filed in California federal court, alleges that Drake illegally sampled the 1998 track "Why I Love You" by late R&B singer Dave Hollister without obtaining proper clearance. Universal Music Publishing Group, which controls the publishing rights to Hollister's work, claims the unauthorised sample forms a central element of Drake's controversial response to Lamar.
The Feud That Captivated Music Fans
"Not Like Us" emerged as Drake's explosive counterpunch in one of the most intense rap rivalries in recent memory. The track, released in May 2024, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, breaking streaming records while escalating the verbal war between the two hip hop titans.
Universal's legal filing states: "Defendant Aubrey Drake Graham, professionally known as Drake, willfully copied and used the copyrighted musical composition without a license or any authorization from UMPG."
What's at Stake for Drake
The lawsuit seeks significant damages and could potentially lead to "Not Like Us" being removed from streaming platforms if Universal prevails. Legal experts suggest this case could set important precedents for sampling in diss tracks, where artists often work quickly to respond to rivals.
Legal documents reveal that Universal had previously contacted Drake's team about the unauthorised sample but received no response, prompting the formal legal action.
Industry Implications
This case highlights the complex copyright landscape facing modern artists, particularly when creating rapid-response tracks in the heat of musical rivalries. The outcome could influence how sampling is handled in future high-profile hip hop disputes.
Neither Drake's representatives nor Universal Music have made additional public statements beyond the court filings, leaving the music industry watching closely as this legal drama unfolds alongside the ongoing artistic rivalry.
