Kendrick Lamar and Drake are both big names in modern rap. The two used to collaborate but began clashing in 2013. Since then, they have not been on the same page having most recently been involved in a rap feud in 2024. They launched diss tracks at one another with bold claims such as pedophilia and using other creators.
Kendrick’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” was very popular among fans and received much attention for his demeaning lyrics. The song was filled with accusations towards Drake, calling him a pedophile and other serious assertions that question Drake’s character.
Fans everywhere have proclaimed Kendrick the winner of the 2024 rap battle due to his major success on his diss track and the overall attention he received from “Not Like Us.” At the Grammys, Kendrick won both Song of the Year and Record of the Year for “Not Like Us.” Kendrick also performed at the Super Bowl this year, putting Drake on blast by singing his diss track at the sporting event. Through all of the public support Kendrick has gotten, he is the obvious winner of the rap battle.
Drake, unpleased with the popularity from the song and the condemnation that came with it, sued his (and Kendrick’s) label, Universal Music Group, for defamation and harassment. He claims “Not Like Us” damaged his reputation and harmed the way people view him. Universal Music Group represents both rappers and Drake accused the record company of using streaming bots for “Not Like Us” to further promote the song’s malicious statements about Drake, intentionally harming his reputation. Drake also accused the company of putting the money gained from streams over the security of their artists due to their promotion of Kendrick’s diss track and the lack of protection of Drake.
Universal Musical Group called Drake’s claims false and illogical, explaining how they would never be in business with Drake if they believed the allegations to be true. They also said they are not involved with buying streams and fans will choose on their own what and who they want to listen to, proving Drake’s claims illegitimate.
The lawsuit has not yet been decided on, but new information continues to come out. Under the layers of the complicated and serious lawsuit is a rap battle that took a complex turn. The massive popularity gained from “Not Like Us” paired with the public opinion on the accusations made pushed Drake to accuse Universal Music Group of unfairly promoting the song and hurting Drake’s character along the way.
