Drake Furious: Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Show Ignites an Unprecedented Legal Battle!
The ongoing legal battle between Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG) has taken another dramatic turn, with Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show now being cited as key evidence in Drake’s defamation lawsuit. A federal judge has denied UMG’s attempt to delay the proceedings, ensuring that the case moves forward despite the label’s efforts to stall it.
Judge Denies UMG’s Delay Tactics
On March 4, 2025, Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled against UMG’s request to postpone the hearing, stating that if UMG wants a delay, it must argue for it at the scheduled April 2 hearing. This decision follows complaints from Drake’s legal team, who argue that ongoing delays are causing irreparable harm to their client.
Super Bowl Halftime Show Used as Evidence
Drake’s lawyers emphasized that Lamar’s performance at Super Bowl LIX is proof that UMG continues to promote defamatory content against the rapper. The show, watched by over 133.5 million viewers, included pointed lyrical jabs at Drake, despite Lamar avoiding explicit use of the word “pedophile”—the most controversial accusation from the song.
“Delaying discovery would unfairly prejudice Drake, who continues to suffer the consequences of UMG’s defamatory campaign,” his legal team stated. “At the same time, UMG launched new campaigns, including at the Super Bowl halftime show, to further spread the defamatory content.”
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance: A Bold Move
Leading up to the Super Bowl, it was unclear whether Lamar would perform ‘Not Like Us’ given the legal dispute. However, during his performance on February 9, he mocked the lawsuit and rapped lines directly aimed at Drake, including the inflammatory lyric, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young.”
Industry insiders have speculated whether this high-profile performance could spark additional legal action from Drake, adding further complexity to an already heated battle.
The Origins of ‘Not Like Us’ and Drake’s Lawsuit
The song, released in May 2024, became the defining track of a heated rap feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. ‘Not Like Us’ quickly topped the charts, fueled by its infectious beat and brutal accusations. However, in January 2025, Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against UMG, claiming the label actively amplified false and damaging narratives against him.
Though Lamar himself is not named as a defendant, Drake’s legal team argues that UMG orchestrated the promotion and exploitation of a song that maliciously labeled him as a pedophile.
UMG’s Defense: A Logical or Illogical Argument?
UMG has strongly denied any wrongdoing, calling Drake’s accusations “illogical” and emphasizing that they have made a massive investment in Drake’s career.
“We have not engaged in defamation against any individual,” UMG stated. “Drake is one of our top artists, and we would never sabotage his career. This lawsuit is baseless.”
iHeartMedia Settles Separate Case With Drake
While the defamation lawsuit against UMG continues, Drake has reached a settlement in a separate case against iHeartMedia. The dispute centered around allegations of payola, with Drake accusing iHeartMedia of accepting secret payments from UMG to boost ‘Not Like Us’ on radio.
Filed in November 2024, Drake’s legal petition claimed UMG covertly paid radio stations to play the song without disclosing these payments—a practice that violates the Communications Act of 1934.
However, on February 27, 2025, Drake and iHeartMedia announced an amicable resolution. No financial settlements were made, and iHeartMedia stated that the rapper dropped his petition in exchange for documents proving the company had no involvement in UMG’s alleged scheme.
UMG Faces More Legal Pressure
Despite settling with iHeartMedia, Drake’s petition against UMG remains active. The label attempted to dismiss the case under Texas’ anti-SLAPP law, claiming that the petition was meant to intimidate and suppress artistic expression. However, legal experts suggest that Drake’s claims hold weight, particularly as he argues that UMG’s actions put his safety at risk.
Drake Fears for His Safety Amid Online Harassment
According to court documents, Drake claims that the promotion of ‘Not Like Us’ has led to physical threats and a surge of online harassment. The lawsuit alleges that UMG knowingly spread false allegations, endangering not only Drake but also his family and close associates.
“Drake fears for the safety and security of himself, his family, and his friends,” the lawsuit states. The filing further argues that UMG weaponized the legal system to silence Drake while simultaneously profiting from a manufactured controversy.
What’s Next in This High-Stakes Battle?
With the April hearing approaching, all eyes are on how Judge Jeannette Vargas will rule on UMG’s request to delay discovery. If Drake’s legal team prevails, the lawsuit could uncover damaging internal communications within UMG, further strengthening the rapper’s claims.
At the same time, industry insiders speculate whether Kendrick Lamar will respond to Drake’s legal onslaught, potentially escalating the feud beyond just music.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for the Music Industry
This case is shaping up to be one of the most consequential legal battles in modern hip-hop history. The outcome could set a precedent for how music labels handle DSS tracks and whether artists can be held legally accountable for the content they release.
With Drake refusing to back down and UMG fighting to protect its reputation, this battle is far from over. Whether it ends in a landmark ruling or a private settlement, the impact on the industry will be undeniable.
The Industry-Wide Impact and Drake’s Reputation at Stake
The legal battle between Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” has sent shockwaves through the music industry. This is not just a feud between two rap titans—it’s a case that could redefine how record labels handle controversial diss tracks and the potential legal ramifications of their promotion.
Drake’s lawsuit alleges that UMG knowingly spread defamatory content, escalating a rap beef into a legal war with real-world consequences. If Drake’s claims hold up in court, it could set a precedent where labels face liability for the lyrics and messages of their artists, which has never been fully tested in modern hip-hop.
Moreover, Drake’s reputation is on the line. Being labeled a “certified pedophile” in a viral song has put immense pressure on his public image. Even if he wins in court, the damage to his career could be irreversible. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance amplified the song’s impact, ensuring the allegations would remain embedded in pop culture history.
This lawsuit could force record labels to rethink how they handle diss tracks, blurring the lines between artistic expression and legal defamation in the digital age.
