Drake Resolves iHeartMedia Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar Song, UMG Battle Continues

Drake Resolves iHeartMedia Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar Song, UMG Battle Continues

By Marcus Delano Thompson

March 4, 2025 at 06:20 AM

Drake has settled his lawsuit with iHeartMedia over alleged payola practices involving Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," while maintaining legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG).

Drake performing with microphone

Drake performing with microphone

Photo Credit: Drake by Charito Yap for The Come Up Show / CC by 2.0

The settlement was confirmed through court documents filed last week, with Drake's attorneys stating both parties reached "an amicable resolution." Specific terms remain undisclosed.

Drake's ongoing lawsuit against UMG, filed in New York City federal court, centers on alleged defamation through Lamar's track "Not Like Us." The lawsuit claims UMG engaged in improper business practices to promote the song, which Drake alleges contains false accusations of pedophilia against him.

Key developments:

  • Drake initially filed against iHeartMedia in November
  • The UMG lawsuit was filed in January
  • Lamar performed "Not Like Us" at the Super Bowl halftime show (with censored content)
  • The performance became the most-watched halftime show in history

The dispute highlights one of hip-hop's most significant recent feuds, pitting Drake against Pulitzer Prize-winner Kendrick Lamar. While Lamar isn't named in the legal proceedings, the conflict continues to impact both artists' careers and their shared label, UMG.

A hearing regarding UMG's motion to dismiss Drake's petition was scheduled in San Antonio, with the case ongoing. The resolution with iHeartMedia marks a partial victory for Drake, though the more substantial legal battle with UMG continues.

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