In a surprising twist, Drake has escalated his legal conflict with Universal Music Group (UMG). Just after withdrawing his previous petition against UMG and Spotify on January 14, the Canadian artist promptly filed a defamation and harassment lawsuit against UMG the following day. The suit, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accuses UMG of spreading false and harmful accusations that Drake is a pedophile through Kendrick Lamar’s controversial track, "Not Like Us." This action highlights the ongoing tension between Drake and UMG, as well as the broader impact of the diss track on Drake's personal safety and reputation.

The lawsuit alleges that UMG knowingly promoted and monetized content that was both false and potentially dangerous. According to court documents, UMG allegedly approved and launched a campaign to turn "Not Like Us" into a viral hit, despite being aware that the song's lyrics and music video imagery were intended to falsely portray Drake as a criminal pedophile. The rapper argues that UMG prioritized corporate profits over the safety and well-being of its artists. The situation intensified when a shooting incident occurred outside Drake's Toronto home shortly after the song's release, resulting in injury to one of his security guards. The cover art for "Not Like Us" reportedly included symbols typically used to mark registered sex offenders' residences, further escalating the controversy.

Drake's initial petition, filed last November, accused UMG and Spotify of conspiring to inflate streaming numbers for Lamar's diss track using bots and payola tactics. While Spotify opposed this claim, UMG reserved its right to object without taking formal action. However, the new lawsuit does not revisit these allegations, signaling a shift in Drake's legal strategy. Instead, it focuses on the defamatory nature of the song and its aftermath. Despite the ongoing legal battles, "Not Like Us" has become one of the biggest hits of 2024, dominating airwaves and streaming platforms since its release on May 4, 2024. The track is also nominated for five Grammy awards, including Record and Song of the Year.

The legal developments underscore the complex dynamics within the music industry, where artistic rivalry can quickly escalate into serious legal disputes. Drake's actions reflect his determination to protect his reputation and address what he perceives as malicious attacks on his character. As the case unfolds, it will likely have significant implications for how record labels handle controversial content and the responsibilities they bear towards their artists.