iHeartMedia has settled its legal dispute with rapper Drake over Kendrick Lamar’s controversial track "Not Like Us." The Texas-based media company claims it has proven it did nothing wrong in the case.
Drake had accused iHeartMedia of accepting illegal payments from Universal Music Group (UMG) to promote "Not Like Us" on the radio. UMG is the parent company of both artists. In a legal petition filed last November, Drake alleged that UMG was aware that the song and its accompanying visuals unfairly attacked his character by falsely labeling him a sex offender.
The settlement was revealed in court documents last week. Initially, iHeartMedia did not comment on the matter, but later released a statement saying that Drake agreed to drop his petition in exchange for documents that supposedly showed iHeartMedia’s innocence. The company emphasized that no payments were made by either party.
However, a representative for Drake pushed back against iHeartMedia’s claims, stating that the company had yet to provide any documents or evidence to support its position. This back-and-forth has led to frustration, with iHeartMedia asserting that the matter is settled now that Drake has dropped the petition, which was dismissed "with prejudice." This means Drake cannot refile against iHeartMedia in the future.
In a separate legal battle, Drake has also filed a defamation lawsuit against UMG in New York City. He is challenging the alleged false claims made in "Not Like Us." A judge recently denied UMG’s request to delay proceedings in this case, allowing the discovery process to continue. Drake’s legal team expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, suggesting it indicates UMG cannot evade the situation.
The ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is one of the most talked-about rivalries in hip-hop today. Drake, 38, is known for his chart-topping hits and Grammy wins, while Lamar, 37, has made waves with his Pulitzer Prize-winning work and his memorable Super Bowl halftime performance. The tension between the two artists continues to capture the attention of fans and the media alike.