Drake and iHeartMedia Settle Legal Dispute Over Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track

Drake and Texas-based iHeartMedia have reached a settlement in an ongoing legal feud tied to Kendrick Lamar’s diss track titled “Not Like Us.” According to court records, the resolution was filed on Thursday, with Drake’s attorneys stating that both parties had reached an “amicable resolution of the dispute.” The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but it marks a significant step in addressing the allegations Drake raised against iHeartMedia. The legal team representing Drake expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We are pleased that the parties were able to reach a settlement satisfactory to both sides, and have no further comment on this matter.” iHeartMedia also declined to comment on the settlement when reached via email.

The Legal Battle Against Universal Music Group Continues

While the dispute with iHeartMedia has been resolved, Drake’s legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) remains active. UMG, the parent company of both Drake and Kendrick Lamar, has been accused by Drake of engaging in “irregular and inappropriate business practices” to promote “Not Like Us” on the radio. The petition filed by Drake in November 2023 alleges that UMG accepted illegal payments from iHeartMedia to boost the track’s airplay. Additionally, Drake claims that UMG knowingly allowed Lamar to release a song, its album art, and music video that falsely accused Drake of being a sex offender and engaging in pedophilic acts.

A hearing on a motion by UMG’s lawyers to dismiss the petition is scheduled for this week in a San Antonio courtroom. A separate defamation lawsuit filed by Drake against UMG in federal court in New York City also remains ongoing. In that lawsuit, Drake alleges that UMG allowed Lamar to make false accusations of pedophilia in “Not Like Us,” damaging Drake’s reputation. Lamar himself has not been named in the lawsuit, and UMG has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.

The Backstory of the Feud Between Drake and Kendrick Lamar

The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, two of the most prominent figures in hip-hop, has been one of the most high-profile in recent years. Drake, a 38-year-old Canadian rapper and five-time Grammy winner, and Lamar, a 37-year-old Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper who recently headlined the Super Bowl halftime show, have been at odds over the release of “Not Like Us.” The track, which appears to criticize Drake’s character, has sparked a heated legal and public debate about the ethics of the music industry and the boundaries of artistic expression.

Federal Investigation Into iHeartMedia’s Business Practices

The legal drama surrounding Drake and UMG has also drawn the attention of federal regulators. On Monday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sent a letter to iHeartMedia’s CEO and chairman, Robert Pittman, inquiring whether the company was forcing musicians to perform at its May country music festival in Austin for reduced pay in exchange for favorable radio airplay. iHeartMedia denied any wrongdoing, stating, “We look forward to demonstrating to the Commission how performing at the iHeartCountry Festival – or declining to do so – has no bearing on our stations’ airplay. We do not make any overt or covert agreements about airplay with artists performing at our events.”

The Broader Implications of the Dispute

The legal battles involving Drake, iHeartMedia, and UMG highlight broader issues in the music industry, such as payola, defamation, and the ethics of business practices. The case has also sparked conversations about the role of major record labels in promoting artists and the lengths to which they may go to secure radio airplay. For fans of both Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the feud has added another layer of drama to their already complex rivalry, leaving many wondering how the situation will unfold in the coming months.

Conclusion: A Complicated Landscape for Artists and Labels

As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has brought significant attention to the inner workings of the music industry. Whether the allegations against UMG are proven true or dismissed, the case has already raised important questions about the fairness and transparency of business practices in the entertainment world. For now, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how this high-stakes legal battle plays out.