Drake Expands Legal Battle Against UMG Executives Over “Not Like Us”

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Drake Expands Legal Battle Against UMG Executives Over “Not Like Us”

Drake’s ongoing legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) has escalated, as the Toronto rapper is now directly naming several high-ranking executives in his defamation lawsuit.

According to reports from AllHipHop, Drake accuses UMG and its affiliates of defamation, harassment, and deceptive business practices. The case stems from Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping diss track, “Not Like Us,” which Drake claims was artificially boosted through “covert tactics” by UMG to damage his reputation.

The song famously includes Lamar calling Drake an alleged “certified pedophile” and was prominently featured during Lamar’s performance at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Executives Named in the Lawsuit

Drake’s filing lists numerous influential figures across Universal and its subsidiaries:

  • Ramon Alvarez Smikle – EVP, Head of Digital Marketing at Interscope

  • Jordan Bell – Urban Influencer & Content Marketing, Interscope

  • Steve Berman – President of Marketing, Interscope

  • Anthony Bucher & Hitmaker Services Inc.

  • Tiffany Bullock – Senior Manager, Influencer & Content Marketing, Interscope

  • Jesse Collins – Roc Nation

  • Kojo Menne Asamoah – recently served after multiple attempts

  • Sir Lucian Grainge – CEO, Universal Music Group

Additional names include Bill Evans, David Isaac Friley, Jody Gerson (CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group), John Janick (CEO, Interscope), David Kaefer (Spotify USA), Andrew Kronfeld (EVP Marketing, UMG), Annie Lee (COO, Interscope), Avery Lipman (President, Republic Records), Monte Lipman (CEO, Republic Records), Faatimah Mahadi (Marketing Coordinator, Interscope), Greg Marella (President of Promotion & EVP, Capitol Music Group), and Nicole Wyskoarko (President & Head of Urban A&R, Interscope).

Damages and Legal Demands

The lawsuit seeks substantial financial compensation. Court documents state:

“For his deceptive business practices claim, Plaintiff seeks statutory and actual damages in an amount to be determined at trial based on expert opinion and analysis, plus treble damages and attorneys’ fees and costs pursuant to Section 349 of the New York General Business Law, as well as prejudgment and post-judgment interest.”

Drake’s Upcoming Album Iceman

While dealing with the legal dispute, Drake is also preparing for the release of his highly anticipated ninth studio album, Iceman.

  • Lead single “What Did I Miss?” dropped on July 5th

  • Followed by “Which One” with UK rapper Central Cee on July 25th

Although Drake has yet to confirm an official release date, he has repeatedly teased the project as arriving “soon.” Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel recently fueled speculation by suggesting the album may drop in October or November.

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