Drake has reached a settlement with iHeartMedia, resolving a portion of the legal battle surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s controversial diss track “Not Like Us.” The agreement, filed in Bexar County, Texas on February 27, marks a significant development in the ongoing feud between the two rap superstars.
The Canadian rapper initially filed a petition in November 2024, alleging that iHeartMedia received unlawful payments from Universal Music Group (UMG) to artificially boost radio airplay for “Not Like Us.” This action was part of Drake’s broader legal strategy against UMG, which he accuses of engaging in “irregular and inappropriate business practices” to promote the song.
“The parties have reached an amicable resolution of the dispute,” Drake’s attorneys stated in the court filing. Specific terms of the settlement, including any financial arrangements, remain confidential.
While this agreement resolves Drake‘s issues with iHeartMedia, his legal battle with UMG continues. In January 2025, Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against the label in federal court in New York City, claiming UMG promoted “Not Like Us” despite knowing it contained false and malicious allegations.
“Not Like Us,” released on May 4, 2024, has become one of the most controversial and commercially successful diss tracks in hip-hop history. The song, which includes severe allegations against Drake, has broken numerous records and garnered multiple Grammy Awards.
Music industry analyst Sarah Johnson notes, “This settlement could potentially impact how labels and media companies approach promotion of contentious music in the future. It’s a landmark case for the intersection of artistic expression and corporate responsibility.”
The ongoing legal actions underscore the high stakes in modern rap feuds, where lyrical battles can quickly escalate into courtroom showdowns with significant financial and reputational consequences.
