Drake withdraws legal action against Spotify and files a new one against Universal Music Group

rake’s legal feud with Kendrick Lamar and Universal Music Group (UMG) is delivering more twists and turns than a Shonda Rhimes drama—and the stakes are just as high. The saga began with Drake accusing Spotify and UMG of artificially inflating streams for Lamar’s scathing diss track, ‘Not Like Us’, which takes Drake to the cleaners, by the way.

However, in a sudden plot twist, Drake withdrew his legal action against one party, only to double down with an even more targeted defamation lawsuit against UMG. This isn’t just a beef between two rappers anymore; it’s a full-blown legal war, and the courtroom is the stage.

Let’s start with the diss track itself: ‘Not Like Us’ is less of a rap song and more of a flamethrower aimed directly at Drake’s reputation. Lamar doesn’t pull any punches, leveling accusations of pedophilia and cultural appropriation that sent shockwaves throughout the industry. But it doesn’t stop there—the track’s controversial artwork depicts Drake’s Toronto mansion covered in symbols associated with registered sex offenders, a move his lawyers claim incited real-world violence. One incident, a shooting at Drake’s property, has added a layer of real danger to what might have otherwise been a war of words.

Initially, Drake’s legal team went for a two-pronged attack, alleging that Spotify and UMG had manipulated ‘Not Like Us’ into a chart-topping hit by using bots and offering reduced licensing rates. UMG outright dismissed these claims, calling them “offensive and untrue,” while Spotify responded with a casual shrug, citing a modest €500 Marquee ad campaign in France as the extent of its promotional efforts. But Drake wasn’t buying it, and his lawyers painted a picture of a coordinated effort to undermine his standing in the industry. When Spotify formally objected to Drake’s petition in December, it seemed like a dead end—but Drake wasn’t done yet.

In a move that feels more like checkers than chess, Drake pivoted his legal focus entirely onto UMG, which is also his record label. His new lawsuit accuses the music giant of actively promoting ‘Not Like Us’ through unethical practices, including paying influencers and radio stations to amplify the track’s reach. The accusations don’t stop there: Drake’s team also alleges that UMG prioritized profit over its artists’ safety by greenlighting the incendiary artwork and allowing the track to perpetuate damaging falsehoods. According to Drake, this isn’t just a case of bad blood; it’s a calculated corporate scheme to exploit controversy for cash.

Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar appears unfazed by the ongoing drama. Not only has ‘Not Like Us’ surpassed a billion streams on Spotify, but Lamar is also preparing to headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in February—a platform that all but cements his current dominance in the music world. His statement on the matter? A cool and confident, “Rap is still the most impactful genre, and I’ll remind the world why.”

While Drake’s rebuttal accuses Lamar of planting false information through a double agent, it simply hasn’t gained the same traction. ‘Not Like Us’ debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and snagged five Grammy nominations, including the coveted Record of the Year.

The tension between Drake and Lamar is palpable, but what makes this feud even more fascinating is how it highlights the power dynamics in the music industry. Drake’s decision not to sue Lamar directly speaks volumes—it’s not just about lyrical sparring but about challenging the larger machinery behind the scenes. By targeting UMG, Drake seems to be making a broader statement about corporate exploitation and the lengths labels will go to stoke controversy for profit. Whether you view this as a genuine fight for justice or a strategic attempt to regain the upper hand in public opinion, there’s no denying that Drake has turned this into more than just a personal rivalry. Somewhere between this battle for the soul of music against corporate overloads by Drake (please laugh away), Kendrick Lamar released a fantastic new song called ‘Squabble Up’ and a full-length album. It’s hard to argue with Lamar — he is a gifted lyricist, and rap beefs between artists are not unheard of. Why Drake won’t let this story die down with this ‘Kendrick was mean to me in his song’ makes no sense, because as a consequence, those who do not know the song will know it. You can’t blame any corporate party for it—only Drake.

While Kendrick continues to bask in his victories, Drake is focusing on his legal crusade, seemingly unwilling to let this feud fade into the background. One thing’s for sure: whether it ends with a courtroom verdict, another chart-topping diss track, or a surprise collaboration (unlikely but fun to imagine), this rivalry has solidified its place as one of the most compelling chapters in modern music history. Pass the popcorn—it’s far from over.

Predicting Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show setlist

hen it comes to Kendrick Lamar, predicting his Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show setlist feels like trying to cram an entire season of The Diplomat into a 15-minute highlight reel—every second needs to count, and the stakes are sky-high. Lamar’s return to the Super Bowl stage, following his brief but iconic debut during the Super Bowl LVI ensemble show in 2022, is a moment fans have eagerly anticipated. Sharing the stage with legends like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige back then, Lamar was the quiet thunder—a perfor-mer who commanded attention with his artistry, even in a star-studded lineup, performing a mix of ‘M.A.A.D City’ and ‘Alright’. But now, he’s stepping into the spotlight solo, ready to own the night.

Of course, no major announ-cement comes without a little controversy. While the NFL’s choice of Lamar as the halftime headliner was met with wide-spread excitement, critics lam-ented the snubbing of New Orleans native Lil Wayne. Add to that the simmering feud between Lamar and Drake, and you’ve got enough pre-show drama to fuel a Real Housewives reunion. Still, with a catalog as expansive and groundbreaking as Lamar’s, few can argue that he isn’t deserving of the spotlight. The real challenge? Squeezing 15 years of brilliance into 15 minutes of live television.

So, how does one craft the perfect Super Bowl setlist? It’s like curating a Spotify playlist for a cross-country road trip—there’s no room for a filler song, and every track has to belong. Super Bowl Halftime Shows thrive on a blend of mega-hits, crowd-pleasers, and moments that make you scream, “Wait, did that just happen?” Lamar’s arsenal of anthems gives him plenty to work with, but it’s all about what makes the cut.

The obvious contenders are tracks like ‘Humble’ and ‘DNA’ from his Pulitzer Prize-winning album, Damn. You can already imagine 70,000 fans shouting, “My left stroke just went viral!” in unison. Then there’s ‘B**** Don’t Kill My Vibe’, which, despite its explicit title, is one of his most iconic tracks. The NFL might sweat over the language, but let’s be honest—half the audience is already singing it in their heads.

Speaking of buzzworthy tracks —how can we ignore ‘Not Like Us’, Lamar’s blistering diss track aimed squarely at Drake, or ‘Loyalty’ featuring the ever-iconic Rihanna?

When it comes to guest stars joining Lamar on stage, his cousin Baby Keem feels like a top contender. Their familial bond and the explosive success of their many collaborations, including ‘Family Ties’ makes this pairing a no-brainer. Then there’s the potential for Future to pop up —‘Like That’ was one of the defining hits of 2024, and his surprise appearance would undoubtedly electrify the crowd.

Other contenders like ‘King Kunta’, ‘Money Trees’, and ‘I’ also loom large as potential highlights, with Lamar likely turning them into a medley that leaves no iconic moment untouched. And let’s not forget that SZA is joining Lamar as a guest artist. What song will they perform? Given their many collaborations, this particular nugget remains to be seen.

But the real curveball? It could be Taylor Swift. Sure, ‘Bad Blood’ might scream mid-2010s nos-talgia, but the sheer chaos of Swift stepping onstage for an unexpected duet would be an internet-shattering moment.

After all, with her massive fan base and critical acclaim, she’s arguably the biggest star in the world right now. If that happens, it won’t just be the musical moment of the year—it’ll be “the” moment, full stop. Or, if he’s looking for another curveball, he could perform ‘Freedom’, a brilliant collaboration with Bey-once Knowles.

If you head to YouTube and watch the ‘Freedom’ video, you’ll understand why Beyonce is among the world’s foremost entertainers.

‘Squabble Up’ from GNX, Kend-rick Lamar’s sixth studio album, and multiple songs from Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, including ‘N95’, ‘Savior’ and ‘Rich Spirit’ could all get their moment in the limelight.

With his unparalleled ability to blend lyrical depth, raw energy, and visual storytelling, Lamar is set to deliver a performance that balances the personal and the universal—showcasing his jour-ney while appealing to a global audience.

Whether it’s through explosive collaborations, unexpected song choices, or a medley so tight it feels like musical time travel, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX performance is destined to leave fans buzzing and critics raving. February cannot come soon enough.