News
Kendrick Lamar Catches Another Lawsuit On a Drake Diss Track, This Time For Future and Metro Boomin Hit ‘Like That’
May
Kendrick Lamar, the acclaimed rapper and Pulitzer Prize recipient celebrated for his sharp lyricism and unflinching social critique, is now facing another legal battle. This time, it centers on his fiery verse in “Like That,” a track produced alongside Future and Metro Boomin, widely interpreted as a direct attack on fellow artist Drake. Featured on the album We Don’t Trust You, the song has made waves across the hip-hop world and triggered a lawsuit, deepening the already long-standing rift between Lamar and Drake.
Origins of the Conflict
Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s contentious relationship isn’t new—it traces back to 2013. The tension flared up again in October 2023 when Drake and J. Cole released “First Person Shooter,” branding the trio as rap’s “big three.” In response, Lamar dropped “Like That,” brazenly rejecting the label with the line, “Motherfuck the big three, nigga it’s just big me.” Many interpreted this as a pointed challenge to Drake’s stature in the genre.
Explosive Verses
On “Like That,” Lamar pulls no punches. He references “First Person Shooter” with a bar that reads, “Yeah, get up with me, fuck sneak dissing / ‘First Person Shooter,’ I hope they came with three switches.” He even likens himself to Prince and Drake to Michael Jackson, insinuating his own artistic superiority. Critics and fans alike have dissected these bars, many seeing them as a bold statement of Lamar’s dominance.
Legal Fallout
Lamar’s incendiary lyrics didn’t just stir controversy—they sparked legal consequences. Drake has sued Universal Music Group (UMG), his own label, accusing them of enabling the release of Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” a diss track that Drake claims contains defamatory statements, including false allegations of pedophilia and calls for violence.
UMG has responded with a motion to dismiss the case. Their defense argues that Drake voluntarily entered a lyrical battle with Lamar and simply came out on the losing end. They contend that the lyrics in question are exaggerated for artistic effect, not factual, and deny any malicious intent on their part.
Reactions from the Industry and Fans
The feud and lawsuit have set the music world abuzz. Many in the hip-hop community view diss tracks as a traditional, even essential, element of the genre’s competitive spirit. Drake’s legal approach has prompted intense debate about the limits of artistic freedom and how far record labels should go in overseeing artist disputes.
Lamar intensified the situation by choosing to perform “Not Like Us” during the Super Bowl halftime show, despite backlash warnings. Buoyed by his recent Grammy accolades, he remains steadfast in showcasing the track live.
Wider Impact
This case reflects broader shifts in the music industry, where personal disputes between artists are now increasingly resolved in courtrooms. It raises key questions about label accountability and how much influence they should exert in managing artist relations and creative expression.
Furthermore, the case draws attention to the fine line artists must walk between provocative content and potential defamation. As lyrics come under greater scrutiny, musicians might have to tread more carefully between free speech and legal risk.
Final Thoughts
Kendrick Lamar’s role in “Like That” has reignited a high-profile feud with Drake and brought major issues to the surface—ranging from creative freedom to the legal responsibilities of artists and their labels. The outcome of this lawsuit could set important precedents for future cases, potentially reshaping how diss tracks and lyrical feuds are handled in the modern music industry.
