Drake Sues UMG for Defamation Over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

Houston-based hip-hop artist GG Payso is starting 2025 with a bang, releasing his much-anticipated EP, Toxicity. Hailing from the gritty streets of Acres Home, GG Payso, a 34-year-old father of two, has carved a lane for himself in the music industry with his distinctive blend of raw storytelling and energetic soundscapes. Drawing from his personal experiences and inspired by the likes of NBA YoungBoy and Jay-Z, GG Payso brings depth, emotion, and authenticity to his music. With Toxicity, Payso delves into the themes of toxic relationships, self-reflection, and perseverance. The six-track project explores the highs and lows of love, life, and growth, offering fans a deeply personal yet universally relatable narrative. Tracklist for Toxicity Pepperoni Chalkboard Toxic Love Glad to Know Me Do This Relay Exploring the Themes of Toxicity GG Payso’s Toxicity is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a journey into the emotional and mental spaces that define life’s most challenging moments. The EP’s title reflects its central focus on the chaos, allure, and complexity of toxic relationships. This theme is perhaps most evident in the standout track, “Toxic Love,” which unpacks the push-and-pull dynamics of love that can be both captivating and destructive. In “Glad to Know Me,” GG Payso shifts gears to focus on self-reflection and growth. The track serves as an anthem for self-appreciation, celebrating the journey of overcoming adversity and embracing one’s true self. Meanwhile, “Do This” and “Relay” showcase GG Payso’s ability to balance introspection with high-energy vibes, ensuring the EP resonates with a wide audience. The EP also brings a playful edge with tracks like “Pepperoni” and “Chalkboard,” demonstrating Payso’s versatility as an artist. These tracks highlight his unique lyrical style and his ability to deliver a mix of humor and grit, making Toxicity a well-rounded project that caters to various moods and tastes. From Acres Home to the World GG Payso’s journey as an artist has been anything but easy. Growing up in Acres Home, one of Houston’s most rugged neighborhoods, Payso faced challenges that shaped both his character and his music. His ability to turn life’s trials into creative fuel is a testament to his resilience and determination. For GG Payso, music is more than a career—it’s an outlet. He describes the creative process as stepping into “a different realm,” allowing him to channel his emotions and experiences into something tangible and impactful. This ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level is what sets GG Payso apart in the crowded hip-hop landscape. Payso credits his unique sound to the influences of NBA YoungBoy and Jay-Z. From YoungBoy, he learned to experiment with different pitches and tones, adding emotional intensity to his music. Jay-Z, on the other hand, taught him the power of poetic lyricism, helping him craft songs that are both thought-provoking and relatable. A Legacy Built on Perseverance GG Payso’s resilience shines through not just in his music but in his personal life as well. He speaks openly about the struggles of pushing forward, especially during times when support felt scarce. “You gotta keep going and make them respect your movement,” he says, encapsulating the mindset that has driven his career. One of the most poignant moments in Payso’s journey was filming his first music video with his younger brother, CMK Chinio. That experience remains a cherished memory, especially following Chinio’s passing. Payso honors his brother’s legacy through his music, ensuring that his impact lives on. Payso’s family remains a significant source of inspiration. His son, who proudly calls him his favorite rapper, serves as a constant reminder of why he continues to push boundaries and strive for greatness. What’s Next for GG Payso? With Toxicity marking a strong start to the year, GG Payso has no plans of slowing down. Fans can look forward to the release of his next standout single, “Reveal,” which promises to be a game-changer. Additionally, Payso is already working on a new album set to drop later this year, giving fans plenty to anticipate. In addition to his musical projects, GG Payso is also focused on creating captivating visuals to accompany his tracks. Songs like “Target Practice” and “Shiesty Flow” have already set a high bar for his music videos, and fans can expect even more engaging content in the months ahead. Final Thoughts GG Payso’s Toxicity is a testament to his growth as an artist and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. By blending raw storytelling with dynamic soundscapes, he has created a project that is both personal and universally relatable. As he continues to build his legacy, GG Payso remains a shining example of perseverance and authenticity in the hip-hop world. Whether it’s through his heartfelt lyrics, his energetic performances, or his unwavering determination, Payso is proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with. Be sure to check out Toxicity on all streaming platforms and follow GG Payso on social media to stay updated on his latest projects: Apple Music: GG Payso Instagram: @GG.PAYSO YouTube: Target Practice | Shiesty Flow GG Payso is here to stay, and Toxicity is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year for the Houston-based artist.

In a legal twist that has sent shockwaves through the music industry, Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s controversial diss track, “Not Like Us.” The suit, submitted on January 15, 2025, in New York federal court, accuses the music conglomerate of defamation, harassment, and employing unlawful tactics to profit from the track while tarnishing Drake’s reputation. The Allegations At the heart of Drake’s complaint is the claim that UMG, which oversees the record labels of both the Toronto star and Kendrick Lamar, orchestrated a calculated campaign to make “Not Like Us” a global sensation. The lawsuit alleges that UMG “approved, published, and launched” the song with the intent of generating viral attention and financial success. However, Drake asserts that this came at a severe personal cost to him. The Scorpion rapper alleges that the song falsely brands him as a pedophile and advocates violence against him, resulting in an “avalanche of online hate speech.” The lawsuit also claims UMG engaged in dubious promotional practices, such as purchasing fake streams and radio play, to bolster the track’s popularity. According to Drake, these actions were part of a broader strategy to devalue his brand and gain leverage in future contract negotiations. “UMG anticipated that extending Drake’s contract would be costly,” the filing reads. “By devaluing Drake’s music and brand, UMG would gain leverage to force Drake to sign a new deal on terms more favorable to UMG.” Real-World Consequences Drake’s legal team detailed the tangible harm he has faced since the release of “Not Like Us.” The lawsuit highlights a shooting at his Toronto residence shortly after the song dropped, during which a security guard was injured. Additionally, Drake has endured multiple incidents of trespassing and has taken significant steps to protect his family. His son was withdrawn from elementary school, and his family temporarily relocated for safety reasons. The rapper described an ongoing pattern of “violence and vitriol” that has left him deeply concerned for his safety and that of his loved ones. The filing accuses UMG of turning a blind eye to the fallout, despite Drake confronting the company about the harm he has endured. A Legal Battle Unlike Any Other While legal disputes in the music industry are not uncommon, Drake’s lawsuit is notable for its focus on UMG rather than Kendrick Lamar, the artist behind the diss track. In the filing, Drake emphasizes that his issue is not with Kendrick but with the company that chose to publish and monetize what he claims are baseless and dangerous accusations. “This lawsuit is not about the artist who created ‘Not Like Us.’ It is, instead, entirely about UMG, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize allegations that it understood were not only false but dangerous,” the lawsuit states. The suit also references a prior pre-action petition Drake filed in November, which sought information about UMG’s alleged use of streaming bots and payola. Although UMG and Spotify have denied any wrongdoing, the petition laid the groundwork for the current legal battle. A similar petition against UMG and iHeartMedia is still pending, with a court hearing scheduled later this month. Industry Reactions The lawsuit has sparked intense debate within the music and hip-hop communities. Critics have questioned Drake’s decision to involve the courts in what some perceive as a rap beef, while others commend him for addressing systemic issues within the music industry. Notably, this legal clash sheds light on practices like fake streams and payola, which have long been whispered about but rarely confronted so publicly. The stakes are high for both parties. For UMG, the lawsuit could lead to significant reputational and financial repercussions if the allegations are proven. For Drake, the legal battle is a fight to protect his legacy and reputation. The Road Ahead UMG has yet to issue a formal response to the lawsuit, but the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the music industry. As the legal proceedings unfold, they will likely fuel broader conversations about artist rights, label practices, and the ethics of promotional strategies in the digital age. For now, all eyes are on the courtroom as the 6 God seeks justice in what may be one of the most consequential legal battles in recent hip-hop history.