Drake Settles Legal Dispute with iHeartMedia in “Not Like Us” Lawsuit: A Twist in the Rap Feud Saga

In a surprising turn of events, Canadian rap superstar Drake has officially settled his legal dispute with iHeartMedia over the controversial promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” The settlement, confirmed on March 3, 2025, marks the end of one chapter in Drake’s ongoing battle tied to his high-profile rap feud with Lamar, though his fight with Universal Music Group (UMG) continues to heat up. This development has sent shockwaves through the music industry, leaving fans and insiders buzzing about what it means for Drake, iHeartMedia, and the future of hip-hop rivalries.

The Lawsuit That Shook the Airwaves

The legal drama began in November 2024 when Drake filed a petition in Bexar County, Texas, accusing iHeartMedia, the largest radio broadcaster in the U.S., of accepting illegal payments from UMG to boost airplay for “Not Like Us.” The track, a scathing diss from Kendrick Lamar released in May 2024, took direct aim at Drake with inflammatory lyrics, including allegations of criminal behavior. Drake claimed this was part of a “pay-to-play” scheme designed to tarnish his reputation and artificially inflate the song’s success.

According to court documents, Drake’s legal team argued that iHeartMedia’s alleged actions violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The petition was a precursor to a potential lawsuit, seeking depositions from iHeartMedia and UMG executives. However, in a filing on February 27, 2025, Drake’s attorneys announced an “amicable resolution” with iHeartMedia, effectively dropping the claims against the radio giant.

What Happened Behind Closed Doors?

Details of the settlement remain under wraps, fueling speculation among fans. iHeartMedia later stated, “In exchange for documents that showed iHeart did nothing wrong, Drake agreed to drop his petition. No payments were made—by either one of us.” This suggests that Drake may have backed off after reviewing evidence that cleared iHeartMedia of wrongdoing. However, a representative for Drake countered this, claiming iHeartMedia “has not provided a single document as of yet,” hinting at a more complex resolution than either side is letting on.

The dismissal of iHeartMedia from the case was filed “with prejudice,” meaning Drake cannot refile against them—a clear sign this chapter is closed. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia faces separate scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over unrelated payola allegations, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.

The Bigger Battle: Drake vs. UMG

While the iHeartMedia dispute is settled, Drake’s legal war with UMG rages on. Both Drake and Lamar are signed to UMG, and Drake has accused the label of orchestrating a smear campaign by promoting “Not Like Us.” In January 2025, he escalated the conflict with a defamation lawsuit filed in federal court in New York City, alleging UMG knowingly pushed a track that falsely accused him of pedophilia and other serious offenses. Lamar himself is not named in the suit, with Drake’s team framing it as a battle against corporate misconduct rather than the rapper directly.

Drake’s petition in Texas also claims UMG’s actions have led to “physical threats to his safety” and “online harassment,” raising the stakes beyond mere reputation damage. A hearing on UMG’s motion to dismiss the Texas case is now set for March 24, 2025, promising more courtroom fireworks in the months ahead.

Why This Matters to Hip-Hop Fans

The Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud has been one of the most explosive rivalries in recent hip-hop history, culminating in Lamar’s history-making Super Bowl halftime performance on February 9, 2025, where “Not Like Us” took center stage. With over 1.2 billion streams on Spotify and a Grammy win for Song of the Year, the track’s success is undeniable—but Drake’s lawsuits suggest there’s more to the story than raw talent and fan love.

This settlement with iHeartMedia could be a strategic retreat for Drake, allowing him to focus his energy on the bigger target: UMG. Industry watchers see this as a potential turning point, raising questions about transparency in music promotion and the power dynamics between artists, labels, and media giants. Will Drake’s legal push expose shady practices like payola, or will it fizzle out in another quiet settlement?

What’s Next for Drake?

For now, Drake can claim a partial victory with iHeartMedia off the table, but the road ahead remains rocky. As his defamation case against UMG unfolds, the rap icon is positioning himself as a crusader against industry corruption—a narrative that could either bolster his legacy or backfire spectacularly. Fans are left wondering: Is this the beginning of a broader reckoning in the music world, or just another chapter in a personal vendetta?