WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Drake has officially settled his legal dispute with Texas-based iHeartMedia over allegations that the media giant received illegal payments to boost radio airplay for Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” According to court records, the two parties have reached an “amicable resolution”, though specific terms of the settlement remain undisclosed. But Media Take Out learned that settlement includes the radio station owner paying Drake tens of millions of dollars, according to a person close to Drake. Back in November 2024, Drake filed a legal petition in Bexar County, Texas, accusing iHeartMedia of unfairly promoting Lamar’s song due to alleged under-the-table payments from Universal Music Group (UMG). Since both Drake and Kendrick Lamar are signed to UMG, the rapper argued that his own label was playing dirty—essentially funding a song that attacked one of its biggest artists. Drake’s petition aimed to uncover evidence of “irregular and inappropriate business practices,” including potential payola—a practice in which labels secretly pay for radio play, something that is strictly regulated in the music industry. Additionally, the petition accused UMG of knowing full well that “Not Like Us” was defamatory and yet still working to maximize its exposure on the airwaves. On Thursday, Drake’s attorneys informed the court that their client and iHeartMedia had come to a mutual agreement and would no longer be pursuing legal action against the media company. While no further details were provided, Drake’s legal team released a short statement: “We are pleased that the parties were able to reach a settlement satisfactory to both sides, and have no further comment on this matter.” iHeartMedia has declined to comment on the settlement, leaving fans and industry insiders guessing about what exactly went down behind closed doors. Although the iHeartMedia dispute has been resolved, Drake is still locked in a legal fight with Universal Music Group. The petition accuses UMG of knowingly pushing a song that falsely painted Drake as a sex offender, pedophile, and someone who harbors criminals. It also argues that UMG’s promotion of the track could be considered defamation, as it directly harmed Drake’s reputation. A hearing on UMG’s motion to dismiss the petition is scheduled for Wednesday in a San Antonio courtroom, meaning this legal drama is far from over. This lawsuit has added another layer of tension to the already heated rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. While Drake has settled his differences with iHeartMedia, his continued battle with UMG could shake up the industry, especially if he uncovers proof of unethical promotional tactics. For now, fans will have to wait and see if this case makes it to court or gets settled behind the scenes. One thing is certain—the feud between these two rap titans is still very much alive.
The Lawsuit: Drake vs. iHeartMedia and UMG
The Settlement with iHeartMedia
The Battle Against UMG Continues
What’s Next for Drake and Kendrick?
DRAKE WINS: iHeart Settles ‘Not Like Us’ Lawsuit … Pays MILLIONS!
