HOUSTON — Rap artist Drake has settled a legal dispute with iHeartMedia, a major player in the radio industry based in Texas. This settlement comes after Drake asserted that iHeartMedia received improper payments from Universal Music Group (UMG) to enhance the airplay of Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us.”
Back in November, Drake filed a legal petition in Bexar County, Texas, claiming that the payments made to iHeartMedia were unlawful. Drake’s petition was a step toward a potential lawsuit, asking for depositions from officials at both iHeartMedia and UMG.
On Thursday, Drake’s legal team announced that they had come to an amicable resolution with iHeartMedia, but they did not disclose any further details about the agreement. “We are pleased that the parties were able to reach a settlement satisfactory to both sides, and have no further comment on this matter,” the legal team stated.
iHeartMedia has chosen not to comment on the settlement. However, the legal actions against UMG continue, with a hearing set for this Wednesday in San Antonio, where UMG’s attorneys are seeking to have the petition dismissed.
Drake’s allegations indicate that UMG has engaged in “irregular and inappropriate business practices” to secure radio play for “Not Like Us.” Notably, his petition points out that the song, alongside its album art and music video, contained serious accusations against Drake, suggesting he was a sex offender and involved in criminal sexual acts.
Drake has also taken legal action against UMG in federal court, filing a defamation lawsuit related to the same allegations made in “Not Like Us.” Kendrick Lamar is not named in this lawsuit.
The ongoing feud between Drake, a celebrated Canadian rapper, and Lamar has become one of the most talked-about rivalries in hip-hop. This situation has drawn attention not only for its artistic implications but also for the ethical questions it raises within the music industry.
In a related development, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated its own inquiry into iHeartMedia, addressing concerns about whether the company is requiring artists to perform at their annual country music festival for reduced pay in exchange for favorable song airplay. iHeartMedia stated that they are prepared to clarify to the FCC that participation in their events does not impact airplay decisions.
