Drake is making waves once again, but this time, it’s not just about hit records. From legal battles and high-stakes feuds to a festival takeover and a viral stunt, the Toronto rap mogul seems to always be at the center of controversy, good or bad.
Drake recently settled a dispute with iHeartMedia over allegations that the company participated in a pay-to-play scheme promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” According to Drake, iHeartMedia allegedly accepted payments from Universal Music Group (UMG) to boost the track’s airplay, which contained damaging accusations against him. Though the lawsuit was settled amicably with no financial exchange, Drake isn’t backing down just yet, he is still pursuing a federal case against UMG for defamation and harassment.
The legal drama doesn’t stop there. In a move that underscores his ongoing war with the industry, Drake has also filed a lawsuit against Spotify and UMG, accusing them of artificially inflating Not Like Us’s streaming numbers to manipulate public perception. The lawsuit claims the companies violated federal anti-racketeering laws and engaged in deceptive business practices. Whether this legal play is about reputation or revenge, it’s clear that Drake isn’t letting his name get dragged without a fight.
The Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake beef took an unexpected turn on Hollywood’s biggest night. At the 2025 Oscars, host Conan O’Brien made a bold joke about “Not Like Us,” referencing the track’s allegations against Drake. The joke, which many found to be in poor taste, sparked instant reactions online. Some fans felt it was inappropriate to bring hip-hop’s biggest feud onto the Oscar stage, while others saw it as proof that Drake’s reputation was taking a hit beyond the rap world.
It’s not all negative controversy for Drake. The OVO boss recently secured an exclusive deal to headline all three nights of London’s Wireless Festival, marking his first full UK performances in six years. Reports say the deal is worth millions, and organizers are expecting record-breaking ticket sales. There’s even speculation that Drake might take the stage with a special setlist, possibly performing entire albums back-to-back for fans. The deal is a compliment to Drake’s star power and years in the hip-hop game.
Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar
Drake’s beef with Kendrick Lamar has spilled beyond diss tracks and lawsuits; it’s now a battle of wealth. A recent report compared the real estate portfolios of both artists, with Kendrick known for more modest and low-key investments while Drake has built a real estate empire spanning mansions in Toronto, Los Angeles, and the Caribbean. While fans debate who holds the lyrical crown, there’s no denying that when it comes to luxury living, Drake holds the crown👑.
The Viral Drone Incident
Amid all the drama, Drake made headlines in Australia when a video surfaced of him throwing his shoe at a drone. The clip quickly went viral, catching the attention of Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which enforces strict drone regulations. But as it turns out, the incident wasn’t a random act of frustration, it was a publicity stunt for the gambling website Stake. The stunt worked, generating buzz and proving once again that Drake knows how to keep the internet talking.
The Charts
Drake remains untouchable when it comes to music. His latest collaborative album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. This marks Drake’s 14th chart-topping album, tying him with Jay-Z and Taylor Swift for the most No. 1 albums by a solo artist. He’s now just five shy of The Beatles’ record.
Through the lawsuits, controversies, and headline-making stunts, one thing is certain, Drake is still sitting comfortably at the top.
