"This is the biggest victory in music history": Kanye West seemingly supports Drake in his legal battle against UMG

Rapper Kanye West has come out in support of Drake, who is currently battling Universal Music Group (UMG). Kanye has also defended the unity of rappers and has blasted how artists get exploited by labels. The rapper says this is a special time when things begin to change, a time that motivates artists to challenge the system.

“I’m so happy… UMG, Drake, Kendrick situation… This is the biggest victory in music history right here,” Kanye West said in a video. “I’m never finna call Drake out his name. I’m Team Drake 100% and Team Kendrick and Team all of us… Everything is worth everything for a moment like this, where we stop going at each other and we go at the slavemasters.”

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Kanye West supports Drake in his legal battle against UMG

Kanye West's reaction to the dispute has a big impact on the ongoing controversy. He used to clash with Drake and Kendrick Lamar, but now he wants artists to unite against what he calls the "slavemasters" of the music business—a term he's used before to criticize record labels. His plea for unity marks a change in tone, hinting that personal fights should take a back seat to bigger struggles for artist rights and freedom.

Drake sued UMG on April 17, 2025. He claims they defamed, harassed, and neglected him when they put out and promoted Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us." The song, which makes harmful claims, played on major stages like the Super Bowl and Grammy Awards, which made people pay more attention.

Drake alleges that UMG’s role in distributing and promoting the song led to real-world safety threats, including a drive-by shooting and multiple attempted break-ins at his Toronto residence.

UMG, in turn, put forth that the claims were baseless and defended its position as a champion of artistic freedom. The music corporation said,

“This is a misguided attack on the principles of free expression and artistry. We support our artists in making bold, provocative work, even when it’s uncomfortable.”

The label stresses its belief that provocative work should be left alone and free to express itself because such strong statements don't cross legal limits. UMG also questioned the motivations behind the lawsuit, suggesting that legal strategy may be driving the dispute rather than substantive wrongdoing.

Kanye West showing support for both Drake and Kendrick is something more than just a moment of conflict. It’s like the community of artists is now turning into a collaborative operation.

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The legal result of Drake's situation is still up in the air, but the event has already sparked new talks about protecting artists, being responsible when promoting content, and where to draw the line with artistic freedom.