Drake’s recent defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) has ignited a fiery online debate, drawing streamers into the fray.
The case revolves around Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us, which accuses Drake of being a paedophile.
DRAKE DRAGS STREAMERS INTO HIS LAWSUIT
Drake claims the song’s allegations are false and dangerous. However, his decision to include popular streamers in the lawsuit has only amplified the drama, according to Rolling Stone.
The track, part of a long-standing feud between Drake and Lamar, escalated after Drake accused Lamar of domestic abuse in his music.
Lamar retaliated by labelling Drake and his circle as “certified paedophiles” in Not Like Us.
Instead of targeting Lamar directly, Drake is suing UMG, accusing the label of promoting defamatory content for profit.
DRAKE AND UMG
He argues that UMG broke its own rules by whitelisting the song, enabling reaction videos to flourish.
Streamers like Kai Cenat, RDC Gaming, and No Life Shaq were named in the lawsuit, according to Complex.
Their reaction videos have collectively garnered tens of millions of views, which Drake’s lawyers cite as proof of UMG’s intent to spread the track widely.
Despite being named, the streamers are not defendants in the case. Yet, their inclusion in the suit has sparked confusion and, predictably, more reaction videos.
KAI CENAT AND OTHER STREAMERS REACT
Kai Cenat expressed his shock during a livestream.
“Wait, why am I in this?” he exclaimed. “What? I’m being sued?” After realising he wasn’t directly targeted, Cenat joked about it.
“How many views we’ve got on that? Nine million? Goddamn! Are we the most viewed reaction? Other streamers weren’t as light-hearted.
No Life Shaq released a video titled DRAKE SNITCHED ON ME!, where he called Drake “the softest person ever.”
Zias took a more tactical approach, calling a lawyer live on stream to explore a potential counter-suit, according to the Los Angeles Times.
UMD RESPONDS TO DRAKE AND THE PUBLIC
RDC Gaming chimed in with a memorable line: “The biggest Ls come from not knowing how to take an L. Some people just gotta take an L and move on.”
UMG, which has been Drake’s record label for over a decade, dismissed his claims.
In a statement, it said, “Not only are these claims untrue, but we would never seek to harm the reputation of any artist—let alone Drake.”
The label further accused Drake of trying to use the legal system to silence artistic expression.
LEGAL DISPUTES IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
This saga highlights how legal disputes can backfire in the age of social media.
By naming streamers in the lawsuit, Drake inadvertently gave them more content to react to, fuelling the cycle he sought to stop.
Critics argue that the rapper looks like a sore loser in his feud with Lamar. For South African fans, this serves as a lesson on the power of digital platforms.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Reaction videos have become a cultural phenomenon, offering everyday people a voice in global conversations.
With reaction videos monetised and reaching millions, the stakes have never been higher. As Kai Cenat put it, “Both ways ate crazy, gang. Imma keep it a whole stack.” At this rate, the drama is far from over.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE INVOLVEMENT OF STREAMERS IN THIS LAWSUIT?
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