The Canadian musician filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, accusing the company of defamation by allowing the song to be published, claiming it had spread the "false and malicious narrative" that he is a paedophile.

Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, the record company that distributes both the Canadian artist and Lamar, saying that the company "sought to make [him] a pariah" with the release and promotion of Lamar's smash-hit diss track "Not Like Us."

Drake's legal team said Universal Music Group used its resources to "elevate a dangerous and inflammatory message that was designed to assassinate Drake’s character."