The ongoing tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has produced one of the most talked-about diss tracks of the decade — Not Like Us. Released on May 4, 2024, through Interscope Records, the song became an anthem for fans and a heated talking point in the rap community. But now, an unexpected figure has been pulled into the conversation: Universal Music Group’s CEO, Lucian Grainge.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to court documents filed on August 15, 2025, Grainge insists he had nothing to do with the track’s approval, release timing, or promotion. His name surfaced because Drake’s legal team requested access to his personal communications, arguing that he was “personally involved” in decisions surrounding the diss track.
What exactly did Lucian Grainge say?
In his sworn statement, Lucian Grainge made it clear that he had never heard the recording of Not Like Us, nor seen the cover art or music video, until after they were released by Interscope Records. He described claims that he approved or directed the rollout as “groundless” and “ridiculous.”
This puts the spotlight on how much direct involvement a music executive of his level actually has in an individual song release — especially when it comes to artist-driven tracks like diss records.
Why is Drake’s legal team interested in Grainge’s emails?
Drake’s lawyers believe Grainge’s communications could reveal whether there was any strategic push from UMG to amplify Not Like Us. This matters to Drake’s side because the song did massive numbers and heavily shaped public conversation during their feud.
UMG’s legal team has pushed back strongly, calling the request unnecessary and an attempt to harass one of the most high-profile executives in the music business.
Could a CEO really be unaware of such a huge track before its release?
It’s more common than people think. Large record companies often manage hundreds of releases a month. While executives might be briefed on major projects or collaborations, not every single track — especially those created quickly in the middle of an artist rivalry — gets a CEO’s attention before it drops.
In this case, Not Like Us was part of an ongoing rap battle between two megastars. It’s possible the rollout moved fast enough that the usual corporate review process wasn’t followed at the top level.
Who is truly responsible for the release?
From the official statements, all signs point to Interscope Records handling the release directly. Interscope is part of UMG, but its team operates with a degree of independence, especially on creative and promotional decisions for its artists.
If Grainge’s declaration is accurate, the decision to release Not Like Us rested entirely with Interscope’s internal team and Kendrick’s camp.
What does this mean for the Kendrick vs. Drake feud?
This legal back-and-forth adds another layer to an already charged rivalry. Kendrick Lamar has been riding a wave of cultural and commercial wins since the track’s release, while Drake’s side continues to look for ways to challenge what they see as an orchestrated push against him.
Whether Grainge’s name stays in the legal spotlight will depend on the court’s decision about those requested communications. For now, the CEO stands firm: he didn’t hear Not Like Us until the world did.
